Amplify Culture
Community Ambassador: Gina DeLong
From Design to Difference: How Gina DeLong Champions Community Through Creativity
For some, creative direction might seem far removed from the day-to-day needs of public schools. But for Gina DeLong, Amplify’s Creative Director, the two worlds are deeply connected by a shared purpose: building stronger communities.
Designing for Impact
Before joining Amplify, volunteering wasn’t a big part of Gina’s life. That changed when she discovered Amplify’s paid volunteer hours benefit. “It’s my favorite, favorite, favorite benefit,” she says. “It gives me the time and freedom to make a real difference.”
Today, Gina dedicates much of that time to Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)—an organization close to her heart. “I was an MPS kid and so are MY kids,” she explains. “I believe in the public school system and creating an equitable learning environment for all kids. We all do better when we all do better!”
“I believe in the public school system and creating an equitable learning environment for all kids.”
She uses her professional skills to bridge gaps between schools and families. “As Amplify’s Creative Director, I get to use 100% of my work skills when I volunteer,” Gina says. “Digital newsletters, take-home flyers, yearbook design, social media posts.”
Why Amplify?
“This is my third round at Amplify,” she laughs. “I’ve discovered through trial and error that the grass is NOT greener anywhere else. Hoping they’ll just let me stay until it’s pasture time.” For Gina, Amplify isn’t just a workplace, it’s a place that values humanity and kindness. And that commitment to community is what inspires her to give back.
Gina believes choosing a workplace that encourages volunteerism is life-changing. “If you find one of these unicorns in your own world, hang on for dear life,” she says. “It’s an incredible ride!”
At Amplify, giving back isn’t just a policy, it’s part of the culture. And for Gina, that means using creativity not just to design campaigns, but to design a better future for kids in her community.
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
“Just ask, what can I do?”
For those unsure where to start, Gina’s advice is simple: “Just ask, ‘What can I do?’ and you’ll get swept in. There is so much need in our communities, especially now when many programs and systems have been defunded.”
