Jaimee Swift

Optimism, Advocacy and Initiative

Throughout her years at Temple, Jaimee Swift repeatedly demonstrated the power of advocacy and continues to do so beyond her cherry and white years.

Swift graduated from Temple in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in communications, but also wanted to pursue journalism.

“My purpose was to become well versed and knowledgeable in my field,” Swift said. This was her first step toward making changes in the lives of others.

Swift used various journalistic platforms at Temple to capture and express the voices of those who felt powerless. She served as president of Her Campus Temple, an online magazine for college women.

In the spring of 2013, Swift used her position on Her Campus to host a social awareness event pertinent to college students. Through Her Campus and the iChoose2live campaign, Swift organized Peace in the City: A Non-Violence and Suicide Prevention Theatre and Music Fest program, held in Temple’s Performing Arts Center.

For Swift, this was more than just an event. She wanted to relay the idea that “something greater was happening,” and that life was a gift to enjoy. The event, which was attended by Mayor Michael Nutter and sponsored by a number of on and off-campus organizations, promoted suicide awareness and non-violence.

Swift’s activities at Temple inspired her to obtain a position serving as the communications and youth advocacy officer for Together for Girls. The organization is a global public-private partnership with a mission to end sexual violence against girls around the world.

Swift is especially grateful for Dr. Scott Gratson, the director of undergraduate studies in the School of Media and Communication and the director of the Interdisciplinary Communications program. The two coordinated a one-on-one independent study.

“She had such an energy and a positive spirit,” Dr. Gratson said. “We both shared a mission for advocacy.”

Gratson spoke of the close faculty-to-student connection in the School of Media and Communication. He finds this connection to be vital for the growth of the student and study focus.

“Temple laid the foundation for me to become who I am,” said Swift, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in political science with a focus in international relations at Howard University. She acknowledged “hard work and hustle” were necessary in order to achieve her goals.

Upon graduation, Swift was inspired by her growth and all of the possibilities that were waiting. Her mission was to go beyond her time at Temple and give a voice to women and girls subdued by oppression and injustice.

Written by Amanda M. Figueroa Diaz

Photographed by Jademan Baker