The Full Story

Hello, my name is Makenzie, but my family nickname is Yiein, that's where the name Yiein's Ingenuity comes from.

 

I am a first-generation college student studying Communications with a focus on Public Relations at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. My passion lies in helping others by transforming ideas into visually compelling realities. Whether it’s making things aesthetically pleasing or elevating concepts through creative design, my mission is to amplify voices and visions, especially for those who are just starting their journey. My high school project, where I designed a website for a club focused on driving safety, ignited my love for digital design. This experience, along with my ongoing education, has equipped me with the skills to help others enhance their brands and bring their ideas to life.

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Throughout high school, I was deeply involved in various clubs and organizations, often handling graphic design work for my extracurricular activities, including my color guard team. I loved the creative process—designing flyers, event materials, and even managing small-scale marketing efforts. For my senior English class, our final project required us to create a digital portfolio using Google Sites. It was in this moment that I had a realization: I wanted to pursue a career in Information Technology. The logic was simple—I enjoyed coding, web design, and the ability to bring ideas to life through digital platforms.

When I entered college, I initially pursued this path, believing IT was the perfect fit for my skills and interests. However, as I got more involved in student organizations, my perspective started to shift. My sister, who was the president of the Black Affairs Council (BAC), needed help with marketing the organization. I followed her around campus, helping hang posters, creating graphics on Canva, and assisting in any way I could. Eventually, I interviewed for and secured a position as the graphic designer for BAC. This role allowed me to gain hands-on experience in branding and promotional work, reinforcing my passion for visual communication.

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During my first year, I also joined the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NACWC) and continued my involvement with BAC. I was responsible for crafting the public image of BAC, which meant designing promotional materials, managing event marketing, and ensuring our message was clear and engaging. At the same time, I was exploring different academic paths. I took a Python programming course, which quickly made me realize that coding wasn’t for me. I then considered psychology, specifically Industrial-Organizational (I/O) psychology, because I enjoyed working with people and managing projects. However, something still felt missing.

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As I took more communication courses, I met with a career advisor who helped me evaluate my strengths and interests. Through research and self-reflection, I came to a profound realization: what I was already doing—branding, event planning, digital design, and strategic communication—was Public Relations. It was as if everything I had been passionate about had a name, a career path that aligned perfectly with my skills and aspirations.

By my sophomore year, I had fully immersed myself in the world of PR. I planned, hosted, and marketed an Ebony Ball, an event that required extensive outreach, design, and logistical coordination. I took on leadership roles in student organizations, planned and executed events, and engaged in community service efforts focused on Black women and children. My involvement with PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) allowed me to gain real-world experience working with clients, further solidifying my passion for public relations.

Now, as I continue my journey, I am more certain than ever that PR is where I belong. It’s the perfect intersection of creativity, strategy, and relationship-building—everything I have loved since high school, now honed into a professional skill set. My goal is to continue using my talents to help others build their brands, craft their narratives, and bring their visions to life.