CHLOE KOWALYK
News Editor
NIKKI INDELICATO
Life & Arts Editor
A storyboard revisionist at Marvel Studios and an award-winning founder of her own company will be returning to campus this week to connect with SUNY Fredonia students.
Jordan and Jakera Willis will be the speakers of the Writers@Work event “From Superfoods to Superheroes: Creating Content to Inspire and Amaze.” The pair both graduated from Fredonia.
Jordan, who graduated in 2014 with a degree in visual arts and new media, found his success in animation, and has worked for Dreamworks Animation and on the upcoming Netflix show “Sonic Prime,” produced by Wildbrain Studios. He is currently working for Marvel Studios where he is working on the “X-Men ‘97” show that will be released in 2023.
Jakera graduated from Fredonia in 2015 with a degree in psychology. She is the founder of her own company — Jakera and Company — and works to bridge the food gap in underrepresented communities by connecting with other entrepreneurs, brands and influencers.
Jakera is also the marketing and communications manager for nonprofit organization Elizabeth House, supporting pregnant women and children experiencing homelessness.
Both Jakera and Jordan found their roots of success right here at SUNY Fredonia. The duo explained that getting involved in various clubs and programs helped them find their interests.
“Some of the skills that I learned at leading groups and clubs and things, I think, nicely transitioned over to when I started to work professionally,” Jakera said. For Jakera and Jordan, it was helpful to join clubs such as Black Student Union, Brother 2 Brother and Sister Circle to gain a sense of independence and network with their peers.
At the event, the alums hope to give students some of their best advice.
Jordan said, “It’s important to know that education doesn’t stop. I am still a student… I [try] to learn from everyone everywhere, and by doing that, I continue to grow. I think that helped me get to where I am right now.” He explained how he tries not to limit his education to only scholarly environments, but rather, he tries to find something new to learn in every experience he finds himself in.
Jakera highlighted the confused feelings that many students in undergraduate school may be experiencing. She noted that it’s very common for students to still be unsure of what they want to major in or pursue when they come to college.
“I think a lot of people put a lot of pressure on themselves… While it’s always good to have a plan… I encourage people to try lots of different things, even if it’s something that they never thought that they would be interested in,” Jakera said.
Both Jordan and Jakera plan to show students how they can craft their own success through the opportunities, individuals and programs available to them right on campus. “Just realizing your passion and putting 100% into it, working hard… that’s how I was able to get to where I am, just being relentless in what I wanted to do,” Jordan said.
SUNY Fredonia students will get a chance to connect with Jordan and Jakera at three different events under the Writers@Work program. All three events are free.
On Wednesday, April 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., students can meet Jordan and Jakera in the Williams Center in room S204. There will also be free acai bowls available to students.
Two more events will be held on Friday, April 22. The first is a free Founders Luncheon with Jakera from noon to 1 p.m where students can learn about building a brand and pitching a vision. The luncheon is located in Fredonia’s Technology Incubator on 214 Central Ave.
The second event is a Meet and Greet and Q&A with Jakera and Jordan from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Intercultural Center Lounge, in room S226 B in the Williams Center. Here, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the pair.
Both Jakera and Jordan expressed their excitement about the events. “I think the most exciting part [is] just kind of taking everything that I learned since graduation day and kind of giving it back to the students,” Jakera said.
The Writers@Work events are sponsored by many organizations, including Faculty Student Association and the Carnahan Jackson Humanities Fund of the Fredonia College Foundation.