Dania and her husband, Steven, at a Mariners game in Seattle.
What made you pursue a career in communications and design?
I started my career in marketing and communications after earning my MBA from Pacific Lutheran University (go Lutes!). I worked in the nonprofit sector at the South Sound YMCA, where I supported a wide range of projects, from managing email marketing campaigns to producing large-format print materials.
I have always wanted a career that allows me to be creative, but just as important to me is knowing that the work I do has a positive impact. I have always been drawn to roles where creativity serves a purpose and contributes to something meaningful.
Were you always on a path to your current career, or were there some twists and turns?
My career path definitely involved some twists and turns. For a few years, I worked in event management, which I really enjoyed. I loved being able to plan events from start to finish and see all the pieces come together. Bringing people into one space to connect was especially meaningful to me, and I also appreciated the small details that help make an experience memorable.
That experience still influences how I approach communications today. I think a lot about how people perceive and experience information, not just how it looks on a screen or on paper.
What prompted you to work for ESD 112?
Being able to use communications to support equity and access is very important to me. As a bilingual and bicultural person, and as someone who often acted as a translator for my family growing up, I know how stressful and confusing it can be when information is not clear or accessible.
I care deeply about making things easier for families and communities by providing information that is both clear and welcoming. If I can help reduce someone’s stress while also making the materials look thoughtful and engaging, that makes me very happy. I know this is important work, and I felt that ESD 112 was a place where my skills and values could truly align.
What does your day-to-day work look like right now?
Currently, much of my work focuses on levy and bond communications, along with social media and design projects for our school districts. I also spend a lot of time learning from my team and the organization as a whole. Since I started in October, there is still so much to learn, and I really appreciate how collaborative and supportive the team is.
Each day can look a little different, which I enjoy. Some days I am designing materials, other days I am helping with messaging or checking in with districts to better understand what their needs are.
What part of your work feels most meaningful to you so far?
Building relationships with our school districts and really understanding their needs has been the most meaningful part for me so far. Every district is different, and I enjoy learning about their communities and figuring out how I can best support their work.
It feels good to know that what we create is directly helping schools communicate with their families and communities in ways that are clear, respectful, and useful.
How has working in the field of communications shaped how you approach your work?
Working in communications has taught me that clarity and empathy are just as important as creativity. It is not enough for something to look good. It also has to make sense and connect with people where they are. I try to consider who is receiving the information, what questions they might have, and what would make things easier to understand. That perspective guides many of the decisions I make when working on content and design.
What are your favorite ways to unplug and decompress?
After moving back to the Portland metro area after nearly a decade away, I have really enjoyed slowing down and reconnecting with the city by walking through different neighborhoods, stopping at local coffee shops, and simply taking in my surroundings. Those walks have become a simple but meaningful way for me to clear my mind and feel grounded. I also love spending more time with my family, especially my two‑year‑old niece, who is full of energy and always reminds me to stay present and have fun.
Yoga is another major way I reset, both mentally and physically. And when I need a little more energy, live music is my go‑to. I have been going to concerts and festivals since I was a toddler, thanks to my parents’ great taste in music, and music continues to be a big part of my creative process. Being in a crowd, hearing live music, and fully living in the moment are among the best ways for me to recharge.
Dania and Steven at the Gorge Amphitheatre, watching the sunrise after camping out for the Tame Impala concert the night before.
Any recent additions to your household or hobbies you are excited about?
I recently adopted a cat named Vaca, which means cow in Spanish, and we usually call her Vaquita (little cow). She has a big personality and keeps me laughing, whether she’s zooming around the house or finding the coziest possible place to nap. Bringing her home has definitely added a lot of joy to my everyday routine.
Spending time with animals has always been grounding for me, which is probably why, if time and money weren’t an issue, I would love to get back into horseback riding. I took riding lessons in the past and have always loved being around horses. There is something really calming about it for me, and I hope it is a hobby I can make time for again in the future. The photo of me at the top is with Babe the horse. Babe was very sweet—she did bite me once, but we’re still friends.
Vaquita as a kitten and now
