--- title: Xodus Collective Case Study | Chantia Davis description: How I took Xodus Collective from an early-stage idea to a live community education pilot in two months with no marketing budget. --- [← Chantia Davis](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/?hsLang=en) [Work](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/#work)[About](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/#about)[Contact](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/#contact)Resume ![](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAHYF8JI57Y-1.png) # XodusCollectiveCase Study ## Milwaukee, WI · Dec – Feb 2025 ## At a glance ### My role Creative & Launch Director ### Team Partnered with the founder and founding educators ### Timeline Dec 2024 – Feb 2025 · about 8 weeks ### Deliverables Event strategy, brand identity, marketing, video & keynote, run-of-show, live facilitation At a glanceHover to explore My role01 Creative & Launch Director Team02 Partnered with the founder and founding educators Timeline03 Dec 2024 – Feb 2025 · about 8 weeks Deliverables04 - Event strategy - brand identity - marketing - video & keynote - run-of-show - live facilitation Case Study 01 · Milwaukee, WI · Dec – Feb 2025 # Xodus *Collective* From an early-stage idea to a live community education pilot in about two months, launched with no marketing budget. From an early-stage idea to a live community education pilot in about two months, launched with no marketing budget. Who Xodus is ## A safe harbor for *Black excellence,* liberatory educators, and the conscious collective. --- The Xodus Collective is dedicated to supporting and elevating liberatory educators and youth socialization professionals in Milwaukee. Founded by African American educators in response to the urgent needs of Black youth, Xodus works to equip them with the competencies and consciousness necessary to address community challenges. Chapter 01of 05 ## The Vision Every movement starts as a conversation. The mission Improve the quality of education by equipping teachers with better tools. Mr. Rogers saw three things that decide whether a classroom works. Xodus exists to strengthen each one. 01StructureClassrooms that hold together. Clear routines and expectations, so every student knows where they stand and what comes next. 02FlowLessons that move without friction. Pacing and transitions that keep students engaged instead of waiting, drifting, or shutting down. 03RapportStudents who feel seen. Relationships built on trust and cultural understanding, so students show up ready to learn. ### The Collective’s Pillars Hover or tap a pillar to open it. 01 Celebrate and honor educators i. #### Celebrate and honor educators Recognizing and uplifting those dedicated to liberatory teaching. 02 Foster professional growth ii. #### Foster professional growth Development opportunities that strengthen educators’ skills in liberatory pedagogy. 03 Promote holistic education models iii. #### Promote holistic education models Embedding Black wisdom into systems that inspire innovation and self-determination. 04 Resistance to cultural suppression iv. #### Resistance to cultural suppression Pushing back against the erasure and distortion of Black history in education. 05 Safe & reflective spaces v. #### Safe & reflective spaces Environments where educators and students can engage in meaningful reflection and healing. 06 Fluid community of practice vi. #### Fluid community of practice Adaptive, responsive spaces where educators continuously learn and evolve. Mr. Rogers had the educational expertise to make it happen, but he needed a partner to bring it to the public. That’s where I came in. I architected the launch from the ground up, taking a powerful concept and engineering a polished, high-impact launch, proving you don’t need a massive budget to create a massive presence. ## How I got there Hover or tap a card to flip it. 01 ### The strategy 01 ### The strategy Designed the launch strategy from the ground up, turning a powerful concept into a clear public debut. 02 ### The event format 02 ### The event format Shaped the pilot from a one-way lecture into an interactive, high-engagement workshop. 03 ### The keynote 03 ### The keynote Wrote and designed the keynote presentation that introduced Xodus to the room. 04 ### The digital footprint 04 ### The digital footprint Built the brand’s and founder’s online presence so people could find, follow, and register. 05 ### The logistics 05 ### The logistics Managed venue setup and team coordination so the day ran on time and on message. 