The Challenge

In early 2025, Preston High School announced it would be closing due to “financial hardship and changing demographics.” But the school community quickly learned that this decision had been made by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, who owned the property—not the school’s leadership. In reality, Preston was financially sound, with growing enrollment and active support.

The mention of “changing demographics” felt especially dismissive given the school’s Bronx location and its diverse, thriving student body. For many alumnae, students, and families, the reasoning felt less like a financial issue and more like a quiet divestment from a community that had long been underrepresented and underserved.

This sparked an urgent, grassroots effort to correct the narrative, protect the school’s legacy, and fight for transparency—and the right to remain. As an alumna, I didn’t hesitate. The moment they reached out asking for alumnae support, I said yes.

How I Helped

I supported and helped shape the communications that would fuel this movement, building a toolkit the campaign could actually use in real time.

✍🏾 Written Assets

✔️ Press releases and email copy to rally support across alumnae and public networks

✔️ Language for talking points and donation pushes that aligned with our tone and timeline

✔️ Shared my own story as a Preston graduate, connecting with former classmates, teachers, and supporters to remind them what this school gave us—and what was at stake

🖥️ Visual + Digital Assets

✔️ Co-designed and built the Preston Forever campaign site

✔️ Created alumna call graphics, campaign visuals, and support graphics for other schools, businesses and community leaders to share

✔️ Developed email newsletter templates and a potential billboard layout to expand reach

✔️ Ensured all materials remained aligned in tone, branding, and call to action

THE OUTCOME

Thanks to relentless advocacy from alumni, students, elected officials, and the NY Attorney General’s Office, Preston High School was saved in April 2025 through a landmark $8.5 million deal with Bally’s Foundation.

The school will continue operations for the next 25 years with just $1/year in rent, up to $1 million in capital improvements, and full autonomy over governance.

It’s not just a win—it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when legacy meets action.

Why It Mattered

This wasn’t just about preserving a building. It was about preserving a legacy of purpose-driven women.

I do strategy for brands. But I fight for stories like this. Because sometimes, most times, your roots are your reason.

Services Engaged (PRO BONO)

✔️ Community Messaging
✔️ Rapid Response Communications
✔️ Creative Direction
✔️ Graphic Design
✔️ Social Copywriting
✔️ Strategic Advocacy Framing