Member Monday - Joanna Yoder
Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 16, 2023 / Subscribe 0
Where do you work and what does your job entail?
I work as the Digital Communications Manager at Germantown Friends School, a Quaker, independent school for students from early childhood to twelfth grade. I currently manage the school’s email marketing, social media, website, and digital advertising.
What made you want to pursue a career in marketing?
You know that saying, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Well, my mom (Bev Volpe – who has her own communications firm and is also a PPRA member), always encouraged me to hone my writing throughout my education and into my career. In college, when I wanted to major in Musical Theater, she encouraged me to get a double major in the English Writing track at West Chester University.
So, I didn’t initially start out in the marketing world, but I loved how creative and collaborative the work was, and it felt like a perfect fit for my skills and personality. Once I started, everything just fell into place.
Like most of the members in PPRA you have a passion for Philadelphia and the nonprofits and educational institutions that are part of the community. Can you share how your passion for the area has influenced your career path and involvement in groups like PPRA?
Philly Philly! I may have been raised a Jersey girl, but I’ve lived in Philadelphia for the last eight years (only recently having moved back to South Jersey this month). Philadelphia is such a great city, with an amazing food scene, dynamic arts and culture, rich history, and sports fans with the most heart I’ve ever seen. And, my whole career has really been focused on Philly nonprofits and educational institutions.
I started out at the Please Touch Museum, managing their Portable Play (museum on wheels program), where I went into early childhood classrooms across the region and taught reading literacy, writing, and social-emotional learning through play. From there, I worked at Philly VIP, a pro-bono legal services organization that serves city residents facing legal threats to their housing, family, and income.
During my tenure at The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, which invests in arts projects that showcase Philly’s vibrant culture, I had the opportunity to focus my attention on the Center’s digital marketing efforts which led me to my current position at Germantown Friends.
I had always attended PPRA events throughout my career, but I knew I wanted to get more involved. When former Board President Michelle Sonsino encouraged me to join the Communications Committee, I was in. It has been wonderful getting to meet other industry colleagues. PPRA is such a welcoming association, and I have made great connections and lasting friendships. I'm very excited to join the board for the upcoming program year.
You have experience in various areas such as advertising, analytics, website, email and social media marketing. How do your skills complement the general communications and public relations efforts at Germantown Friends School?
My work touches all aspects of the school, from alumni communications and development to internal communications for each division, overseeing all of the digital marketing efforts for admissions, and covering the many wonderful events at GFS. So, as part of my job, I get to combine creative storytelling with data and analytics, which helps to balance marketing initiatives with a holistic approach to GFS' overall communications strategy.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a theatre person at heart and pretty much grew up on the stage. So, I’m very passionate about the arts, music, and dance. I try to see a few shows a year in Philly and I’ll get up to NYC to see a Broadway show now and then. I also really enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants in the City, or going on outdoor adventures with my husband Josh and adorable yellow lab Harley.
Oh, and does Disney count? My husband and I are big fans of the Mouse (we even went to Disney World on our honeymoon when international travel was restricted during COVID).
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Definitely, Israel. It is such an amazing place. One of my goals for this year is to do some more traveling!
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