New Staff Feature: Jessica Pikowski Joins the Foundation as Communications Coordinator
In February, Jessica Pikowski joined the Foundation as the new Communications Coordinator. In her role, she brings expertise in strategic communication that she will utilize to assist the Communications Team in setting and implementing strategies that help build the Foundation’s brand and visibility. We asked Jessica a few questions to get to know her better.
Q. Where are you from and how did you end up in North Carolina?
I grew up in Connecticut, but ended up in North Carolina when I decided to attend High Point University for my undergraduate degree. I fell in love with the state (and the weather) and ended up staying around to attend UNC Chapel Hill for graduate school. I think it’s safe to say I won’t be leaving North Carolina any time soon.
Q. What drew you to the Foundation?
I studied strategic communication as an undergraduate, but I’ve always had an interest in working for health-related nonprofits, which is why I am now pursuing a master’s degree in Health Communication. I’ve found that I enjoy doing work for organizations that make a difference (especially in health), whether it’s at the community level or nation-wide, which is one of the main reasons I was initially drawn to the Foundation.
Q. What type of organizations have you worked for in the past?
I went right from undergraduate to graduate school, so I don’t have a ton of experience in the work-field, but many of my undergraduate and graduate courses have involved working with clients in the surrounding community, so I’ve done work for a variety of clients like: the High Point Community Foundation, Kozzy’s Grille, Solar Head of State, and the UNC Volunteer Doula Program. I also worked for a small public relations agency called Creative Services, where I worked with mostly university clients, including High Point University and Davidson County Community College.
Q. What are you excited for in this position?
The Foundation’s message is an important one, and one that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, so I’m looking forward to helping with the communication of these messages and being able to help get the word out to others about the great work they do.
Q. What do you like to do for fun?
I love to run, go hiking, biking, basically anything that gets me outdoors. I also love to read. With all the academic reading I have to do for school, sometimes it’s hard to find time lately to read for pleasure, but I’m trying to fit in at least 2-3 books a semester.