06 ### The budget 06 ### The budget Delivered all of it with $0 in marketing spend. Chapter 02of 05 ## The Shape Before anything could be designed, the idea needed a form. What I built Strategic Concept Transformed the founder’s raw vision from a standard one-way lecture into a high-engagement, interactive workshop model. ![XODUS Mockup (3)](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(3).png) The Collective ### Xodus Collective A Milwaukee network founded by African American educators to support liberatory educators and youth socialization professionals. ![XODUS Mockup (1)](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(1).png) The Offerings ### Workshops & Think Tanks Trainings, a resource hub, reflective circles, and think tank sessions for educators of Black youth. ![XODUS Mockup](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup.png) The Launch ### The Maroon Gathering The pilot event that introduced Xodus Collective to the public and signed up its first members. Chapter 03of 05 ## The Face Then it needed to be seen. What I built Brand Architecture Designed the complete visual ecosystem, including the core logo, comprehensive brand guidelines, bespoke business cards, and merchandise mockups. ![XODUS Mockup (5)](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(5).png) **01***Primary wordmark & tagline* ![XODUS Mockup (6)](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(6).png) **02***Member’s watermark seal* ![Company Cards (Black)](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Company%20Cards%20(Black).png) **03***Business cards, dark* ![Company Cards (White)](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Company%20Cards%20(White).png) **04***Business cards, light* ![Letterhead Mockup for Xodus Collective by Chantia Davis at Eclectic Lyfe](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Letterhead%20Mockup.png) **05***Letterhead* The identity ### What I *designed* ![Xodus Collective primary wordmark and tagline](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(5).png) **01**Primary wordmark & tagline ![Xodus Collective member's watermark seal](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(6).png) **02**Member’s watermark seal ![Xodus Collective business cards, dark](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Company%20Cards%20(Black).png) **03**Business cards, dark ![Xodus Collective business cards, light](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Company%20Cards%20(White).png) **04**Business cards, light ![Letterhead Mockup for Xodus Collective by Chantia Davis at Eclectic Lyfe](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Letterhead%20Mockup.png) **05**Letterhead 01 / 05Swipe → The identity ## What I *designed* ![Xodus Collective primary wordmark and tagline](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(5).png) Primary wordmark & tagline ![Xodus Collective member's watermark seal](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/XODUS%20Mockup%20(6).png) Member’s watermark seal ![Xodus Collective business cards, dark](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Company%20Cards%20(Black).png) Business cards, dark ![Xodus Collective business cards, light](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Company%20Cards%20(White).png) Business cards, light ![Letterhead Mockup for Xodus Collective by Chantia Davis at Eclectic Lyfe](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Letterhead%20Mockup.png) Letterhead ### Then the brand stepped *off the screen.* ![34-3](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/34-3.png) Event tent \+ ![35-2](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/35-2.png) Tent · aerial \+ ![Top view Xodus Collective table created by Chantia Davis at Eclectic Lyfe ](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/37-2.png) Top View Table Throw \+ ![36-2](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/36-2.png) Table throw \+ ![3-Oct-15-2026-04-46-54-3388-PM](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/3-Oct-15-2026-04-46-54-3388-PM.png) Notebooks \+ ![Straight Outta Xodus Shirt (Front)-1](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/Straight%20Outta%20Xodus%20Shirt%20(Front)-1.png) Tee \+ ![MOCKUP LOGIN for Xodus Collective created by Chantia Davis at Ecletic Lyfe](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/MOCKUP%20LOGIN.png) Login Screen \+ In the world ## Then the brand stepped*off the screen.* ![Xodus Collective event tent](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/34-3.png?width=600&height=600&name=34-3.png) Event tent ![Xodus Collective tent, aerial view](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/35-2.png?width=600&height=600&name=35-2.png) Tent · aerial ![Top view Xodus Collective table created by Chantia Davis at Eclectic Lyfe](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/37-2.png?width=600&height=600&name=37-2.png) Table throw · top view ![Xodus Collective table throw](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/36-2.png?width=600&height=600&name=36-2.png) Table throw ![Xodus Collective notebooks](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-Oct-15-2026-04-46-54-3388-PM.png?width=600&height=600&name=3-Oct-15-2026-04-46-54-3388-PM.png) Notebooks ![Straight Outta Xodus tee](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Straight%20Outta%20Xodus%20Shirt%20(Front)-1.png?width=600&height=600&name=Straight%20Outta%20Xodus%20Shirt%20(Front)-1.png) Tee ![Xodus Collective login screen mockup created by Chantia Davis at Eclectic Lyfe](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MOCKUP%20LOGIN.png?width=600&height=600&name=MOCKUP%20LOGIN.png) Login screen Swipe to see more Chapter 04of 05 ## The Word A brand only matters if people hear about it. What I built Organic Acquisition Engineered a zero-budget, high-conversion marketing engine using targeted social media, localized print