From Our Perspective: Black Publishing Professionals Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 29th 4:00 p.m. ET
A world of opportunity
Far more than just books, the publishing industry relies on roles as wide-ranging as technology, engineering, sales, marketing, project management, human resources, and data analytics. Join the Black in Publishing panel discussion on Thursday, April 29th at 4:00 p.m. ET to hear as Macmillan Publishing employees discuss their professional journeys, provide advice for students interested in learning more about the publishing industry, and share information about potential employment opportunities at Macmillan.
Meet the Panelists
Design Services
With 20 years of publishing experience at Pearson, John Wiley & Sons, and Taylor & Francis, Natasha Wolfe has learned many facets of publishing throughout her tenure. Currently, she’s a highly accomplished Senior Design Services Manager for Macmillan Learning’s STEM and Social Science titles directing all aspects of a book’s design ensuring it is rich in both text and imagery, while still being accessible for all users. Natasha is committed to helping younger BIPOCs find opportunities and have success in the publishing industry.
Human Resources
Natalie Gordon has over 15 years of experience in employee benefits. Natalie earned a BA in Human Resource Management from Rider University in New Jersey. Natalie has worked in different industries varying from insurance, consultant to transitioning to work within an HR department. Since 2018, Natalie has been the Benefits Manager for Macmillan Publishing and currently serves as one of the co-chairs of the newly-created BAAG (Macmillan’s Black/African American Group) Employee Resource Group in 2020.
Engineering/Tech
Jason Walker loves a good challenge and brings more than 15 years of experience as a customer-focused product manager & strategy consultant, with a track record of envisioning and successfully launching both B2B & B2C experiences to his current role as Director of Product eCommerce & Integrations at Macmillan Learning. Committed to developing products that drive business results and create valuable and unique user experiences, Jason is an experienced manager, mentor, and cross-functional team leader.
Marketing
With nearly 15 years in the educational publishing and technology industry, Phoenix currently manages Macmillan Learning’s Enterprise and High School Solutions marketing teams. Ensuring that the voice of teachers and learners are clearly and compellingly reflected in product development, messaging, and customer experiences, Phoenix has developed go-to-market strategies for of educational technology solutions for engineering, nursing, open educational resources, and student retention, and is currently completing her doctorate in Educational Technology.
Event Coordination
Since graduating from Pace University’s Publishing Program in 2002, Dominique has worn many hats. From sales rep at Oxford University Press, to marketing roles at Oxford University Press and Penguin Group, USA, to her current role as a Senior Manager on the author events team at Macmillan Publishing where she coordinates author tours and manages trade shows and is committed to using her voice to support and encourage colleagues. Dominique can usually be found reading while walking, and talking to strangers about books on the train.
Sales
Keith Barksdale is a successful sales professional with an established track record of consistently exceeding sales goals. Keith brings more than a decade of higher education experience - including roles at College of Charleston and Georgia Military College and a Masters in Higher Education Administrator - and is known for masterfully connecting with people, understanding their needs, and identifying the best possible solutions to help them achieve their desired outcomes.
