Malkia Kia McLeod

About Malkia Kia McLeod

While content is still king, authenticity and transparency are key!Malkia \"Kia\" McLeod creates digital content to tell an organization\'s story. During the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, she responded quickly by developing a social media marketing strategy for the Maryland State Department of Education\'s family engagement program, increasing the brand\'s engagement. Kia establishes meaningful relationships with target audiences by engaging them in two-way, interpersonal conversations that matter and providing solutions to their problems. She shares her passion for addressing issues by inspiring followers to become brand leaders and advocates. She has over 15 years of experience promoting education, creating impact, influencing change, improving reputations and engaging diverse audiences with compelling content, strategic messaging and branding. As a communications professional, Kia has worked in the education, youth development, health, leisure, energy, environmental and housing industries. As a former reporter, columnist and freelance writer, she has covered everything from education to politics. Kia is also the founder of DigiComm Media, where she offers strategic, integrated communications plans that achieve measurable results and implements social media marketing campaigns to build communities of brand advocates. As a certified media trainer, she trains spokespeople to become more effective communicators.She is a dedicated storyteller with three blogs: career development, customer service and PR best practices. She frequently attends PR and marketing networking events to share her passion for communication. She strongly advocates for education, affordable housing and youth/career development. Kia lends her creative talents to worthy causes, such as addressing mental health stigmas and tackling the childhood obesity epidemic. During the summer, you will find Kia riding bikes or planting seeds that grow from her garden and land on her plate. Specialties:• Digital Communications• Crisis Management • Social Media Marketing• Content Marketing• Public/Media Relations• Special Events • Storytelling• Video Production/Editing• Content Management Systems (CMS)• User Experience (UX)• Growth-Driven Design• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Experience

1. Public Relations Manager

   Howard Community College

   Aug 2023 — Present · Columbia, MD, US

   2024 Gold Medallion Award recipient from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), in recognition of outstanding achievement in communication and design from community and technical colleges (District One Social Media Post or Story A: Manager: As Howard Community College\'s (HCC) storyteller, I develop and implement creative, strategic and effective communications campaigns and high-quality content to promote the institutional mission, vision and values across various channels. Manages the editorial calendar and its planning, ensuring it aligns with the public relations and marketing content strategies, enrollment management and institutional strategic plans. Utilizes social listening and monitoring software and Facebook/Instagram Meta Business Insights/Twitter/LinkedIn/TikTok/YouTube analytics to inform and drive the social media strategy. Collaborates with faculty and staff to enhance student life and academic experiences. Focuses on critical areas such as completion, transfers, workforce development, and career goals, enriching the College\'s culture of care and belonging. Actively promotes school spirit and community college pride both on- and offline, fostering a positive student environment. Promotes HCC achievements, shares good news and develops meaningful connections with community partners and the media. Encourages industry, organizational and institutional thought leadership, including perspectives on national education news/trends, focusing on being the best solution for students and employees.

Education

• Norfolk State University

  B.A., Journalism

  1995 — 1998

• Baltimore City Community College

  Early Childhood Education and Teaching

• Towson University

  M.A., Mass Communications

  1999 — 2001