Faith Ann Richards
Bio
Faith Richards is a communications advisor, brand strategist, storyteller, and advocate with a deep commitment to equity, access, and community building. With a background rooted in higher education and nonprofit public affairs, she has led strategic campaigns, coordinated large-scale events, and shaped messaging that centers clarity, inclusion, and impact.
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At Rice University, Faith played a key role in organizing culturally responsive programming ranging from Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations to MLK commemorations and college readiness programs serving underserved students. Known for her ability to build trust across diverse communities and lead with human centered strategy, Faith has been described as a goodwill ambassador and a driving force for positive engagement.
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Driven by a belief that communication is a tool for connection and change, Faith specializes in turning complex ideas into meaningful stories and accessible digital strategies. Her work spans change management, digital storytelling, social, student engagement and programming, and multicultural outreach, all rooted in a values-first approach.
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She is currently based in Houston, where she continues to create spaces where audiences feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Education
Master of Arts in Strategic Communications
University of Houston-Downtown
Focused on strategic messaging, change management, crisis communication, and public health advocacy. Developed applied research skills and a strong foundation in communicating across sectors and developing strategic plans.
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Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Graduated with honors as an Islander, combining studies in media, public relations, and organizational communication. Actively involved in campus leadership, multicultural engagement, and student programming.
Certifications:
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2025 Cohort Rice Business: Customer-centered Strategy Certification ​
Work Experience:
Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Campus Services & Sustainability
Rice University | June 2024 – July 2025
Leads the communications and marketing strategy for CS&S at Rice University, with a focus on building trust, transparency, and community engagement through compelling content and digital storytelling.
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Key Achievements:
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Scaled digital presence to over 30 million engagements and 2,000+ new organic followers in just six months through targeted campaigns and platform strategy.
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Produced two viral reels and achieved 25+ million views in the last academic year, amplifying student voices and campus life in relatable, high-impact ways.
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Created the Food Ambassador Program, a student-led initiative of 25+ ambassadors who bridge the gap between dining services and the student body through real-time feedback, content creation, and peer-to-peer outreach.
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Drive integrated campaigns that span crisis communications, service updates, major event promotion, and cross-campus collaborations with a deep emphasis on accessibility and inclusive storytelling.
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Partner closely with university leadership, dining teams, and students to ensure all messaging is community-informed, equity-driven, and actionable.
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Communications Specialist, Office of Operations, Finance & Support
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Rice University | March 2023 – May 2024
Led strategic communications for the Finance & Administration division, translating complex operational updates into accessible, student-centered messaging.
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Key Achievements:
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Developed change management materials and communication strategies tied to operational shifts, campus construction, and service updates.
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Collaborated with leadership across departments—Finance, Facilities, Human Resources, and more—to unify internal messaging and improve transparency.
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Produced high-impact digital content, email campaigns, and stakeholder updates that helped demystify campus operations and strengthen engagement with professional staff and students.
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Designed and maintained Asana-based workflows to streamline communications and social media planning across teams.
Events & Public Affairs Specialist, Multicultural Community Relations
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Rice University – Public Affairs | 2023 – 2024
Planned and executed over 50+ multicultural outreach initiatives to strengthen university ties with Houston’s diverse communities.
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Key Achievements:
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Organized key events such as the MLK Vigil, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, community luncheons, and the Asians in Houston exhibit in partnership with the Houston Public Library.
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Played a pivotal role in Rice’s college readiness program, building trust with over 100 underserved high school students and volunteers through relational leadership and program excellence.
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Acted as a bridge between the university and Houston’s various diverse communities, elevating stories and ensuring programming reflected the diversity and values of its audiences.
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Recognized by university leadership for consistently going above and beyond expectations, with a reputation as a “goodwill ambassador” for Rice.
Recruitment Communications Coordinator
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Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi | 2020 – 2021
Led communications strategy for student recruitment within the Office of Enrollment Management, ensuring messaging reflected the university’s values of access, diversity, and student success.
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Key Achievements:
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Designed and executed multi-channel campaigns to recruit prospective students—highlighting academic programs, student life, and admissions deadlines across email, web, and social media.
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Collaborated with admissions counselors and campus partners to deliver targeted messaging tailored to first-generation, transfer, and underrepresented student audiences.
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Revamped recruitment materials to improve visual appeal, accessibility, and message clarity—resulting in increased engagement during virtual and in-person recruitment seasons.
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Produced branded content, including infographics, brochures, and campus spotlights, contributing to a stronger digital-first recruitment strategy during the pandemic era.
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