Malone alumna featured in About Magazine’s Black Excellence Issue

Whitney Prather ‘08, who studied communication arts and public relations, now serves as founder and CEO of Yokefellow Creative, a boutique branding agency that helps individuals and small businesses develop their brands and communicate their services online through social media. 

“I launched Yokefellow because I knew that it would allow me to do more of the work that makes my heart leap,” Prather said. “I love the visual transformation that branding creates and the way social media builds trust and turns scrollers into loyal fans. There is a mindset transformation that takes place when I work with clients. So often I see them go from focusing on their limitations to finding clarity, confidence, and sophistication. The journey from point A to B is so valuable to me, and it’s a joy to take this journey with clients.”

Prather was recently featured in Stark County’s About Magazine’s Black Excellence Issue. 

“It’s a complete honor that About is taking time to highlight people of color, and I’m excited to be included in this collective,” she said. “For me personally, I’m just so proud and grateful to God for the opportunity to share what I do. It’s amazing.”

Malone played a pivotal role in leading Prather to the work she is doing today. She is grateful for the courses filled with practical information and a community that champions success.

“My college education is linked to the entrepreneurial work that I'm doing today. The opportunities, coursework, and connections I gained at Malone, alongside the investment and the belief my professors had in me, all helped me become the woman and the aspiring leader that I am today,” she said. “I still keep in touch with the professors that made a big impact on me, specifically Ann Lawson, Pamela Hoalt, and Suzie Thomas. The care and the love that these ladies showed me as a young adult has proven invaluable.” 

Malone equipped Prather with a foundation that allowed her to step into a career that is equally fulfilling and rewarding. Not only that, but she found somewhere to belong, a long-lasting place of community.

“I still view the Malone community as my own. Malone has always embraced me and championed my success, and when I need something, I know that my community will be there for me.”