jewel marie + associates

2024: The year we proved that strategic storytelling is a form of resistance. When people say "it's just communications," I say: narratives are never "just" anything. They're powerful. They shift power. They create worlds. This year at jewel marie + associates, we didn't just craft messages—we engineered transformation. From the Black Birth Matters Summit to One Happy Mama's groundbreaking work, we centered the stories of those systematically silenced. Highlights that prove storytelling is our superpower: • Led the media and creative design at the 2024 Black Birth Matters Summit campaign. Because birth justice isn't a slogan—it's a movement. "Support Birthmark. Support Black birthing families. Support maternal equity." https://lnkd.in/gXxhcvFV • Chaired One Happy Mama's board, expanding support for young mothers. Our mantra: One Happy Mama + One Happy Kid = One Happy Community. We're not just supporting mothers; we're rebuilding systems. • Returned to Nicholls State University to mentor the next generation of communicators. Message: "Innovate or be irrelevant. Learn the rules in order to break them." https://lnkd.in/gGGYdzX7 • Reminded the world that strategic communications happens "behind the scenes, where strategy meets storytelling, where quiet preparation transforms into bold public moments." https://lnkd.in/gEyiBKgS 2025 isn't about incremental change. It's about radical reimagining. We're doubling down on birth justice, expanding our storytelling strategies, and continuing to dismantle systems that silence. To the birth workers, young mothers, and advocates fighting for justice: your stories fuel our mission. To my clients choosing to center marginalized voices: thank you for believing in the power of strategic storytelling. Narratives are so powerful. And we're just getting started. #BlackMaternalHealth #StrategicCommunications #SocialChange #LinkedInRewind #Coauthor #2024wrapped

It’s always a pleasure when we are able to support organizations that so closely align with our values. Keep up the great work Birthmark! H/t to my colleagues Myjha Bush and Kamryn Owens who supported this project. #birthjustice #maternalhealth #doulas #advocacy

This is hilarious, while very true. I am truly a fan of corporate and work culture comedy/wit. The bits are insightful and dead on. Love your sense of humor Rob Mayhew.

It’s #GivingTuesday!💕 Today, I ask your support in helping One Happy Mama raise $5,000 to create an emergency housing fund for the young mothers in our community. At One Happy Mama, we believe that every mother deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Unfortunately, housing instability is a major challenge for many young mothers. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 1 in 4 households with children experience some form of housing insecurity. For these moms, a lack of stable housing makes it even harder to break the cycle of poverty, focus on their goals, and care for their children. With your help, we can ensure these mothers have access to the support they need during times of crisis. One Happy Mama is a community-driven organization, and it’s because of YOUR support that we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of the families we serve. Please consider donating today and be a part of this mission to help moms stay grounded and thrive. 💕 https://lnkd.in/gTQUKGBk #onehappymama #SupportMoms #CommunityCare #HousingForAll #momnonprofit #nonprofitsformoms

Brand food for thought.

Every presidential election I turn my attention to the legendary, extraordinary Shirley Chisholm, the original unbought and unbossed. The Brooklyn-born daughter of immigrants became the first Black woman elected to Congress, and then the first woman and Black person to campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972. Battling both racist and sexist opposition, she failed to win the nomination, but Chisholm's candidacy inspired millions in itself. And continues to .... She'd go on to serve in Congress for a 22 years, and be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. All this to say, VOTE. Image 1: The slogan “unbought and unbossed” appeared on Chisholm’s campaign posters. Image 2: Chisholm books to read. #Vote #ShirleyChisholm #Election2024 #BlackWomeninPolitics

Client news: Only about 2% of teachers in the U.S. are Black men. This is a problem, a huge one. Research shows that Black male teachers can serve as positive role models, particularly for Black male students who may lack similar figures in their schools and communities. Having role models who reflect students' backgrounds helps improve self-esteem, motivation, and aspirations. And Black male teachers have been shown to help reduce disciplinary actions and increase positive behavioral outcomes among Black students. They bring cultural awareness and sensitivity, which can lead to fairer treatment in classrooms. Exactly! This is needed when so often our youth are misunderstood in the classroom. Relatability, patience, care and understanding help make the difference. Organizations like Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T) are essential for addressing these gaps. By encouraging Black men to enter and stay in the teaching profession, they’re working toward a future where every student has access to diverse role models and where Black male teachers are a core part of the educational landscape. Congratulations to co-founders Kristyna Jones and Larry Irvin for having the vision to create Brothers Empowered to Teach 10 years ago and congrats to you, Kristyna for receiving the Diamond Impact Award at last week’s gala. You deserve all of the flowers, praise, recognition – and more! Salute! Investing in Black male teachers isn’t just about representation—it’s about creating a stronger, more equitable education system for all. It's been an honor for jewel marie + associates to support the mission. Here's to 10 more years of service... Having fun while raising awareness and celebrating those making a difference in our community – just perfect. Plus we all looked so good. Janitza Vasquez, One Happy Mama founder joined me. #BrothersEmpoweredtoTeach #Education #BlackMaleTeachers

