Make the Road New York
About
Make the Road New York is dedicated to building the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and justice. Through its comprehensive model, it provides legal services, education, and community organizing to address systemic inequalities and promote social, economic, and racial justice. With a mission to empower marginalized individuals and fight for their rights, Make the Road New York stands at the forefront of advocacy and change.
The Role
As Digital Organizer at Make the Road New York, I was part of the team that successfully passed the $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund, the largest of its kind. I co-designed and executed integrated social media, email, and website strategies for the campaign, focusing heavily on amplifying workers' stories. This narrative-driven approach highlighted the real-life impact of the campaign, fostering greater empathy and support. I developed multilingual content to ensure inclusivity and onboarded a graphic designer to create compelling artwork, leading art direction for the campaign. I also led meetings with over 100 coalition organizations, including state senators, demonstrating my ability to navigate complex political landscapes and foster collaborative efforts.
In this role, I worked heavily with the press and conducted on-the-ground reporting for our Twitter account, providing real-time updates and amplifying our message. I edited the website and sent out weekly newsletters to our engaged members, honing my copywriting skills. Additionally, I designed signage used at events such as press conferences, rallies, and conferences. Our digital strategy won the Digital Strategy Award for Best Digital Organizing Campaign 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of our approach. My efforts in digital advocacy, strategic planning, and community engagement significantly elevated the organization's online presence and impact. This experience honed my skills and deepened my commitment to social justice, demonstrating that with dedication and collaboration, we can drive meaningful change.
Skills
Impact
Email Newsletters
Sample of newsletters that I’ve created for Make the Road New York and the Fund Excluded Workers Coalition. These series of newsletters were part of a comprehensive digital organizing strategy to help build momentum for the Unemployment Bridge Program, a new legislation that if passed, would provide a social safety net to 750,000 New Yorkers who are currently excluded from access to unemployment insurance, either because of their immigration status or the type of work that they do.
Impact
Graphic Design
The following are graphics created for social media, used for public education on the Unemployment Bridge Program during the NY State Budget season 2023. These graphics were designed to inform and engage the public, highlighting key aspects of the program and its benefits. The visual content was part of a broader digital strategy to increase awareness and support for the program, utilizing clear, concise messaging and impactful design to reach a wide audience.
Impact
Signage Design
The following are signage designs created for events, used at conferences, press conferences, and rallies. These signs featured key messaging that clearly communicated important information to attendees, enhancing the visibility and impact of our campaigns. Designed to be both eye-catching and informative, the signage helped direct attendees, emphasize crucial points, and reinforce the branding and messaging of our initiatives.
Below are examples of our signage in action at various events, including conferences, press conferences, and rallies.
Impact
Live content captures
I played a pivotal role in live content capture for Make the Road New York and the Fund Excluded Workers Coalition. Attending rallies, protests, and press conferences, I was responsible for live tweeting, livestreaming, and posting on Instagram Stories to keep our members informed in real-time. These livestreaming efforts were crucial in keeping the press updated, often resulting in the media using the content and tweets I captured in their reports. Take a look at these articles to see my work in action.
Impact
Art Direction
I led the art direction for the Fund Excluded Workers Coalition's 2023 campaign artwork. This involved onboarding a graphic designer and collaborating closely to ensure the artwork reflected the Unemployment Bridge Program's essence and the coalition's diversity. The "Unemployment Bridge Program" metaphorically bridges the gap for excluded workers who were essential during the pandemic yet lack labor protections. Our design juxtaposed nature against a metal bridge, symbolizing hope and resilience. This visual narrative powerfully conveyed the program's mission and the coalition's inclusive spirit.
Graphic Designer: Jabin Ahmed
Impact
In feed posts
At Make the Road New York, I maintained our Instagram feed with a focus on public education materials surrounding proposed legislation, event recaps, and our features in the news. By curating and creating informative and engaging content, I helped to elevate our social media presence and keep our community informed and engaged. The feed served as a dynamic platform for advocacy and awareness, showcasing our efforts and impact across various initiatives.
Highlighted Projects
NYC Pride is a leading organization dedicated to empowering and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Their mission is to inspire and advocate for equality through various events, programs, and initiatives that promote inclusivity and social justice. With a rich history rooted in the Stonewall Uprising, NYC Pride continues to be a beacon of hope and unity for millions.
As the Media Coordinator at NYC Pride, I spearheaded the strategic management of organic social media platforms, engaging over 350,000 followers and significantly increasing our reach and engagement.
Produced by Jackie Galaxy and Stiletto Sinclair, Sins and Stardust Burlesque is a premier burlesque extravaganza known for delivering captivating and mesmerizing performances. Their shows blend the artistry of burlesque with elements of theater, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. With a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, their diverse cast of performers brings stories to life through dance, music, and elaborate costumes. Sins and Stardust Burlesque promises to enchant and entertain, leaving audiences spellbound with every performance.
Contact Veronica Ryzio