creative digital Branding
Portfolio
Karla
McLean
Bailey
Bio
The daughter of Bahamian immigrants,
Karla McLean Bailey builds communities through
creative digital campaigns.
She is a sister, traveler, content creator, bride, and
political history lover. She uses those life
experiences to bring new perspective to her work.
She currently lives in Houston, Texas with her
husband and makes oat milk lattes every weekend.
approach
Karla meshes impactful photography
(some of which she shoots!) with unique typeface
for memorable moments. All to service one goal:
to make people feel something when they
encounter a nonprofit brand.
Enter the
communication
world of Karla
Karla holds a passion for the intersection of politics, policy, and communication. Her life’s work channels culture and creativity into marketing campaigns that resonate with your donors, politicos, and partners.
Body of Work
Digital Newsletters
Partnerships
Brand Strategy
Designed over 370 email campaigns including
monthly newsletters and fundraising arcs.
Launched the Democracy Fund network program
with 90 sponsorships and 75 branded events
including the Congressional Baseball Game.
Created a digital hub for brand management,
hosted onboarding orientations, and engaged staff
in brand change management.
From staff t-shirts and event signage to grantee
gifts and conference welcome packages, all
sourced with a commitment to American made
products.
Collateral & Swag
Raised $315,000 as the communications and
marketing lead for the annual fundraising gala:
Community Change Champions Awards.
Major Events
Managed writers, copy editors, designers, and
digital team to produce annual reports and launch
via digital and print to 12,000 contacts.
Annual Reports
“With the values of bipartisanship and civility
at the forefront, we created a system of
branded items that leaned into conservative
messaging and color schemes to mitigate pre-
conceived notions about the organization.”
“Using nostalgic images of systems with a
Rescue Ranger inspired color palate, this
woman-owned data consultant launched will
their brand on YouTube.”
“A subbrand of Community Change, the Cross
Movement Convening pivoted from 90's clip
art to wavy line-based art that showcased
common actions of the cohort partners: raising
their voice and advocating for their
community.”
“A creative agency for brides that value the
efficiency and beauty of digital. ”
The Democracy Fund
Darylle Sheehan, Data Analyst
Cross Movement Convening
The Wedding Communication Studio
Brand Building
Senior Brand Manager Community Change, Washington, DC |
Donor Communications and Marketing Manager Community Change, Washington, DC |
Network & Events Associate Democracy Fund, Washington, DC |
Senior Editor and Writer Chicago Policy Review, Chicago, IL |
Media, Culture, and Special Initiatives Intern MacArthur Foundation, Chicago, IL |
Senate Policy and Budget Staffer Illinois State Senate Democratic Caucus, Springfield IL |
Professional
Experience
Master of Public Policy Harris School of Public Policy at The University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Concentration: Political Campaigns and Communication |
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism Huntsville, AL Leadership: Senior Class President, USM Social Vice President, Student |
Sponsorship Manager ColorComm, Washington DC Chapter |
Political Leadership and Development Program Congressional Black Caucus Institute, New Orleans |
Education &
Leadership