Okirah Harris
Okirah Harris
Education
University of Texas at Austin
PhD in Journalism and Media
2025 - Present (Expected Graduation 2029)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.A. Journalism and Media
2020 - 2022
Meredith College
B.A. Public Relations, B.A. Mass Communication,
Minor Graphic Design
2014 - 2018
Quick Links
Work Experience
October 2022 - August 2025
North Carolina Museum of Art
Marketing Manger
Full-time
January 2025 - May 2025
University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill - Hussman School of Journalism and Media
Adjunct Professor of
Graphic Design
Contract
October 2024 - April 2025
Giorgios Hospitality Group
Social Media Coordinator
Contract
February 2024 - June 2024
Pauli Murray Center
Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist
Contract
February 2022 - September 2022
North Carolina African American Heritage Commission
Program Coordinator
Full-time
May 2019 - July 2021
North Carolina Governor's Office - Governor Roy Cooper
Assistant To The Director of Public Engagement
Full-time
September 2017 - May 2019
Environmental Research and Education Foundation
Communication Assistant
Part-time
May 2017 - August 2017
AroundCampus Group
Publication Specialist
Part-time
June 2016 - August 2016
Spectrum Networks
News Intern
Internship
As Marketing Manager at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), I was responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance the museum's visibility and brand and to drive engagement with diverse audiences, with an emphasis on social media and community engagement. My role involved overseeing the creation and execution of marketing campaigns that promote exhibitions, programs, fundraisers, events, and other museum initiatives. I managed seasonal marketing interns and collaborate with various departments to ensure cohesive and effective communication across all channels.
As an Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design with the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media taught an entry-level graphic design course to a class of 16 undergraduate students, focusing on building a strong foundation in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. I designed the course to balance creative exploration with technical instruction, allowing students to develop original and authentic ideas while gaining tactical proficiency in industry-standard desktop publishing tools. Emphasis was placed on equipping students with essential skills needed to confidently pursue advanced studies in Media and Design.
I served as the Social Media Coordinator for Aria Events and Catering, a premier venue operated by Giorgio’s Hospitality Group. I led the strategy, creation, and daily management of all social media content and developed and executed campaigns for the venue’s rental offerings. Content was designed to resonate with a broad audience—from intimate family gatherings and birthday parties to large-scale weddings, corporate events, and business meetings. I produced visually engaging, brand-aligned assets that emphasized the venue’s versatility, elegance, and unique atmosphere. This role demanded a keen understanding of audience targeting, content strategy, and digital engagement to effectively drive inquiries, increase bookings, and elevate overall brand visibility for the venue and Giorgio’s Hospitality Group.
As a Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist with the Pauli Murray Center I supported the digital marketing and communications efforts. This role involved maintaining the Center’s online presence, crafting digital content, and implementing strategic campaign plans. More specifically, I updated the Pauli Murray Center website as needed; crafted 1-2 digital newsletters per month; managed all social media platforms; publicized PMC events, share ongoing and past activities, utilizing a media list of top-30 relevant outlets, including philanthropy, local North Carolina, Black-interest/racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ media.
As a Program Coordinator at the NCAAHC I was responsible for developing and executing strategic communication campaigns to articulate the organization's mission, budget, and division priorities, particularly for Black History Month and Juneteenth programming. This role involved managing media and marketing strategies, including preparing press and resource materials for both in-network and out-of-network divisions. Additionally, I researched content assets and coordinated events, programs, newsletters, and advertising to support program initiatives. I also supported content on the NCAAHC website and across all social media channels to boost engagement.
In this role, I designed layouts and marketing materials for events and public engagement programs, ensuring a cohesive and professional presentation. I represented Governor Cooper at community events, engaging with community members and fostering positive relationships. My responsibilities included coordinating engagement events and programs across the Governor’s Office Networks, developing and distributing a bi-weekly public engagement newsletters, and implementing a comprehensive public relations strategy. Additionally, I collaborated across divisions to identify and leverage communication opportunities, writing copy for North Carolina Proclamations and award letters to support various initiatives.
In this role, I created promotional materials and facilitated the Annual Charitable Auction and Fall Classic, ensuring successful and engaging events. I designed visualizations using organization data and metrics research to effectively communicate insights. Additionally, I organized monthly communications, including email broadcasts, research reports, and social media content. By curating on-brand social media content, I aimed to increase audience engagement, and track engagement opportunities using Meltwater Media listening software to optimize outreach and interaction strategies.
As a Publication Specialist with AroundCampus Group I designed assets for university planners using Adobe Suite applications, ensuring all files are prepped for press and proofed for accuracy, including editorial layouts, covers, and content. I collaborated with university communication departments to manage the logistics of book distribution. Additionally, I designed print advertisements to be featured in the university planner, ensuring they align with the overall design and branding guidelines of the university. My attention to detail and design expertise contributed to the production of high-quality, visually appealing planners that met the university’s standards.
As an Intern with Spectrum Networks I collaborated with news reporters in the field, assisting with the production of stories to ensure comprehensive and accurate coverage. I enjoyed the opportunity to build a photojournalism portfolio through activities such as electronic news gathering, audio production, and non-linear digital editing. Additionally, I supported newsroom producers by validating final story forms and journalism content, contributing to the overall quality and integrity of the news reporting process.