The Launch Point: How Wake Forest SPS Alum Deborah Walker Uses Storytelling to Define Equity

The Launch Point is a series where we check in with Wake Forest SPS graduates after graduation to learn more about their careers, successes, and the impact of their degrees.

Deborah Walker lost her job one week before her graduate program began. For most people, that timing would raise a question: pause or move forward?

She chose to move forward.

When Deborah enrolled in the Master of Digital Marketing program at Wake Forest School of Professional Studies (SPS), she was focused on building her skills alongside her early career. The people behind the program played a key role from the start.

Student Success Manager Kenneth George helped guide her through the admissions process, supported her application, and made it clear she wasn’t alone. Deborah leaned on that support to stay grounded while figuring out what came next. 

Less than two years later, she graduated with a clear sense of how she wanted to use digital marketing, storytelling, and strategy in her work.

Now, she is the Communications Specialist at her undergraduate alma mater, Livingstone College. She manages social media strategy and digital storytelling efforts, helping shape how the college connects with its audience and highlights student and community impact. Her work includes developing and executing communications campaigns, writing press releases, creating opportunities for student op-eds and storytelling initiatives, and managing institutional messaging across platforms, contributing to a 700%+ increase in reach across social media platforms.

We sat down with Deborah to learn more about her experience, her work, and what she’s building next.

Exploring Equity Through Education and Media

Wake Forest SPS: What originally drew you to pursue an advanced degree in digital marketing from Wake Forest SPS?

Deborah Walker (DW): When I started thinking about furthering my education, I had just begun my first job after undergrad. I wanted to continue building my skills while also growing in my career. I explored a few programs, but Wake Forest SPS stood out because of how intentional and supportive the staff was. 

I also appreciated how flexible the program was as I navigated the early stages of my career. Being an online program did not mean less work. The professors were incredibly creative in how they structured courses and made sure students stayed engaged while still being challenged academically.

Wake Forest SPS: What were some of your favorite courses or experiences in the program that stand out to you now?

DW: One of my favorite courses was Branding, Storytelling, and Writing for the Digital World. We analyzed brands we interact with every day, like Ulta Beauty and Nike, and took a deeper look at their messaging, audience, and identity.

I also enjoyed learning about the Eight Credos of Challenger Brands. One concept that stuck with me was Building a Lighthouse, which says strong brands know who they are and remain grounded in their values.

Another part of the program I appreciated was learning how to use tools like SpyFu and Jungle Scout to analyze competitors and identify market trends. Understanding how to use data to guide strategy helped me see how digital marketing decisions can be both creative and analytical.

Wake Forest SPS: In what ways did the program prepare you for your current role?

DW: The program helped me understand how powerful digital marketing can be when it’s intentional. It pushed me to think more critically about audience, messaging, and brand identity. In my current role, I apply those lessons every day. Whether I’m managing social media or creating content, I’m always thinking about who we’re trying to reach and how our storytelling reflects our values.

Wake Forest SPS: You were selected as a 2025–2026 Media Fellow with the North Carolina Equity Fellowship through CREED. What inspired you to apply?

DW: Education has played a defining role in my life. I attended public schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, earned my undergraduate degree at Livingstone College, and then completed graduate studies through Wake Forest. Experiencing those different environments gave me a unique perspective on how institutions support students and create opportunities. Livingstone, in particular, instilled a strong sense of community and responsibility to use my voice to uplift others.

As someone working in communications, I wanted to use storytelling to highlight those experiences and contribute to conversations around equity in education. As an African American woman, I also recognize how closely education is tied to generational progress. My family lived through segregation, so the ability to pursue higher education and tell these stories feels deeply meaningful.

Wake Forest SPS: Can you share more about your focus as a Media Fellow?

DW: I’m still refining my project, but I’m interested in exploring how my generation is connected to the legacy of segregation and the transition into integrated educational spaces.

My grandparents grew up during the Jim Crow era, and their experiences continue to shape opportunities today. Through storytelling and media, I want to explore how those generational experiences influence education and access.

Wake Forest SPS: What does equity in education mean to you, and how do you see storytelling playing a role?

DW: To me, equity in education means making sure every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Media and storytelling are powerful tools in that work. When we highlight student experiences and institutional stories, we bring visibility to perspectives that may not always be seen or heard. 

Storytelling has the power to humanize complex issues and preserve important histories. And using media is about documenting lived experiences and helping ensure that the next generation has an even greater opportunity to thrive.

Connect with Deborah on LinkedIn. 

Take the next step in your career and learn more about the Master of Digital Marketing program at Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies. Request information today.