New Designer Joins Columbia Union Conference Communication Team

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

The Communication Department recently welcomed Kylie Kajiura—the Columbia Union Conference’s new graphic designer. An Andrews University graduate and former Columbia Union Visitor intern, Kajiura grew up in Columbia, Md., and most recently worked as the Marketing director and graphic designer at Potomac Conference’s LivingWell store in Silver Spring, Md.

“I am looking forward to this job because I find the stories and the people in the Columbia Union inspiring, and I look forward to helping share these stories in a unique way,” says Kajiura. “I think my internship experience definitely impacted my decision. I learned so much from the Visitor team and got to know the Columbia Union a lot better.”

Kelly Buter Coe, vice president for Communication and art director for the union, says, “Kylie is a self-starter, creative and innovative—she looks at things differently.” Coe adds that Kajiura brings the perspective of another generation to the Communication team—which is important, as they try to reach all generations through its various outlets, including print and digital. 

“I became a designer because I enjoy communication and appreciate how design can influence our perception and consumption of information. I find it fascinating how design can help organize and present information in a way more easily understood and how it can convey the tone of a story even before it is read,” says Kajiura. “I see the role of a designer as a bit of a problem-solver, finding the purpose and goal of a piece and making sure the design helps fulfill that purpose.”

Coe adds that beyond design, Kajiura has a talent for implementing new technology and organizational methods. 

Kajura will design the Visitor magazine, projects and materials for the union, manage the Columbia Union Conference app, and create graphics and videos for social media.