MasksNowIL
Flattening the curve, one stitch at a time.
MasksNowIL was where I learned the fundamentals of public relations, and where I experienced my creative storytelling making a noticeable impact, enabling me to lead an organization to make and distribute 250K+ cloth face masks to facilities in need.
PR Tactics Generate $1.7 Million in Donations
Through pitching to brands and manufacturers for excess fabric, thread, and other necessary supplies, I collected an estimated $1.7+ million worth of material donations for MaskNowIL's mask-making efforts from Calvin Klein, Tahari Home, Buck Mason, and other generous donors.
Read the pitch that started it all here
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Press Highlights
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"From Highschool to Hero" NPR/WBEZ Chicago 12/16/2020
In their second segment covering MasksNowIL, on-air, reporter Vivian McCall and I discuss the moving parts involved in the organization, how my life changed overnight, and how it impacted the community.
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"Difference Maker" WBBM Chicago 12/16/2020
On-air and in an online publication, WBBM dove into the real impact MasksNowIL was making, particularly for under-resourced hospitals in Chicago.
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"People to be Thankful For" Daily Herald 11/26/2020
In their third publication covering MasksNowIL, the Daily Herald praised the organization as one to be 'thankful for' during Thanksgiving 2020.
Related Awards
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Chicago Wolves "Hometown Hero"
Usually awarded to service members, armed forces officers, and first responders, MasksNowIL was honored to be among these esteemed individuals when we were honored as an outstanding citizen-organized group doing necessary work in a time of need.
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JoAnn Fabric's "Handmade Hero"
Awarded for making a difference in the community by making something from the heart
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Local "Youth of the Year Award"
Awarded to the MasksNowIL organization at large for being a student-run organization that made an extraordinary impact during COVID-19
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MasksNowIL officially completed its services in January, 2022.