蜜桃社

For Olympia Crawford, the journey to becoming a successful graphic designer in higher education has been anything but linear. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a designer, but like many students, her time at 蜜桃社 (RCC) was an experience of self-discovery, trial, and growth.

Crawford has been a graphic designer in higher education for over a decade, working in marketing, communications, and external relations. Her career has taken her through California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Cal State LA, before landing at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Along the way, she鈥檚 sought out opportunities that push her creative limits and expand her professional reach.

鈥淚 feel like I鈥檝e been in college and never left,鈥� Crawford joked. 鈥淎t Dominguez, I was working more on student-focused projects. Then I moved to Cal State LA, where I had the opportunity to work in the marketing and communications division. "That allowed me to work on external campaigns鈥攖hings like billboards and large-scale marketing efforts, which was a huge goal of mine. I also co-designed the new logo for Cal State LA right before I left in August 2024."

As her career advanced, she realized that private universities like LMU offered even greater opportunities to showcase her work on a larger scale. 鈥淎t LMU, the resources allow for bigger campaigns. It鈥檚 exciting to see my designs on buses, in magazines, and even at LAX. It鈥檚 rewarding to see my work in public spaces.鈥�

Looking back at her time at RCC, Crawford sees it as a critical period of exploration. While she had long been drawn to graphic design鈥攈aving taken her first design class in RCC鈥檚 summer youth programs in the 鈥�90s鈥攕he questioned her path during college.

鈥淎t RCC, I changed majors multiple times. I tried journalism. I even went to the culinary school. But nothing felt quite right, and I always came back to design,鈥� she recalled.

Crawford found support and inspiration in Ujima, a program focused on African American student success. 鈥淯jima was a great place to meet people from different walks of life. It was inspiring to be around people who had taken different paths, whether they were more independent or overcoming obstacles to get their education. It pushed me to become more independent myself.鈥�

Transferring to Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2013, Crawford found herself well-prepared for the next step in her education. 鈥淭here鈥檚 this stigma around community colleges, but the reality is that you get the same high-quality education鈥攐ften from the same professors who teach at four-year universities鈥攂ut for a fraction of the cost. Plus, faculty at community colleges are often paid better, so they truly want to be there and support students.鈥�

With a mother who worked at RCC, education was always a significant part of Crawford鈥檚 life. 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檝e been in college since I was seven,鈥� she laughed. 鈥淚 grew up around RCC鈥攃limbing trees on campus, being surrounded by that environment. I think that influenced my appreciation for education.鈥�

While her career path wasn鈥檛 predetermined, Crawford found herself drawn to working in higher ed, not only because of her upbringing but because it allowed her to work on meaningful projects. 鈥淧rint isn鈥檛 dead yet, and in higher education, it鈥檚 still a huge component. Seeing my work contribute to student success, whether it鈥檚 in recruitment or graduation campaigns, is really rewarding.鈥�

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Crawford is most proud of her role as a mother. 鈥淏eing a mom is the hardest job I鈥檝e ever had,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淏ut knowing that I can balance my career and my family is incredibly fulfilling.鈥�

She acknowledges the challenges that working moms face, especially those who are first-generation college students navigating their way through both higher education and the workforce. 鈥淢y advice is to give yourself grace. It鈥檚 not easy, and there鈥檚 no perfect balance, but you find a rhythm that works for you. It鈥檚 okay to prioritize yourself and your career, too. Your children see that, and it sets an example for them.鈥�

As Crawford reflects on her journey, she remains grateful for her experiences and the growth that came with them. 鈥淩CC was a big part of my journey. Those growing pains were necessary. I always say community college should be mandatory鈥攖here鈥檚 so much value in it.鈥�

With her designs now reaching audiences across Los Angeles, Crawford continues to push herself creatively while inspiring the next generation of students to find their own path鈥攚herever it may lead.