Finding Her Path: Olympia Crawford’s Journey from RCC to Higher Ed Marketing

For Olympia Crawford, the journey to becoming a successful graphic designer in higher education has been anything but linear. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a designer, but like many students, her time at Riverside City College (RCC) was an experience of self-discovery, trial, and growth.

Crawford has been a graphic designer in higher education for over a decade, working in marketing, communications, and external relations. Her career has taken her through California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Cal State LA, before landing at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Along the way, she’s sought out opportunities that push her creative limits and expand her professional reach.

“I feel like I’ve been in college and never left,” Crawford joked. “At Dominguez, I was working more on student-focused projects. Then I moved to Cal State LA, where I had the opportunity to work in the marketing and communications division. "That allowed me to work on external campaigns—things like billboards and large-scale marketing efforts, which was a huge goal of mine. I also co-designed the new logo for Cal State LA right before I left in August 2024."

As her career advanced, she realized that private universities like LMU offered even greater opportunities to showcase her work on a larger scale. “At LMU, the resources allow for bigger campaigns. It’s exciting to see my designs on buses, in magazines, and even at LAX. It’s rewarding to see my work in public spaces.”

Looking back at her time at RCC, Crawford sees it as a critical period of exploration. While she had long been drawn to graphic design—having taken her first design class in RCC’s summer youth programs in the ‘90s—she questioned her path during college.

“At RCC, I changed majors multiple times. I tried journalism. I even went to the culinary school. But nothing felt quite right, and I always came back to design,” she recalled.

Crawford found support and inspiration in Ujima, a program focused on African American student success. “Ujima was a great place to meet people from different walks of life. It was inspiring to be around people who had taken different paths, whether they were more independent or overcoming obstacles to get their education. It pushed me to become more independent myself.”

Transferring to Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2013, Crawford found herself well-prepared for the next step in her education. “There’s this stigma around community colleges, but the reality is that you get the same high-quality education—often from the same professors who teach at four-year universities—but for a fraction of the cost. Plus, faculty at community colleges are often paid better, so they truly want to be there and support students.”

With a mother who worked at RCC, education was always a significant part of Crawford’s life. “I feel like I’ve been in college since I was seven,” she laughed. “I grew up around RCC—climbing trees on campus, being surrounded by that environment. I think that influenced my appreciation for education.”

While her career path wasn’t predetermined, Crawford found herself drawn to working in higher ed, not only because of her upbringing but because it allowed her to work on meaningful projects. “Print isn’t dead yet, and in higher education, it’s still a huge component. Seeing my work contribute to student success, whether it’s in recruitment or graduation campaigns, is really rewarding.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Crawford is most proud of her role as a mother. “Being a mom is the hardest job I’ve ever had,” she admitted. “But knowing that I can balance my career and my family is incredibly fulfilling.”

She acknowledges the challenges that working moms face, especially those who are first-generation college students navigating their way through both higher education and the workforce. “My advice is to give yourself grace. It’s not easy, and there’s no perfect balance, but you find a rhythm that works for you. It’s okay to prioritize yourself and your career, too. Your children see that, and it sets an example for them.”

As Crawford reflects on her journey, she remains grateful for her experiences and the growth that came with them. “RCC was a big part of my journey. Those growing pains were necessary. I always say community college should be mandatory—there’s so much value in it.”

With her designs now reaching audiences across Los Angeles, Crawford continues to push herself creatively while inspiring the next generation of students to find their own path—wherever it may lead.