Client news: Tory Bush, author of the graphic novel series, The Ultimate Guard Dogz, is a gifted illustrator, artist, canine enthusiast, dog trainer and canine expert too. The visual storyteller’s talent knows no bounds. This Halloween, horror fans are in for a real treat. He’s reimagined some of his favorite scary movies of his youth turning the tributes of these cult classics into original art prints. It, Cujo and Child’s Play all receive the Ultimate Guard Dogz treatment. Crafting a communications strategy for an artist is about more than just promotion; it’s about storytelling. Storytelling. And more storytelling. Did I mention the importance of storytelling? As a natural storyteller, Tory’s mind is always at work crafting a story to tell about one of his many passions and projects. Together, we build narratives that showcase his many abilities – an abundance of riches to pull from.  Together, we build a strategy to make sure his vision reaches those who’ll love and appreciate it most. Here are a few key takeaways from working with art clients like Tory and The Ultimate Guard Dogz: *Authenticity is key – Fans want to connect with the artist’s unique voice and vision, not just a brand. *Engagement drives reach – By tapping into interactive content and fan engagement, we’re building a loyal community that amplifies the reach of his work. Hence, the horror-inspired artwork for All Hallows' Eve. *Storytelling is strategy – Each message is part of a bigger story, adding to a consistent brand that’s uniquely theirs. Consistent, well-planned storytelling helps establish a recognizable brand in the art world. Periodt. AND the horror bundle, 3 for $25, is available for purchase at www.ultimateguarddogz.com. #ArtMarketing #GraphicNovels #HalloweenVibes #StrategicCommunications #UltimateGuardDogz #ArtStrategy #VisualStorytelling #StephenKing #UltimateGuardDogz

This week, I returned to my alma mater Nicholls State University, also known as Harvard on the Bayou, to speak with students in the Mass Communication Department. It was a full-circle moment, reflecting on my 24-year journey in the ever-evolving industry. From the rise of social media to the digital transformation of newsrooms and the evolution of storytelling, so much has changed since the days of me walking Talbot Hall as a student reporter eager to make my mark in the world of journalism. What stood out most were the students’ insightful questions about the entrepreneurial side of being a strategic communications consultant, pay equity as a Black woman, how to identify a good story and ethical reporting. These are vital conversations that weren’t happening enough (OR AT ALL) when I started back in the day.  I’m glad to see students thinking critically about not only their craft but their value and the future of our beloved field. My biggest takeaways to them and any college student working to hone their craft as a communicator whether it be broadcast, public relations, marketing or print: *Innovate or be irrelevant. *Learn the rules in order to break them. *Take advantage of the experience that student media offers. While on campus, I wrote stories for the yearbook, La Pirogue, was an on-air radio personality and news director for KNSU-FM and a reporter and advertising manager for the student paper, The Nicholls Worth. Before graduating, I had a robust portfolio of clips and work that proved I knew how to report, write, tell stories and meet deadlines. My time as a student journalist was an invaluable experience right at my fingertips. Not to mention that these student jobs were paid positions. I made money while I learned. To the next generation of communicators, drawn to an industry where change is the only constant, keep pushing boundaries and stay curious… Shout out to Dr. James Stewart, department head; and visiting professor and Colonel Media Group advisor, Chris Singleton (my old Courier colleague) for the invite; and Farren Clark, assistant professor (fun fact: our mothers graduated high school together). Happy Homecoming Week! #NichollsState #MassCommunication #HarvardontheBayou #StudentMedia #PublicRelations #Journalism #KNSU

Client news: Behind the scenes in PR and communications is where the magic truly happens. Behind the scenes is where strategy meets storytelling, where quiet preparation transforms into bold public moments. The work we do shapes how brands, organizations, and movements are seen and heard. Behind the scenes of every successful campaign, event, or story is a team of PR professionals pouring their heart into every detail. I tell the jewel marie + associates team all of the time: Our work is the details. It’s what creates excellence, and excellence is our default. To my fellow PR professionals: Celebrate the quiet power of the work you do. It matters. Your work is essential, and the impact you create is felt long after the event is over or the campaign ends. 📸: jewel marie + associates' founder, jewel B. behind the scenes at the WWL-TV Morning Show with client Birthmark discussing black maternal health in Louisiana in advance of the 2024 Black Birth Matters Summit. Being on set, makes for the best selfies. Hello, perfect lighting! You've got to love those early call times, right Dr. Victoria Royal-Williams, DHA, LMSW, CBS,Doula? Great job on the live interview! It's always amazing working with Brheanna Boudreaux. She has a heart for maternal health issues. #BlackBirthMatters #Louisiana #PRLife #BehindTheScenes #Storytelling #StrategicCommunications