Devon Stinson

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I attended Sinclair Community College in 2006 after graduating from Trotwood-Madison High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center, where I studied Digital Design. At Sinclair, I majored in Visual Communications and earned my Associate of Applied Science in 2010. Today, I am the Marketing Manager at Parallax Advanced Research, where I lead strategic marketing initiatives for the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) program. This program provides free resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate partnerships with the Department of the Air and Space Force. Additionally, I’m the Owner-Operator of Cozy Craft Studios, where I create opportunities for adults to explore their creativity and connect through crafting.

What inspired you to pursue your career path, and how did Sinclair help you get there?

My passion for art and creativity inspired me to pursue a career path in visual communications. I’ve always been a natural problem solver, and combining that with my creative skills felt like a perfect fit. Sinclair helped me build a strong foundation in design and communication while teaching me practical skills I still use today. The support of my instructors, like Amanda Romero, who motivated us to “Fake the funk” and push through challenges, and Cynthia Cully, who taught me to separate my self-worth from my art and take constructive feedback, were instrumental in my growth. The credits and experience I gained at Sinclair also made transferring to Wright State University seamless, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Business Marketing.

How would you describe the impact Sinclair had on your life, both in and out of the classroom?

Sinclair had a profound impact on my life, both academically and personally. In the classroom, I gained hands-on experience with design tools and learned how to think critically and creatively about problem-solving. Outside the classroom, Sinclair helped me build confidence and adaptability, which prepared me to navigate life’s challenges, including graduating during the Great Recession. The affordability and transferability of credits also set me on a financially smart path to complete my four-year degree at Wright State University.

How has your definition of success changed from when you were a Sinclair student to now?

As a new Sinclair student, I saw success as very black and white—either a pass or fail. However, as a grew in my Visual Communications major, I learned that there are often multiple ways to achieve a "correct" answer. This perspective has profoundly shaped how I approach challenges in both my personal and professional life. Success  for me is now about growth, adaptability, and finding solutions that align with the bigger picture rather than adhering to rigid expectations and rules.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to current Sinclair students?

Be your own best advocate. Engage with your instructors, talk to your peers, and reach out to your advisors and mentors. You don’t know what you don’t know, and learning from others who have made mistakes or gained valuable life lessons can save you time and help you grow faster. Build relationships, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of the resources Sinclair provides—you’ll be better for it!