Co-founded a digital advocacy movement at UCSB that reached 1M+ monthly impressions and drove real policy change during COVID
University of California Students for Transparency
Media & Entertainment
As a co-founder of UCST, I designed an immersive web platform to promote transparency in the UC system. Our meticulously researched content inspired action, fostering a dynamic community of advocates and fueling a growing movement for change.
Gauchos for Transparency
When COVID hit, the cracks in campus systems widened—and the silence was deafening. Alongside another concerned student, I co-founded UC Students for Transparency and launched its UCSB branch: Gauchos for Transparency. Our goal? Push for truth, call out gaps in public health policy, and give students a voice when no one else would.
What started as two separate social media pages exploded into a statewide movement. My original platform, UCSB.Party (later rebranded to UC Students for Public Health), gained 2K+ followers in its first month and attracted coverage from local news outlets. At the same time, Gauchos for Transparency (G4T) became the content engine, creating researched, engaging campaigns that challenged university leadership and mobilized real change.
My Role
I built and led a team of 19 creatives; writers, designers, video editors, to execute powerful, high-urgency campaigns during the height of the pandemic. Using Trello, I managed timelines, assigned content tasks, and kept our messaging aligned across platforms.
Action
I developed the full brand identity, website, and content calendar for Gauchos for Transparency, using SEO, visual storytelling, and student-sourced narratives to drive both reach and action.
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Metric Results
1M+
2K+
1.5K+
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1M+ monthly social impressions across all platforms
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2,000+ new followers/month during peak campaigns
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Content that directly influenced new public health ordinances, including $500 fines for illegal events in Isla Vista
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1,500+ vaccine signups in the first week of availability via social links
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Featured by local news outlets and used in county-level policy discussions
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Revenue generated from student-designed merch helped fund advocacy and outreach
Create a captivating comic series that simplifies complex COVID-19 information into relatable scenarios, aiming to educate and promote the adoption of safe practices.
Utilize a sans-based font that complements the artistic style of the comic and adds a cohesive visual appeal to the overall design.
Incorporate anthropomorphic buildings that are easily identifiable by our target audience to infuse a playful and distinctive tone into a serious topic, making it relatable and engaging for our audience.
Employ a charming and straightforward art style that allows for quick replication in future issues of the series, ensuring efficiency and consistency while maintaining an appealing visual aesthetic.
Educational Comic Series
Strategy Highlights
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Community-first content: Weekly stories submitted by students and alumni, overlaid with verified news and call-to-action graphics
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Cross-brand coordination: Managed both G4T and UC Students for Public Health as segmented campaigns under one shared mission
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Multi-format storytelling: Comics, video reels, IG carousel breakdowns, and memes that struck a balance between education and shareability
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Collaborative pressure: Coordinated with student orgs, faculty, and local leaders to push transparency and policy change at UCSB and UC-wide
Let's Get Started
You know about me, let's talk about you.
"Kalle has the ability to take even the most complex ideas and break them down into actionable steps to create a finished product. Kalle was an empowering leader who recognized the strengths of each of our team members. I know without a doubt that Kalle would be a valuable asset to any team he's part of. "
Michelle Lee
Earned Media Associate, Golin