A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Emily Kozina

Emily Kozina discovered her passion for social media in college at Purdue University Northwest while working with the school’s new students in a program called New Student Orientation. In that program, she would take new students on tours of campus as part of the orientation. She was approached by the head of the program to oversee social media for New Student Orientation.

“My boss saw my interest was in being creative,” she said.

While in college, Kozina also worked with local Lakeshore PBS. It was this role that further solidified her social media career. Now, Kozina coordinates social media for Portage Township Schools. She has been in her role as the digital media specialist for about a year.

The role mainly entails social media strategy and content creation, including reels, messaging, and photo posts. In total, Portage Township Schools has eight elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school, and PACE Virtual Academy.

“I try to make all my rounds to get all the content over there for things like reels and photos,” said Kozina.

Kozina can often be seen at the schools collecting content, including video and photos, for social media. When she visits the schools to collect that content, she enjoys connecting with the students. The students have a lot of fun being a part of the process.

“My favorite part is getting to go around the schools and interact with the kids. They love seeing the camera—especially the elementary school kids,” said Kozina.

Kozina also finds it rewarding to see the parents’ reactions to the content that highlights their children.

As an undergrad, Kozina studied broadcast journalism, and she’s able to lean on her experience with camera production work in her current role. Before accepting her role as Digital Media Specialist for Portage Township Schools, she worked on the GreatNews.Life team as a publishing and social media specialist for two years.

Through her various social media positions, she has learned the ins and outs of many social media platforms.

“I think l like Instagram the most because of the capabilities and the things you’re able to do with it,” said Kozina.

Kozina’s role with Portage Township Schools allows her to use her interest in social media and digital media every day. Through video and photos, she’s a key storyteller for the local schools and their stakeholders, including the students.

Kozina grew up in Lowell. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, and she recently attended a Twenty One Pilots concert.