Seattle Japanese Garden
Strategic Communications & Program Engagement
The Seattle Japanese Garden engaged me to develop digital and organizational communications strategies that strengthened community engagement, supported internal operations, and aligned messaging with cultural and programmatic goals. While much of this work was public-facing, it required extensive internal communication with staff, leadership, volunteers, and partners to align messaging and coordinate logistics. I implemented structured digital content, clarified operational policies, and produced mission-driven storytelling that enhanced audience connection while ensuring clear, consistent communication across both public-facing and internal channels.
Seattle Japanese Garden
Affiliation: Arboretum Foundation
Collaboration: Seattle Parks and Recreation
Role: Program & Event Coordinator
Year: 2020 - 2025
CASE STUDY 1
Digital Engagement Strategy & Audience Growth (Instagram)
CHALLENGE
During pandemic closures, the Seattle Japanese Garden needed a way to sustain community engagement and maintain institutional identity without in-person programming.
STRATEGY
Created a consistent, mission-focused digital content calendar to build connection and encourage continued interest in the garden and its programs.
ACTIONS
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Developed near-daily Instagram posting schedule during closure:
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Mon/Tue: Encouraging quotes
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Wed/Fri: Haiku and seasonal reflections
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Thu: Garden history and cultural education
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Partnered with the garden’s photography club to feature community content
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Promoted virtual workshops and webinars through Instagram
IMPACT
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Tripled follower count within the first three months of implementation
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Grew audience to over 8,000 followers over five years
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Sustained engagement throughout pandemic closures
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Strengthened digital presence aligned with cultural mission
LINKS
CASE STUDY 2A
Operational Communication & Stakeholder Alignment
(Internal Communication)
CHALLENGE
The Seattle Japanese Garden needed to formalize agreements with the tea practitioner groups using the Shoseian Tea House. Existing contracts were outdated, borrowed language from unrelated vendor agreements, and caused confusion among both staff and tea group leaders.
STRATEGY
I reviewed historical agreements, conducted interviews with the tea group leaders and internal stakeholders, and clarified ambiguous contract language to reflect the specific needs of the Garden and its cultural partners.
ACTIONS
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Compared the outdated contracts with current operational realities
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Interviewed tea group leaders and internal stakeholders to identify pain points
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Revised contract language for clarity, specificity, and cultural alignment
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Coordinated review and approval with Seattle Parks & Recreation and Arboretum Foundation directors
IMPACT
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Secured binding contracts that accurately reflected operational needs and stakeholder expectations
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Strengthened trust between Garden leadership and tea groups
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Reduced future conflicts and improved clarity for ongoing demonstrations and events
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Demonstrated ability to translate complex organizational needs into clear, actionable documentation
LINKS
CASE STUDY 2B
Operational Communication & Policy Alignment (Website)
CHALLENGE
Confusion around visitor policies (e.g., photography, tripods, pet access, restricted areas) caused stress for limited front desk staff and inconsistent enforcement.
STRATEGY
Listened to frontline staff, identified communication gaps, and translated institutional policy into clear, public-facing messaging.
ACTIONS
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Conducted interviews with cashiers and gate staff to understand operational pain points
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Audited existing site language and clarified confusing or irrelevant terms
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Developed a comprehensive visitor rules webpage with clear policy language
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Recruited volunteer garden monitors to support frontline staff and reinforce messaging gently
IMPACT
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Reduced operational strain on limited staff during peak seasons
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Improved visitor understanding and compliance with garden policies
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Strengthened collaboration between volunteers and staff through clear communication
LINKS
CASE STUDY 3
Strategic Storytelling Supporting Organizational Goals
CHALLENGE
The garden needed to support infrastructure and fundraising priorities (e.g., stone wall repairs) with engaging narrative — not dry institutional bullet points.
STRATEGY
Developed culturally grounded editorial content connecting Japanese cultural knowledge with garden initiatives.
LINKS -- Other Blog Samples
Communications Philosophy
Effective communication happens when strategy meets empathy — when organizational goals are translated clearly for every audience, whether internal staff or community members. My work focuses on making that connection through structured planning, thoughtful messaging, and measurable impact.