Career Path of a Director of Communications and Outreach at Lumina Alliance
Clementine's career path, beginning with a sociology and anthropology degree fueled by a passion for social justice, led to internships focusing on homelessness and domestic violence, ultimately shaping their interest in "the intersection between mass shootings and domestic violence". This trajectory, including a master's degree and initial PhD pursuit, evolved into direct service roles at Lumina Alliance, culminating in their current position as Director of Communications and Outreach, a role they "loved" and found to be a perfect fit after gaining valuable experience and skills in communications.
Nonprofit, Social Justice, Communications, Public Speaking, Community Organizing
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Clementine Ellis
Director of Communications and Outreach
Lumina Alliance
Agnes Scott College
University of Florida, MA, Sociology
Anthropology, Sociology
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Clementine's career path highlights a strong emphasis on social justice, beginning with her undergraduate degree in sociology and anthropology. This foundation provided her with a broad understanding of societal issues and human behavior, crucial for her future work in communications and outreach.
2. Her internships at the Atlanta Mission and the National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative provided invaluable hands-on experience. These roles exposed her to the realities of social issues like homelessness and intimate partner violence and solidified her commitment to social justice advocacy.
3. Clementine's career progression demonstrates the value of diverse skills and adaptability. Her journey from research assistant to communications director highlights the importance of combining research, advocacy, and effective communication for impactful social change. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong communications toolbox (social media, press releases, community presentations).
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Do you have any internships or jobs you had before your current role as director of communications and outreach?
After high school, I went to Agnes Scott College, a women's college in Decatur, Georgia. It was a small liberal arts college, and I was excited to be in a woman-centered environment.
I knew immediately what I wanted to study. Throughout high school, I had done a lot of social justice work and activism, including working with Planned Parenthood. The first day of school, I approached the department head and said I wanted to register as a sociology and anthropology major. He told me to come back in two years after taking more courses.
Two years later, almost to the day, I returned and requested to major in sociology and anthropology. I wanted this major because I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. I knew I cared about social justice, women's issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and housing issues, and I didn't want to be limited to one area. Sociology is the study of society, groups, and their interactions, which drove my decision.
While earning my degree in sociology and anthropology, I interned at the Atlanta Mission, a network of homeless shelters. There, I worked in the partnerships department, doing data entry and analysis. They were trying to build a new shelter, and I researched the laws regarding where shelters could be built.
What I really enjoyed was working reception at the women's shelter. I got to know the clients personally and hear their stories. A common theme was domestic and intimate partner violence; almost everyone I spoke with had experienced it, which led them to homelessness. This was shocking to me, though not to those working in housing.
The following summer, I interned with the National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative as a research assistant to Dr. Neil Webster. He was studying the intersection of mass shootings and domestic violence, which introduced me to gun violence statistics. I also sat in on fatality reviews, which were very insightful.
After graduating with my bachelor's in sociology, I decided to go to graduate school. Initially, I wanted a PhD in sociology to become a professor, believing I could conduct research that would impact the field and the social services delivery system. I also loved school and assumed I'd enjoy working in academia.
I enjoyed my time at the University of Florida, where I earned my master's in sociology. My thesis studied the intersection of weight status and intimate partner violence, examining if being at a higher weight increased the risk of experiencing IPV. I also taught Social 101 and Criminology 101, both online and in person. I discovered I was a good presenter and teacher, receiving positive feedback from students.
However, I realized academia wasn't the most efficient path to creating the social change I desired. After one year in my PhD program, I decided to leave and pursue direct service. This led me to Lumina, where I took a position as a Special Campaign Administrator for the Domestic Violence Fatality Project. This grant-funded project aimed to raise awareness about the intersection of domestic violence and firearm violence.
I was excited about this role, having the relevant background and wanting to move into communications. I applied and got the job, moving to San Luis Obispo County, where I had never been before. I loved the environment and the team.
When the grant period ended, I considered leaving but was offered a role as a Law Enforcement Administrator and Client Advocate because I loved the team so much. This position involved organizing the intimate partner violence coalition throughout the county, connecting with law enforcement, hospitals, the district attorney's office, and other nonprofits. I also worked directly with clients, helping them access services, housing, and financial assistance.
While in this role, I worked under the director of communications, who answered my many questions and taught me extensively. I developed my communications skills, learning social media management, writing press releases, interfacing with the media, and giving community presentations. When she left, I wanted her job, and I've been in this role for about six months, and I'm loving it.