Volunteer Design: Email Suite
As part of my continuing commitment to donating my time and talents to worthwhile nonprofit organizations, I recently completed an email suite to support the efforts of KR Scholars to provide current HBCU students with a life-changing opportunity to earn a free, self-paced, industry-recognized certification.
The program, part of the Grow with Google initiative, requires several email touchpoints to ensure the students stay engaged, make the most of their training, and complete their certification in the allotted timeframe. The email suite includes a welcome/getting started email, a check-in reminder, a “time’s running out” reminder, and a final email — either a congratulations email providing students ways to leverage their new certification or an email letting the student know they have lost access to the program due to inactivity.
I developed a well-structured, easy-to-modify email template in WIX (the organization’s platform of choice) to support the email communication program and create a standardized, easy-to-manage process for the KR Scholars team.
In addition, I created a brand identity for the program—blending the KR Scholars brand with the Grow with Google visual identity—and developed five unique custom-illustrated email headers to ensure the emails were attention-getting and created a high level of engagement among the students.
WHY IT MATTERS
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been pillars of opportunity, empowerment, and excellence for Black students in the United States. Founded during a time when racial segregation barred Black Americans from accessing higher education, these institutions provided a safe and supportive environment for academic growth, professional development, and cultural enrichment. Today, HBCUs continue to play a critical role in fostering Black leadership, producing groundbreaking research, and creating pathways to success for students who may otherwise face systemic barriers in traditional academic spaces.
In an era where racial disparities in education, economic opportunity, and political representation persist, the need for HBCUs is more urgent than ever. These institutions provide high-quality education and cultivate a sense of identity, resilience, and community that is often lacking in predominantly white institutions.
HBCUs are also instrumental in shaping the next generation of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, equipping students with the skills and confidence to challenge inequities and drive progress in their respective fields. With the recent rollback of DEI initiatives and affirmative action policies, HBCUs stand as crucial strongholds for equity and empowerment, ensuring that Black students continue to have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
My recent work providing graphic design services to support the continued success of HBCU students was a deeply meaningful experience. It allowed me to contribute to an institution that has historically uplifted and advocated for marginalized communities.
Visual storytelling plays a vital role in education, advocacy, and representation, and I was honored to use my skills to help amplify the program’s mission.
In a time when Black institutions and initiatives face increasing challenges, supporting HBCUs—whether through volunteer work, financial contributions, or policy advocacy—is essential in preserving their legacy and ensuring their continued impact.
THE IMPACT
The organization estimated I saved them a minimum of $1,608 in email template design fees, plus thousands of dollars in graphic design, illustration, and branding service fees to create the email suite’s graphic headers.
I received the following feedback upon completing the project:
“Stephanie did an amazing job bringing our email layouts to life with creativity and precision! Her work made our communications more engaging, and she created a seamless process that makes managing new cohorts effortless. We truly appreciate her dedication and expertise—she’s been a game-changer for our team!”
– Kristen Johnson, Founder & CEO, KR Scholars
View the complete impact statement here.
THE WORK
