Welcome to Jade’s Portfolio
My name is Jade Ciezak, and I am a student at Western Michigan University from Crystal Lake, Illinois, studying Digital Media and Journalism with minors in Marketing and Event Management.
I encourage you to check out my portfolio below, my school involvement, and connect with me on LinkedIn for updates.
About Jade Ciezak
My name is Jade Ciezak, and I am a student at Western Michigan University from Crystal Lake, Illinois, studying Digital Media and Journalism with minors in Marketing and Event Management.
I’ve been involved in school organizations through Western Michigan University, holding the titles of Staff Photographer, Assistant Photo Editor, and Photo Editor, for the school newspaper, the Western Herald. Additionally, I am the Social Media Marketing Manager for WMU’s Ski and Snowboard Club and Photographer and Media Manager for an experiential learning club, Tech Next.
I recently completed an Event Planning and Marketing Communications Internship and am actively strengthening my passion for creative strategy and multimedia storytelling. I encourage you to check out my portfolio to see my photography, videography, social media experience, and event projects!
Digital Media & Event Management
Over the past year, I accepted and completed an Internship Experience as a Communications and Events Intern at the Village of Barrington.
Objective:
My objectives in this role were to manage social media content and raise engagement by creating short-form content for the organization. In addition to social media, I aimed to assist with press releases, community outreach and communications, newsletters and deck marketing, event budgeting, and front end website updates.
Outcome:
In this role, I successfully created multiple short-form video pieces used for public communication, enhanced event coverage through social media engagement, contributed to the improvement of public outreach through newsletters and publishing marketing materials, and assisted in the creation of cohesive branding across digital platforms.
“Behind the Flow”
“Behind the Flow” is a four-part video series that I filmed and edited during my internship this summer. I interviewed the Assistant Director of Public Works as he explained how the Wastewater Treatment Facility operates in Barrington.
Objective:
The objective of this video series was to share on our social media in order to spread awareness and raise engagement with our community through hands-on experience in communications, marketing, and event management in a professional, municipal environment. I also had personal goals of advancing my interviewing and communications skills while in this roll.
Outcome:
The outcome is this video series, in addition to raising engagement and awareness, was gaining the hands-on experience in communications, marketing, and event management in a professional, municipal environment. My skills in content creation, digital story telling, and public communications have been greatly strengthened from this opportunity.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Digital Media, Western Herald
I’ve worked with Western Michigan University’s student run newspaper, the Western Herald, for three years. I started as a Staff Photographer, became an Assistant Photo Editor, and now serve as a Photo Editor.
The objective of my roles within the Western Herald were to capture captivating photos and videos that bring the WMU student experience to life through multimedia coverage and creative storytelling.
After three years of dedication to the Western Herald, I’ve put together some of my favorite photos and video projects covering campus events and organizations. Check out some articles I’ve written below.
Videography – Western Herald
Objective:
The objective of my roles within the Western Herald were to capture, edit, and publish captivating videos that bring the WMU student experience to life through multimedia coverage and creative storytelling.
Outcome:
Both videos brought a variety of challenges, which allowed to strengthen not only my interviewing, recording, and editing skills, but also my patience and dedication to the art of creation.
Written Work – Western Herald
Objective:
The objective of writing this article was to share a story and spread awareness with my audience about a vehicle fire that broke out in a newly constructed parking garage on Western Michigan’s campus.
Outcome:
This project opened my eyes to the creative side of article writing, and allowed me to practice my communication skills in a written way.
“A strong entrepreneurship program, a belief in capitalism, a strong state-supported school, and a commitment to teaching a strong work ethic, along with a clear vision to develop students as future leaders.”
Learn more about my involvement with Tech Next, the “strong entrepreneurship program” mentioned above!
Western Herald Photography
Digital Media, TechNext
TechNext is an immersive, experience-driven program for students to learn about technology, entrepreneurship, and arts through company visits.
Objective:
My role with Team TechNect was to manage our media on a recent trip to the Bay Area. My goal was to capture footage both through photo and video of students connecting with WMU Alumni in the tech industry.
Outcome:
While experiencing the strength of the Bronco Alumni network first hand, I was able to successfully collect captivating photos and create a short form video about the experience that we later shared on our socials.
TechNext – San Francisco, October 2025
TechNext Videography
In addition to photography, my role was to capture video footage of our trip in order to spread awareness about our organization with other students and alumni, driving interest in our team through captivating content creation.
Photography Gallery
Over the past few years, my experiences with the Western Herald, the Village of Barrington and Team TechNext have given me a deep love and passion for photography. Below, I’ve included some of my recent work photographing graduating students at Western Michigan University.
Character References
“Jade is one of the most passionate, dedicated, and hardworking students I have ever crossed paths with. She is tirelessly devoted to all of her work and extracurriculars. Her photography skills are impeccable, and her personality is even better.”
— Samantha Strasler, Photography Customer (4/19/25)
“Jade’s enthusiasm and positivity are a shining light in the busy world of outdoor community events.
Jade’s willingness to jump in headfirst and handle a variety of important tasks is exemplary.”
— Clancy Potts, Events Director, Village of Barrington (7/1/25)
“From a communications perspective, she has done an excellent job planning event content calendars and social media posts to promote events and boost engagement and attendance.”
— Rebecca Wyskochil, Communications and Marketing Director, Village of Barrington (7/1/25)