Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Tate.
Hi Jasmine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from south Louisiana and grew up with strong values in faith, family, service, and education.
Although I originally thought I wanted to be a pediatrician, when I took my first biology class, I knew that it wasn’t the path for me. I always excelled in English, and it was my favorite subject. I planned to pursue a career in journalism until I discovered public relations during my senior year of high school. As I learned more about the industry, I became increasingly excited to gain knowledge and experience.
After graduating high school, I attended Southeastern Louisiana University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a minor in Spanish and concentrations in public relations and organizational communication. Soon after, I continued my studies at The University of Southern Mississippi and graduated in 2016 with a Master of Science in public relations.
Throughout my college and grad school career, I completed eight internships and was actively involved in campus life from student organizations to student publications and service initiatives on campus and in the community.
At the end of my academic career, I transitioned to life as a full-time professional in a new state and time zone. As I navigate my life and career in southern California, I credit four core things that “got me to where I am today” including my faith, family/community, hard work, and education.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road on my journey has been smooth during many periods, but there have definitely been some potholes, construction delays, and unexpected detours.
One of my most challenging periods during my adult life was the transition from life as a full-time student to full-time professional. Because I had worked extremely hard and gained valuable knowledge and experience, I expected it to be a smooth transition, but it was definitely not. I didn’t earn my first salaried position until almost five months after graduating from grad school. I was extremely embarrassed and disappointed and struggled with the idea that I had taken the “supposed to track” and did everything I was told would make me successful but was still “stuck” working at Kohl’s, substitute teaching at my middle school, and living with my dad for months. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of those places or roles, I was just ready to move on.
Although I’ve had an extremely rewarding career with amazing experiences and connections, I’ve also struggled with isolation, being on the other side of the country away from my family and friends, in addition to general stresses of work life.
Thankfully because of the values I mentioned earlier, I’ve been able to overcome every obstacle in my path.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently the senior marketing and communications manager at TGR Foundation, which is Tiger Woods’ nonprofit.
In the role I spend most of my time planning, writing, and editing content from articles, strategic plans, and reports to social media captions, eblasts, newsletters, videos, ads, and more.
I also love opportunities to connect with students and educators impacted by the foundation’s programs whether taking photos and videos of kids at the TGR Learning Lab, helping Earl Woods Scholars tell their stories on the blog, preparing colleagues for press, or conducting written or video interviews.
I’m most proud of tangible projects that have a lasting impact.
At Southeastern I built a chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which included two separate intensive processes to 1. become a recognized student organization on campus and 2. earn a charter from the national organization, in addition to recruiting paid members, planning events to keep them engaged and ensuring that the organization provided beneficial opportunities for members to gain knowledge and experience that would supplement what they received through classes and internships.
At USM I served as president of its PRSSA chapter and led it to its first Star Chapter Award. I also co-founded the National Millennial and Gen Z Community in collaboration with Bill Imada, IW Group, and students across the country.
In my first organization as a full-time employee, I built an affinity group of young professionals and used the same skills and experience I had gained starting the PRSSA chapter at Southeastern. In addition to that, I led a partnership between the affinity group and Chaffey College that gave the yo pros an opportunity to give back by sharing their skills and experiences with Chaffey students through presentations. At the end of the series, they were able to put what they learned into practice through a culminating networking event. I was so tired yet fulfilled at the end of it that I cried literal tears of joy! The feedback from the student surveys was incredible and the members of the group were proud of the impact we accomplished together.
During my time at TGR Foundation, one of the projects I’m most proud of is when I had the opportunity to be a part of every step of the development process of an exclusive app for Earl Woods Scholars from ideation to publication. I created the name, URL, tagline, copy for the website and app stores and even developed a strategic campaign to drive scholars to download the app and use the platform. It still excites me to see my colleagues and the scholars using it today.
I’m also proud of projects like fundraising campaigns, applications for grants and awards, and annual reports. I could share many more projects that I’m proud of, but these are some of my favorites.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My values matter most to me because they are the root of who I am and all I do. My relationship with God has sustained me through the highs and lows of my life and guides me through every day.
I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d do without my family. My siblings and my dad are my best friends.
Outside of my values what matters most to me is that my presence, words, and actions lead to impact or transformation whether it’s as simple as making someone smile or sharing life-changing information or resources.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jasminectate.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jasminectate
- Facebook: facebook.com/1jasminectate
- Twitter: Twitter.com/jasminectate
Image Credits
Azusa Takano
JD D’Anthony
Jackson G
Reg Productions
