The Hidden Gem Maya Demishkevich

In this episode, the guests from Palm Beach State College discuss community colleges’ essential role in workforce development and economic support. Join Maya and her three guests, Edward Willey, Belinda Mouradian, and Matt Lenihan, as they explore the strategies and challenges of building robust partnerships with local businesses and the community. Learn how to stay connected to your community’s needs and how to promote colleges existing programs and custom training opportunities to support local employers. This episode is a must-listen for educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in the symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and economic growth.

In this enlightening episode, Blair Lee, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement at the Community College of Aurora, shares his rich journey through higher education marketing and the innovative strategies his team employs to support partnerships and regional workforce development needs. From the importance of alumni engagement from day one on campus to the pivotal role of marketing in connecting education with industry demands, Blair provides actionable insights into making higher education institutions a cornerstone of community and workforce development.

This eye-opening episode dives into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of higher education success - employer branding and employee satisfaction within community colleges. Joined by Eddie Francis, the voice behind the 'I Wanna Work There' podcast, Maya and Eddie explore innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, despite the challenges posed by limited budgets and high competition. This conversation sheds light on the significant impact that a positive work culture, strategic benefits, and a robust employer brand can have on the success of community colleges and their broader communities.

This episode tackles the essential unity of marketing and communications, advocating for a seamless Marcomm strategy that encompasses all channels, both digital and traditional, under a singular, well-defined brand identity. The dialogue underscores that marketing and communications are not separate entities, but rather complementary facets of a holistic approach that ensures consistent and impactful messaging. The episode brings to light the power of storytelling, authenticity, and strategic uniformity and serves as an insightful guide for professionals aiming to synchronize communication tools and promotional strategies to build a robust educational brand.

In this insightful episode, host Maya Demishkevich engages in a deep conversation with branding expert Nancie McDonnell Ruder. They delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of branding for community colleges, emphasizing its crucial role in reshaping perceptions and boosting student recruitment and retention. Nancie shares her extensive experience and provides actionable advice on developing effective branding strategies, highlighting the transformative impact of a well-crafted brand on the public image and operational success of community colleges.