flyers, and direct email outreach. It was a fully grassroots push: the founder activated his personal contact network, every team member shared the content I created across their own platforms, and we ran everything through the founder’s page until the collective had its own business page and someone to manage it. What I built Media Production Produced a voiceless intro video announcing the event, compositing AI-generated visuals with dynamic short-form media. Also designed the keynote presentation deck and developed the founder’s digital footprint. **Intro video***A voiceless teaser announcing the event* **Brochure***8-page collective brochure* Every touchpoint told the same story, in the same voice. Chapter 05of 05 ## The Day February 8, 2025. Milwaukee. **Welcome screen***The first thing guests saw as they walked in* ### The Xodus *Project* The full project film **Event film**[*Xodus Project by Eclectic Lyfe LLC*](https://www.canva.com/design/DAHTgLxqaS4/e_4UsbLf-CxGSzfsL39ggA/watch) What I built Experiential Operations Architected the entire on-site experience, from the master run-of-show and precise cohort timing to environmental setup and vendor coordination. ## The run-of-show Doors → 2.5 hours 1. 30 min ### Community Fellowship Guests ushered in, handed an itinerary, and invited to connect over light refreshments. 2. 10 min ### Welcome The team lines up for 30-second introductions, closing together: “And together, we are Xodus!” 3. 25 min ### The Xodus Experience Libation, the founding members, and the founder’s background and vision. 4. 30 min ### Breakout I: Liberatory Vision Mapping Participants map how they could contribute to and grow within Xodus Collective, then share with the room. 5. 15 min ### Breakout II: Scenario Brainstorming Groups solve real liberatory-education challenges and present their solutions. 6. 15 min ### Program Highlights Workshops and trainings, the resource hub, and community care and think tank events. 7. 15 min ### Q&A Panel & Closing Team panel on how to get involved; sign-up sheets collected before guests leave. ### The run-of-show Doors2.5 hours **30 min** #### Community Fellowship Guests ushered in, handed an itinerary, and invited to connect over light refreshments. **10 min** #### Welcome The team lines up for 30-second introductions, closing together: “And together, we are Xodus!” **25 min** #### The Xodus Experience Libation, the founding members, and the founder’s background and vision. **30 min** #### Breakout I: Liberatory Vision Mapping Participants map how they could contribute to and grow within Xodus Collective, then share with the room. **15 min** #### Breakout II: Scenario Brainstorming Groups solve real liberatory-education challenges and present their solutions. **15 min** #### Program Highlights Workshops and trainings, the resource hub, and community care and think tank events. **15 min** #### Q&A Panel & Closing Team panel on how to get involved; sign-up sheets collected before guests leave. And when the moment came, I stepped out from behind the scenes. Live Facilitation I anchored the live event by stepping out from behind the scenes to speak at the pilot and personally lead a core workshop session. In the room ![b6c7cb7f-4a32-4e1a-9f38-7fcc055c1e1d](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/hubfs/b6c7cb7f-4a32-4e1a-9f38-7fcc055c1e1d.jpg) Leading a workshop session at the Xodus pilot, February 2025 Behind the work ## The *Toolkit* Seven accessible tools, used resourcefully. AI and free platforms did the work of a full creative team. DesignCanva VideoVideobolt VideoVidu AIChatGPT OperationsGoogle Workspace CommunityGroupMe OutreachFacebook Design ### Canva Designed the logo, brand assets, and visuals for the launch. Video ### Videobolt AI platform I used to create short video clips when I couldn't find what I needed in Canva. Video ### Vidu A second AI video platform that filled the gaps, so every clip felt made for Xodus. AI ### ChatGPT Edited our content so the verbiage was clear, polished, and on message. Operations ### Google Workspace I built a Google Sheets dashboard that showed who was doing what and when it was due, and used it to track our email outreach. Community ### GroupMe Kept team communication in one spot, so nothing got messy or hectic. Outreach ### Facebook Our main marketing platform, because that's where our audience already was. Epilogue ## What Remained When the room emptied, this is what was left. **66**Registered **35**Attended, and every one signed up to join **$0**Marketing budget **2**Months from idea to launch All 35 people in the room signed up to join the collective. The real result Every attendee submitted a registration form to become part of Xodus Collective, joining a community of educators working toward its mission. People didn’t just attend an event; they chose to stay. To my knowledge, the collective is still standing today. The strongest part of this project was how every piece connected. The brand supported the message, the marketing drove registrations, and registrations fed the event plan. That end-to-end coordination is what I bring to every launch. ## Got a project *to build?* [Book a call →](mailto:chantiadavis45@gmail.com)[Back to portfolio](https://eclectic-lyfe.com/?hsLang=en)