This week, we’re featuring Lewis alumna Deborah Olivia Farmer, who recently visited campus as a guest speaker. The event took place on Nov. 13 from 11a.m. to noon at Memorial Hall.
Efua Richardson
Nov. 15, 2019
One to give back, Farmer decided to visit her alma mater as a guest speaker, aiming to inform students on careers in media communications. Farmer spoke to students about preparations they can make to transition from Lewis to the workplace, how to build relationships, be persistent, set goals and gain experience in the workplace.
During one segment of her presentation, Farmer described ways students can follow up with companies they have interned with as well as actively utilizing networking opportunities. Farmer also discussed personal branding; she provided tips and tricks on how students can market themselves and stand out from fellow job-seekers.
After the event, Farmer went on to do a presentation for Professor Murdaugh’s Strategic Communication class, in which the communications guru had one-on-one conversations with class pupils. At the conclusion of the lesson, students participated in a skit showcasing all they had learned with the information presented.
Farmer is currently president of Brown Farmer Media Group Inc., a full-service Chicago-based communications firm. Brown Farmer Media Group Inc. is a fast-growing firm that provides strategic media advice and counsel to small businesses, entrepreneurs, faith-based and community organizations and media personalities.
During Farmer’s time at Lewis, prior to earning her bachelor’s in radio-tv broadcasting, she participated in student government, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Pan-Hellenic Council and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Farmer went on to receive the Father Aquinas Colgan Award in recognition of a stellar academic career.
Farmer’s degree in radio-tv broadcasting opened the door to an internship with WGN-TV. Her talent was recognized and she was promoted to several positions, including segment producer for WGN’s morning News, of which she developed special segments including “Unsung Heroes,” which highlighted individuals giving back to the community.