Strategize like a Boss with Mia

In this episode of Strative Like a Boss with Mia Major, Mia is joined by Aaron Schorn. Aaron is a storyteller, craftsman, and a champion for Product-Based Learning. He is focused on creating student-centered systems to authentically tell the story of learning communities. As Programs Director at the Nalukai Foundation he creates curriculum and implements entrepreneurship programs for youth across the state of Hawai'i. He is also faculty at Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA) where his Digital Journalism and Social Entrepreneurship courses are centered around Product-Based Learning, the Lean Startup methodology, project management, and building digital brands. The classes are supported by mentors across industries working directly with students on their products. Aaron's professional background is in international business, digital storytelling, operations/management, UX/UI, and content creation. 

In my second episode of #LIKEABOSS, I had the pleasure of being joined by Mary Ellen Rowe, the Marketing Director for Clarkston Community Schools in Michigan, one of the top districts in Oakland County, Michigan. 

Mary Ellen is a seasoned school communicator with more than 20 years of public relations experience for both private and public schools. She got her start with Finalsite client Detroit Country Day School, and later worked in marketing with another one of our clients, Saint Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Texas. A year ago, she became the marketing director for Clarkston Community Schools, 

Mary Ellen and I are like-minded marketers...which means the two of us could talk endlessly about the strategies we use that succeed and flop, and obstacles we overcome. (This explains why Episode 2 of #LIKEABOSS is a bit longer than what I’d like to plan for, but I promise you it is jam-packed with tons of great info!)

• How Mary Ellen uses her private school experience to build a tight-knit community of 7,500 students across 12 campuses.
   
• Strategies for taming the small shop madness at the district level.
   
• Why social media engagement is so important, how to use it to your advantage, and why it is critical — especially in times of transition.
   
• Why Mary Ellen says “not responding [on social media] is not an option.”
   
• Tips for sharing the right message in the right place at the right time to reach key stakeholders.
   
• The #1 “filter” you should put every piece of marketing and communications content through before posting on your website or social media.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

If you’d like to chat with Mary Ellen directly, she would be happy to be a resource to you, too! She can be reached at [email protected].

Mia Major kicks off her first Strategize Like a Boss podcast with Ty D’Amore of AudioEye to discuss a topic affecting schools today — web accessibility. Ty D’Amore has been a member of the AudioEye team since 2013 and is a leader in the accessibility space and vocal advocate for digital inclusivity. Ty also possesses an in-depth understanding of the legal and technical demands of ADA-related digital accessibility requirements, and participates on the Member Committee of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).

In this podcast, Mia and Ty discuss the importance of web accessibility for schools, as well as discuss common questions including:

• What is the difference between the terms accessibility and compliance?
• Why should schools — even if they don’t receive any federal funding, implement web accessibility practices?
• What can schools do right now to take action?
• What do you see as the future of accessibility?

Click here to view the transcript for this podcast episode.

If you're looking for more information on how to achieve ADA compliance and have an accessible website, you can learn more about the Finalsite and AudioEye partnership and ask for a free accessibility analysis.