Hey there!

Hey there!

Hey there!

I’m an undergraduate student at Syracuse University, majoring in Information Management & Technology and Visual Communications.


As the child of a military family, I’ve lived in California, Alaska, Alabama, Florida, Virginia, and now New York. Growing up in so many different places exposed me to a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and ways of communicating.


That experience has shaped how I think about information, connection, and design. It’s also what led me to pursue a path where technology and communication intersect—two fields that play a crucial role in how people understand each other and the world.


I’m passionate about using both design and technology to create meaningful, accessible experiences. I’m currently seeking opportunities that will challenge me, expand my skills, and help me make a positive impact. Outside of school I love movies, theater, and video games which are creative outlets that continue to inform my work and perspective.

Education

Work Experience

Work

Experience

Projects

Leadership

Syracuse University, School of Information Studies B.S. Information Management & Technology | Concentration: Web Design & Management

Relevant Coursework: Information Technologies | Introduction to Python for Information Systems | Info Reporting & Presentation | Introduction to Database Management Systems | Data in Society | Introduction to Front-End Web Development | Advanced Front End Web Design | Global Info. Tech. Abroad |

Intro to Information Security

May 2027

Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

B.S. Visual Communications | Concentration: Graphic Design

Relevant Coursework: Communications and Society | Multimedia Storytelling | Introduction to Graphic Design |

Typographic Design | Type and Image Design | Motion Design | UI/UX Design

May 2027


Alumni Services Student Employee, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Sep 2025 – Present

• Support alumni engagement and event operations through data organization and logistics.

• Maintain contact information and event records using Excel spreadsheets.

• Assist with on-site setup and coordination to ensure smooth event execution.

Web Designer, Kappa Theta Pi,

Syracuse University, Sep 2025 – Present

• Redesigned and maintained the fraternity website on Squarespace to improve visual layout and usability.

• Updated member photos and chapter visuals to align with brand identity.

• Worked with executive board to modernize the site and enhance digital presence.

Campus Manager, Fresh Prints,

Syracuse, NY, Mar 2024 – Aug 2024

• Collaborated with client organizations to create custom apparel designs.

• Coordinated with design and operations teams to maintain visual quality and on-time delivery.


Designer | “Fruition Cosmetics”

Syracuse University, Mar 2025 – May 2025

• Created a conceptual fruit-inspired cosmetics brand with a full visual identity, including logos, branding guidelines, and a custom color palette

• Designed product packaging, a subscription box, and billboard advertisements to showcase applications

• Prototyped a mobile shopping app in Figma, utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for design assets

UX/UI Designer | “Pixels & Print: Empower Parkinson”,

Syracuse University, Feb 2025

• Selected for a weekend design sprint hosted by the Newhouse School to create digital solutions for a nonprofit client.

• Collaborated on a UX/UI team to redesign Empower Parkinson’s website for mobile and desktop platforms.

• Focused on improving site accessibility, navigation, and modern visual appeal.


Team Captain, OttoTHON,

Syracuse University, October 2024 – March 2025

• Raised over $200 for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital

• Represented and led Kappa Theta Pi in the OttoTHON 12-hour dance marathon

• Communicated event plans in biweekly meetings and promoted participation across campus

Community Service Chair, Kappa Theta Pi,

Syracuse University, August 2024 – April 2025

• Organized volunteer opportunities for 150+ members, partnering with organizations like

the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Helping Hounds

• Managed and tracked volunteer hours using Excel and presented opportunities via PowerPoint at weekly chapter meetings


Programming Languages: Python; JavaScript; HTML; CSS

Database Management: SQL

Software: MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, Figma

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter(X), YouTube, TikTok

Education

Syracuse University, School of Information Studies B.S. Information Management & Technology | Concentration: Web Design & Management

Relevant Coursework: Information Technologies | Introduction to Python for Information Systems | Info Reporting & Presentation | Introduction to Database Management Systems | Data in Society | Introduction to Front-End Web Development | Advanced Front End Web Design | Global Info. Tech. Abroad |

Intro to Information Security

May 2027

Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

B.S. Visual Communications | Concentration: Graphic Design

Relevant Coursework: Communications and Society | Multimedia Storytelling | Introduction to Graphic Design |

Typographic Design | Type and Image Design | Motion Design | UI/UX Design

May 2027

Work Experience

Alumni Services Student Employee, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Sep 2025 – Present

• Support alumni engagement and event operations through data organization and logistics.

• Maintain contact information and event records using Excel spreadsheets.

• Assist with on-site setup and coordination to ensure smooth event execution.

Web Designer, Kappa Theta Pi,

Syracuse University, Sep 2025 – Present

• Redesigned and maintained the fraternity website on Squarespace to improve visual layout and usability.

• Updated member photos and chapter visuals to align with brand identity.

• Worked with executive board to modernize the site and enhance digital presence.

Campus Manager, Fresh Prints,

Syracuse, NY, Mar 2024 – Aug 2024

• Collaborated with client organizations to create custom apparel designs.

• Coordinated with design and operations teams to maintain visual quality and on-time delivery.

Projects

Designer | “Fruition Cosmetics”

Syracuse University, Mar 2025 – May 2025

• Created a conceptual fruit-inspired cosmetics brand with a full visual identity, including logos, branding guidelines, and a custom color palette

• Designed product packaging, a subscription box, and billboard advertisements to showcase applications

• Prototyped a mobile shopping app in Figma, utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for design assets

UX/UI Designer | “Pixels & Print: Empower Parkinson”,

Syracuse University, Feb 2025

• Selected for a weekend design sprint hosted by the Newhouse School to create digital solutions for a nonprofit client.

• Collaborated on a UX/UI team to redesign Empower Parkinson’s website for mobile and desktop platforms.

• Focused on improving site accessibility, navigation, and modern visual appeal.

Leadership

Team Captain, OttoTHON,

Syracuse University, October 2024 – March 2025

• Raised over $200 for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital

• Represented and led Kappa Theta Pi in the OttoTHON 12-hour dance marathon

• Communicated event plans in biweekly meetings and promoted participation across campus

Community Service Chair, Kappa Theta Pi,

Syracuse University, August 2024 – April 2025

• Organized volunteer opportunities for 150+ members, partnering with organizations like

the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Helping Hounds

• Managed and tracked volunteer hours using Excel and presented opportunities via PowerPoint at weekly chapter meetings

Skills

Programming Languages: Python; JavaScript; HTML; CSS

Database Management: SQL

Software: MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, Figma

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter(X), YouTube, TikTok

Skills

Resume

Resume

Dara Pershing © 2025

Dara Pershing © 2025

Dara Pershing © 2025