Tulsa cultural industry representatives discuss career pathways

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa will host a live Q&A session with a panel of industry representatives in local pop culture, film, government, history and communication careers on July 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. with the goal of exhibiting the educational routes Tulsans can take to find careers in culture-centered fields.

The OSU-Tulsa Careers in Culture informational event, hosted in the OSU-Tulsa Conference Center, will also feature a meet and greet with the panelists and OSU-Tulsa faculty leaders in related bachelor’s degree programs. Food will be provided at the event, which will focus on the impact of four specific programs offered at OSU-Tulsa, including American Studies, Africana Studies, History and Strategic Communication: Entertainment Media.

“Tulsa is a growing arts and cultural hub, with new employment opportunities in creative, historic and governmental fields being created at a rapid pace,” said Megan Pitt, OSU-Tulsa recruitment manager. “We want to show new and future students that there are plentiful career opportunities in these industries, and that Tulsa employers are looking for the skills taught in our world-class bachelor’s degree programs.”

Careers in Culture Panelists

The Q&A panel includes diverse leaders and influencers, showcasing successful Tulsa residents with careers in film, museums, the arts, education and activism.

Phil Armstrong served as the project director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission under the Tulsa Community Foundation starting in 2019. He led all coordination for fundraising, educational curriculum, economic development initiatives and construction projects, including the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center. He is currently the interim executive director of the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center.

Zach Litwack is a filmmaker and film educator with over 20 years of experience. His fiction and documentary films have screened at numerous festivals, including The Cannes Film Festival and the Kansas City International Film Festival. He serves as a filmmaker in residence at OSU-Tulsa, where he teaches film workshops and helps develop curriculum for the college’s burgeoning film education program.

Vanessa Adams-Harris works in Outreach & Alliances for the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, where she trains and educates community members on topics related to the history of Black and Native people in Oklahoma. She is also an artist, actor, producer, director, documentary filmmaker, workshop facilitator, docent, human rights community activist and spirit walker.

Jonathan Townsend is the executive director at the Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences and a planning commissioner for the City of Broken Arrow. Prior to his current position, Townsend also served as the community relations manager for Gathering Place and the assistant to the mayor for community development and policy for the City of Tulsa.

Hannah Jackson is a partner, EVP and DEI director at public relations and leadership development firm Schnake Turnbo Frank. Prior to her 9 years at STF, Jackson was the communications manager at the Tulsa Regional Chamber. She is also involved in community organizations such as Tulsa’s LGBT Women’s Network, Mosaic Membership Committee, Tulsa’s Young Professionals, Global Gardens and the Oklahoma Sustainability Network.

Reserve Your Spot

Registration for the event is encouraged. Those interested can register online. Parking is free campuswide.

For questions about the OSU-Tulsa Careers in Culture info event, contact OSU-Tulsa recruitment manager Megan Pitt at 918-594-8270 or megan.pitt@okstate.edu