April Duhawk Dozen
Jessica Douglas (’16)
Public Relations
La Grange Highlands, Illinois
2016 graduate, Jessica Douglas, has caught the attention of more than just her friends, family and classmates. Just one short year after graduating, the Chicago Blackhawks named her one of their Every Day Heroes. “I was shocked, honestly,” Jessica started. “I was given the opportunity to tell my story and explain why I give back. Service has always been a big component of my life.” Her heroism through service is a common thread that ties together Jessica’s professional accomplishments. Through her work at Holy Family Catholic Schools in Dubuque, Iowa and her current work with One Million Degrees in Chicago, Illinois, centers around giving back to the communities she works with, Jessica’s drive for service began years earlier. “In High School, I completed countless service hours and my mom always said, ‘remember to give back to the community that gave to you.’” That led Jessica to serve in all the ways that she could with her time, talent and treasure.
Using her strengths in the digital realm, Jessica has also been working hard running her own business, . “I want to make someone’s vision come to life through photo or video — so I help any way that I can.” Jessica has managed to weave her creative mind and navigate the professional realm with a great deal of purpose. With her work on A Love Letter to Black Women and Community Kitchen, two pieces centered around people in her communities, Jessica has cemented herself as a serious talent with important stories to share. “Some of my work were assignments in my master’s degree program, but I always think outside of the bubble with the projects I create.” She often utilizes her community to be a part of her art and creativity, allowing others to share their stories as well. Her company also seems to blend her Loras and work worlds together. Duhawks often find their way to being the subject of Jessica’s work, from engagement photos to studio shoots.
Jessica’s Loras experience was far from average; she was involved in Greek life, Black Student Union, Dance Marathon and more all while being an incredibly accomplished student in the classroom. When looking back at her experience, she has several mentors to thank: Craig Schaefer (’89),&Բ;Cindy Behnke (’12) and Anthony Davis to name a few. “They helped me navigate Loras and made it feel like Home.”
Jessica has shared her Loras experience with countless individuals in her time after graduation, but she shares some connections with the previous Duhawk Dozen as well. She was a dancer in Dance Marathon while March recipient, Nick Coleman (’15) was President and followed in the footsteps of February recipient Est Mungai (’14) as President of Black Student Union. Jessica learned countless lessons after spending her four years at Loras being so involved. “Stay involved and stay in-touch with the people you graduated with, because it’s definitely a shift.” That trend of staying involved with Loras has continued to her alumni experience as well. Jessica is eager to make it back to campus for Homecoming on October 7, 8 and 9, 2022.
