Kam Heslop
- Position: Assistant Director of Communications
- Department: North Carolina Textile Foundation
- Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
What was your path to this position?
Since 2009, I’ve used my web and print writing and graphic design skills to inspire key audiences at top-ranked universities to act. Audiences have been encouraged to give financially, reconnect with their alma maters and make the most out of their college experiences.
Before joining the North Carolina Textile Foundation, I served as the alumni and development communications specialist at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In that role, I served as a liaison between university communications and university advancement, which includes development, annual giving, donor relations, planned giving and the alumni association. What I loved the most about that role was writing articles about the impact of giving and the power of philanthropy. Prior to that position, I served as UNC Charlotte’s coordinator of alumni communications and was the sole communicator for the university’s alumni association.
Before UNC Charlotte, I lived and worked abroad in Daegu, South Korea, for about eight months as an English teacher. I decided to take time off and follow my passion for the Korean language and culture after finishing graduate school and my father passing away.
Prior to that experience, I served as a communications coordinator at my own alma mater, The Ohio State University, for eight years. While there, I worked in communications within the 1) College of Education and Human Ecology and 2) the College of Engineering, specifically in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication and a master’s degree in public policy and management from Ohio State.
Why were you interested in this position / in working at the Wilson College?
While working at Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology, I was able to communicate about the college’s fashion and retail studies program. That area always held a special place in my heart, so that sparked my initial interest in learning more about the Wilson College of Textiles.
When I read more, I was amazed by the incredible research coming out of the Wilson College: mosquito- and heat-resistant fabrics, sustainable fashion and stem cell research.
I was specifically interested in the North Carolina Textile Foundation because donor support had an incredible impact on my own life trajectory.
After my father got sick, I had to stop attending my private all-girls high school in Cleveland. I felt completely lost. I was amazed when the administration at the school got together and created a scholarship for me (funded by an anonymous donor) to allow me to re-enroll. My parents were only responsible for paying a small fee.
Because of that scholarship and that donor, I was able to receive a world-class education. That led to me being offered a merit-based scholarship to attend Ohio State. While there, I received another scholarship that allowed me to study abroad and leave the country for the first time in my life (during a spring break service-learning trip to England). Donor support changed my life, so I feel an incredible connection to this area.
In my early 20s, my father passed away due to his illness. Unfortunately, he was unable to witness many of the major events in my life, like attending my graduate school commencement ceremony, visiting me in Korea when I lived abroad, walking me down the aisle during my wedding in 2021 or meeting my bonus son. But, I’ve never seen him more proud than when I first graduated from Ohio State! That moment was made possible because of philanthropy and the generous support of donors.
What are your duties on a day-to-day basis?
In my position, I create compelling and concise content in support of the North Carolina Textile Foundation and the Wilson College of Textiles’ strategic and annual priorities. I am also responsible for writing and editing a variety of digital and print material such as stories, event and video scripts, gift acknowledgment templates, impact reports, annual and strategic plans and other development materials.
I work closely with development and communications colleagues within the North Carolina Textile Foundation, the Wilson College of Textiles and University Advancement to imagine, plan, create and implement strategic communications that underscore the impact of philanthropy and target a variety of audiences.
What is your favorite part of your job and/or working at the Wilson College of Textiles?
I love the close-knit community that exists within the Wilson College of Textiles! I feel like a valued member of the team, and I really love that. My NCTF colleagues are incredibly hardworking and kind. They are experts in their fields, and I’m so lucky to work alongside such talented individuals . #WilsonForLife
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my bonus son and our adorable dog, Coco. I also enjoy traveling (I’ve been to eight countries) and bike riding! My newest hobby is sewing. A bonus room in our home has just been converted into a craft room for me. I can’t wait to create crafts to share with friends, family and my coworkers!
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