Employee Spotlight: Designs with Cheryl

Even without working 5 days a week, Communications Manager Cheryl Nelson is an essential part of RMAI.

In her role she is responsible for all of the graphic design needs of the company including branding for events, digital and print publications, and advertising. She was also responsible for the website and social media before someone new took on the role.

“Cheryl works a part-time schedule as Communications Manager, yet she successfully fulfills multiple deliverables at any given time and meets deadlines,” said Deputy Director Penny Cunha. “Cheryl works internally to develop communications and graphic design, takes an active role with the Editorial & Social Media Committee, and also reaches out to advertisers and potential advertisers.”

When Cheryl came to RMAI in 2019, she was looking for something that allowed her to work more freely in the design space while also being able to spend more time at home.

“I liked the design opportunities that working at RMAI offered,” said Cheryl. “I like when I can create some image or design or branding for events.”

Cheryl is the first stop when it comes to coming up with event designs for the Annual Conference, Executive Summit and Regional Event before it goes to the Executive Director and the Conference Committee for approval.

“I like to look at our branding colors and see what other colors coordinate to make something different each time,” said Cheryl. “I always want it to look good with our logo or what location we will be in. I look at what iconic thing they have in that city and try to incorporate it.”

In college, Cheryl was an English major at the University of San Francisco before getting into marketing after working a college internship. Cheryl got into graphic design after college, taking online classes and teaching herself everything else she would need to know.

She worked in various industries including the nonprofit sector, hospice care and the financial industry using her skills for event support and marketing, direct mail, newsletters, and all things graphic design.

She loves to write in her free time, but when it comes to work, she found that she enjoys the graphic design portion more.

“I enjoy writing creatively,” said Cheryl. “I tend to write things not in this world like historical fiction and fantasy.”

Cheryl wrote her first book in college and has since written seven novels as well as a few companion pieces.

She also has a very active blog where she documents her writing journey, including writing 50,000 words in November 2022 for NaNoWriMo, a nonprofit that encourages people to find their creative voices.

“Everyone has a story, and everyone is the hero of their own story,” said Cheryl.

Between writing for fun and graphic design at work, Cheryl stays busy with her toddler at home or playing board games with her husband.

She said she is happy that she found a place where she fits in at RMAI.

“I really enjoy the people I work with,” said Cheryl. “I like the company culture. We have clear goals and plans to meet the goals. We have clear roles, but I like that we all are in admin as well. It is a good atmosphere to work in.”

She loves that she can be proud of the work she has done at RMAI like the magazine designs and the Annual Conference branding designs, 2021 was a particular favorite of hers. She is excited to continue to design at RMAI and see what challenges come next.

“There is a lot of room to be creative here,” said Cheryl.