Preston High School
$8.5M secured · Featured in The New York Times
CLIENT
Preston High School - a private, all-girls Catholic school in the Bronx with a 75-year legacy of academic excellence, leadership development, and community impact.
The Challenge
In early 2025, a false narrative of financial hardship threatened to close the school; the truth was healthy enrollment and a decision made by property owners, not leadership.
The Work
A full campaign infrastructure, including website and newsletter strategy and execution, media strategy, community mobilization, and a repositioned story, all run from one source instead of multiple stakeholders, including staff, students, alumni, and advocates, improvising separately.
THE OUTCOME
$8.5M through a landmark deal with Bally’s Foundation; full autonomy over operations preserved; a blueprint now usable for other institutions facing the same fight.
Why It Worked
The moment the narrative got corrected, everyone encountering Preston's story, alumni, elected officials, the press, walked into the truth instead of a false version of it. Clear messaging gave every one of them the language to fight effectively.
When the story people are experiencing doesn't match reality, correcting it isn't optional. It's the whole fight.
Ready to build your own infrastructure? Assess your organization.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This campaign was powered by the fierce leadership of Jackeline Stewart-Hawkins, Andrea Donkor, Stephanie Fedak Rodriguez, Vanessa Javier, and Crystal Donkor, alongside the unwavering commitment of Principal Jennifer Connolly, each of whom carried this movement with grace, grit, and a clear vision for what Preston is and will continue to be—a safe space for girls to grow into women who change the world.
Kind Words
Vanessa Javier
It’s been such a joy having you as part of this process, and your energy, creativity, and support have made such an impact.