FEATURED PROJECT

Read Together, Grow Together

Statewide Social Media Campaign Promoting Early Literacy

Overview

While working at an early childhood research center, I provided art direction, social strategy, and content development for Read Together, Grow Together – a statewide campaign developed in partnership with Governor DeWine’s ReadOhio initiative to promote early literacy across Ohio. The initiative equips families with eight research-based, easy-to-implement tips designed to build foundational early literacy skills at home that support long-term learning outcomes.

The Challenge

We needed to create a family-centered campaign that was research-backed yet easily accessible to a wide audience. The campaign also needed to be flexible enough for wide distribution across websites, social media, and newsletters – without any advertising spend. Our goal was to maximize organic reach and get these tips in front of as many Ohio families as possible.

The Strategy

Working as part of a collaborative team, I led the visual and promotional strategy for the campaign through:

Art Direction and Branding
- Created the Read Together, Grow Together logo and visual identity
- Developed bold, family-friendly social media graphics and layouts
- Ensured visual consistency across all campaign materials
Content Development
- Optimized text for readability and social media performance
- Co-created tip sheets, website content, and family demonstration videos
Organic Social Media Campaign
- Designed a multi-channel social campaign without advertising spend
- Created graphics and messaging frameworks to be shared across collaborators in state agencies and community programs

The Impact

Statewide reach and recognition
- Featured on the Governor’s ReadOhio website, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s site, the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center’s site, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
- Shared widely through newsletters, partner networks, and social media
Significant organic engagement
- More than 3,500 webpage views
- Over 100,000 total campaign views/impressions
- YouTube videos featuring Ohio families demonstrating the tips received over 10,000 views
- Partner promotion included Ohio’s First Lady, Governor's office, and multiple state agencies
- No paid advertising was used – reach and engagement were driven entirely by strong creative, strategic partnerships, and organic promotion

Why It Worked

By pairing strong, research-informed content with clear, bold visuals and a flexible, partner-powered distribution strategy, Read Together, Grow Together successfully reached families across Ohio without relying on a paid media budget. The campaign’s approachable, actionable style empowered families with easy-to-use early literacy strategies to use at home.