Amerika Blair (’24SPS, M.S. in Strategic Communication), director of innovation embedded in the Mayor’s Office in Montgomery, Alabama, is working to build thriving communities that are safe and climate-resilient, and which support and encourage the growth of residents’ wealth.
A graduate of the M.S. in Strategic Communication (SCOM) program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, Blair applies skills she developed through the program to her work—taking complex issues like energy-related cost burdens or aging housing stock and framing them as “compelling and human-centered narratives to drive innovation and large-scale projects.”
She does so by translating qualitative data points into relatable, actionable stories to generate interest and buy-in from various partners, including elected officials, funders, and residents in other cities.
“I'm able to use strategic communication to align [visions for the community] with the mayor's priorities to ensure that communities are thriving, that assets are protected, and community members are able to generate and build that wealth,” Blair said.
Blair's work is a part of an investment that spans over 25 cities, focusing on building cleaner, more resilient, and economically thriving communities. She works closely with the mayor and their leadership team, as well as departmental staff, external experts, community organizations, and residents, to ensure the innovation team delivers impactful solutions.
Data-based and Strategic Storytelling
As a native of Montgomery, Blair may have had a leg up in relating to members of the communities she was working with. As a native of Montgomery, with lived experiences locally and nationally, Blair understands that change happens at the speed of trust. Even with the best intentions, the work is sometimes met with skepticism from those who have had promises unfulfilled.
“We really had to ensure that we were building that trust with those residents and key stakeholders. We try to lead with collective framing, understanding that nothing can happen in silos,” she said.
To better understand the current landscape and to produce data-driven solutions, Blair worked with her team to lead qualitative research that engaged residents of the communities and partners across the mayoral, county commission, and city council levels. She credits her time at SPS with helping her “be able to shapeshift and create those storytelling narratives and leverage business acumen to make data-informed decisions that impact all partners involved.”
“I think oftentimes a lot of people discount the impact of strategic storytelling and strategic communications,” said Blair. “But it really frames calls to action and it frames behavior changes and change management. And I've been able to really see that come into fruition at this current juncture.”
Making the Most of an SPS Degree
Through her work with the Montgomery Mayor’s Office, Blair has discovered that many lessons from the program still resonate. “I've gone back to my coursework several times and the books that I've had to read throughout the program, and it's been impactful,” Blair said.
In particular, Blair cites the Data Analytics course, noting: “I knew a little bit about data storytelling, but I was really propelled to use different skills and frame it in a different way.” She also frequently refers to her work during her capstone project when building qualitative and quantitative data, and makes sure to take a human-centered approach in her government work as a result of lessons learned from the Ethical Communications course.
Blair’s initial decision to attend SPS grew out of a general interest in communications, community engagement, business development, and branding in the public and private sector. “I was trying to wrap my head around how all of that really paired together in this current iteration of communications and business development,” she said. “I was doing some research and I came across Columbia’s program.”
Although Blair was accepted into the SCOM program in 2021, she initially deferred enrollment, as she did not want to sacrifice her full-time job. When SPS revamped the program to include a part-time option, Blair jumped in, keeping her full-time job and serving in the military while studying in the hybrid program.
Strategic Communication’s Lasting Impacts
“When I came into this program, I did not necessarily desire a traditional communications role. But I wanted to utilize those skills to enact and impact social movements or changes or behavior changes, and business development or scale,” she said.
Blair was able to ultimately use what she learned in the SCOM program as a lever to change policy decisions, to innovate within her role, and to contribute significantly to local community development and operational development.
Aside from her role embedded in the mayor’s office, she used her skills to develop the Blair Family Foundation, co-founded with her husband, a micro-philanthropic initiative designed to empower future generations by expanding access to education, leadership, and opportunity. Blair also created the Outspoken Collective, a movement created to amplify voices, deepen civic engagement, and foster transformative connections.
To new and prospective students, Blair says that even those who are reluctant to join the program because they’re not interested in a so-called “traditional” communications role should still consider joining.
“It's really tailored to more than just the traditional communications program,” she said. “I can use [the skillset I developed] in different junctures of my life, and I have definitely applied it in all junctures of my life, including entrepreneurial development.”
About the Program
Columbia University's M.S. in Strategic Communication program empowers current and aspiring leaders to shape the future through strategic communication. It is designed to respond to the urgent need for global perspectives, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making at all levels of organization. The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes audience-centered strategy and digital competency. Distinguished scholar-practitioner faculty bring real-world experience into the classroom and provide a learning experience that is immediately relevant in the workplace.
The program is available full-time on campus or part-time online with residencies. The part-time format is ideal for experienced full-time professionals based in or outside the New York metropolitan area. Learn more about the program here.
