Kristen Palana - Artist | Associate Professor of Digital Media | Consultant,

Feedback from Kristen’s ex-colleagues

Let me see

Keep in touch with meI'm using Intch to connect with new people. Use this link to open chat with me via Intch app

Work Background

Ma Kalulu Studio | makalulustudio.comOwner

Apr. 2021Rome, Latium, ItalyI draw the world not as it is, but as I envision it can be. Inspired by my time living in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, I incorporate symbols, icons, and patterns charged with cross-cultural significance. Infused with my love of color psychology and rustic, organic textures, my images aim to reinvigorate unapologetic idealists. Read Artist Statement: https://kpalana.com/artists-statement-kristen-palana-2/

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Digital Media & Animation Specialist

Sep. 2019 - Aug. 2024Lilongwe,• Created illustrations, graphic design, animation, infographics, video, learning materials, and organizational messaging across various media platforms. • In 2022 I helped UNFPA Malawi achieve recognition for high performance in communications out of 23 country offices in Southern Africa. • Recent projects include Seasons 1-3 of the "Nthambi" webisodes and social media campaign, dynamic presentation materials for high-level meetings with international and government stakeholders, illustrations for the Peer Mentorship Guidelines Manual, print and social media ads for The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Campaign, illustrations for the UNFPA Malawi Menstrual Health Manual, design of the UNFPA Malawi 2019-2022 Annual Reports, advising a Life Skills CSE educational digital app. for the Ministry of Education, illustrations and animation for UNFPA Eastern and Southern Africa Region, End GBV animation/ illustrations for the Spotlight Initiative, van designs for a fleet of mobile health clinics for the Malawian government, creation of a variety posters, brochures, infographics, folders, and more on an as-needed basis. • I created the pilot Digital Media Accelerator, the only program of its kind in the country teaching essential art, design, multimedia, and communication skills to young Malawian creatives. Graduates of the program are currently able to work on paid, guided media projects for Malawian UN organizations, NGOs, and local businesses to gain experience for careers in the field.

American University of MyanmarAssociate Professor of Digital Media

Aug. 2016 - Dec. 2018Yangon, Myanmar• Designed new curriculum and developed courses for multiple delivery platforms, combining digital media, multimedia, web design, graphic design, and intercultural communication. • Built strategic partnerships: Together with AUM’s Rector created infrastructure and developed national and international partnerships. • Community engagement and service: Led service learning activities with AUM students at Aung Zayer Min Monastery School. • Strategic intercultural communication and fund raising: Created a well-received online Call For Support Video for inspiring overseas investment and awareness in American University of Myanmar. *At the American University of Myanmar (AUM), we embarked on an ambitious journey to establish the first university in Myanmar aimed at awarding internationally recognized degrees. Despite our efforts to comply with and enhance the educational standards in the country, we faced considerable challenges. The Myanmar government's reluctance to align with its own education laws prevented the university from registering undergraduate students. After four years of persistent efforts and negotiations, the institution was unfortunately compelled to close in 2018 due to these insurmountable barriers. For a detailed account of our journey and challenges, please visit https://www.facebook.com/AUM.Myanmar/posts/2010262512337388?

The American University of RomeAssociate Professor of Digital Media | Program Director

Sep. 2006 - Dec. 2016Rome, Latium, ItalyProgram Director of Film and Digital Media (2013-2016) Acting Chair of the Department of Communication & English (2013) • Co-founded and directed the Film and Digital Media Program, developed new courses, fostered local and international partnerships, planned special events, provided internship and career development, managed and evaluated faculty, maintained and developed the Battista Multimedia Lab, ensured sustainable funding, created new scholarships and student awards for artistic and academic achievement, and gathered/acted on student and faculty feedback. Associate Professor of Digital Media (2006-2016. Tenured in 2009) •Taught BA and MA students in Web and Interactive Design, Video, Animation, Graphic Design, and Communication Studies. Coordinated: Multimedia Lab, assisted with Middle States accreditation, initiated student exhibition opportunities, served as an Academic and Capstone Advisor, and created AUR’s University Job Board. Embedded social activism within coursework on digital platforms Other Key Achievements include: Leading and supervising students to: • Produce an award-winning Fight Hunger Commercial for the UN’s World Food Programme. • Crowdfund a successful online fundraising education campaign for a Tanzanian Law Student’s University studies in the course Media, Art, and Social Activism • Crowdfund scholarship and awards of merit opportunities for AUR students.

William Paterson UniversityAssistant Professor of Digital Media

Jan. 2002 - Jul. 2006Wayne, New Jersey, United States• Taught and supervised BA, BFA, and MFA candidates in Art, Computer Graphics, Print, Interactive, and Multimedia courses. • Led and managed people: as Director of Recruitment for the Art Department and assisted students in finding internships and jobs • Coordinated, mentored, and supervised as Thesis Advisor and Academic Advisor • Web Designer for the College of Art and Communications, • Compliance and quality assurance: including curriculum development and NASAD accreditation

kpalana.com -Artist | Professor | ConsultantArtist | Professor | Consultant

Sep. 2000Rome, Latium, Italy (Also: Remote)⚡ Helping organizations communicate persuasively to improve the lives of people globally. • Aiding international organizations in concept development, innovative multimedia content creation and management, project management, and educational training roles. Clients include the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), The British High Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Food Programme (WFP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Public Relations Society of Malawi, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and The Australian High Commission. • My animated films have screened in galleries and museums worldwide and in more than 75 international film festivals attracting numerous “Best Animated Short Film” awards. • Top achievements include creating a weekly animated series for UNFPA Malawi, illustrations for UNICEF, a School Feeding Liberia Short Documentary and a Walk The World Animation for WFP, one of the first crowdfunding websites for Children International, and streaming video content for the iconic rock band, The B-52s. • Coaching, Mentoring & Training of secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate students as a dedicated mentor, career advisor, curriculum builder, and interdisciplinary collaborator known for promoting civic engagement and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. My students have gone on to become confident professionals employed in creative fields, have started their own businesses, and/or have been accepted to graduate school to continue their learning. I also craft training programs catering to diverse audiences, and since 2014, I have also reached 90K online students from 191 countries. • Highly experienced in adapting approaches to the cultural context and to different capacity and other resource levels, while creating innovative curriculum & programs for organizations.

VariousEarlier Positions

Sep. 2000 - Dec. 2005Various academic and NGO positions in education, digital media, art and communication, working in a range of countries • Teaching, curriculum development in digital media, art, and communication • Countries included: Tanzania, India and USA.