From Journalist to Web Developer

In the 2019 GSU Fall semester, Kiara Henry accepted the position of student assistant in the Office of Donor Relations. Kiara is an Honors Program undergraduate seeking a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences. Her major is in Journalism. In her job, Kiara completes photography assignments for the editor of the GSU “EmeriTies” newsletter and assists the Emeriti Association webmaster in the current redesign and update project of the Emeriti Association website.
In her professional statement, Kiara describes herself as a visual storyteller able to create innovative approaches to branding identities through graphic design and photography. As a team member, Kiara collectively created the branding statement, “Scholars Building Communities of Learning,” for the redesigned website. In preparation for her computer work redesigning and updating the website, Kiara participated in Essentials 4 and 5 WordPress training, which prepared her to do all the computer hands-on work, allowing the webmaster to concentrate on initial design concepts.
Kiara also incorporated creative visual effects to add action and interest to the website homepage. She continues to demonstrate creative problem-solving, patience, and persistence as she faces website challenges such as the reconstruction/redesign of the Emeriti Association 600 member list organized by Colleges. The completion of this challenging website redesign and update would not have been possible without Kiara. The website project will be completed and accessible by April 2020.
When asked about her experience working with the Emeriti Kiara stated, “I am grateful for the new career opportunities that have arisen from new skills gained by working on the Georgia State University Emeriti website.” Kiara continued, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to develop websites, and this position had provided a supportive space for me to develop my web development skills.”
Kiara is expected to graduate in Spring 2020. She has been named a semi finalist for the Fulbright Scholarship. If named a finalist she will teach English in South Korea for one year. Kiara also intends to attend graduate school for a Master of Business Administration with a focus in marketing. In March 2020, Kiara is launching a business with her co-founder, Georgia State University alumnus, Donnell Ray named Upstart Branding. Their business will specialize in building brand identities and content for startup companies.