GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Hello everyone! I’m Jonãi, though many call me “Kookie” because of my freckles. I’m based in Northern Virginia, and I travel a lot along the East Coast from playing D3 Women’s Rugby in New Hampshire at Colby-Sawyer College to relaxing in the warm Florida air. As the oldest of five siblings and a first-generation college student, it’s incredibly important for me to set an example and show my siblings that like me, they too can be in a magazine feature by excelling in college, while also working and taking care of family. I’m dedicated to supporting my family and community with my time and the knowledge I’ve gained in college. I’ve successfully made my family and friends invitations to events, and I’ve supported small businesses with start-up logos and advertisements. I advocate for important causes and organizations such as the CROWN Act, NAACP, UnidosUS, GLSEN, Children’s Defense Fund, Color of Change, and many others, and I offer my design skills to organizations like these to help bring their message to life.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
To take criticism and to actually enjoy it and prosper from it. I appreciate criticism from peers and professors. It furthers my artwork in a more compelling way.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
At GMU, I think highly of Professor Jessica P. Rodríguez. She’s an incredibly strong and organized graphic design professor who has consistently pushed me to grow and improve. Her guidance and high standards have been a huge influence on my work and development.
WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING?
70’s and early 80’s soul, classic rock, and pop-rock, characterized by powerful melodies, rich instrumentation, and a timeless quality in the songs.
