Case Studies: Neill-Cochran House Museum Slave Quarters

Neill-Cochran House Museum Slave Quarters

The Assignment

On the grounds of The Neill-Cochran House Museum (NCHM) is the city’s only known remaining slave quarters. NCHM was successful in getting Slave Dwelling Project creator Joseph McGill to agree to visit Austin and hold an overnight slave-dwelling event at the NCHM quarters. Using his visit as an anchor, they developed a campaign fundraising theme called “Reckoning With the Past: The Untold Story of Race in Austin. Now the museum needed to let the community know and create interest for attendance and donations.

The Adisa Team Solution

Adisa Communications worked with NCHM to create a series of events designed to create and then build awareness and attract event attendees. The Adisa team members created targeted messaging for a public relations and community outreach campaign to lead and build this public engagement. The messaging strategically created links to the history of the slave quarters to the Austin that exists today.

The Result

The social media campaign resulted in active online engagement, and local media picked up the story prior to the weekend event that would kick off the year-long fundraising campaign. Both days of the event were well-attended, with attendees actively participating and engaging in the various community forums and educational activities. NCHM received and continues to receive donations to go toward the restoration efforts.

Dan Arguijo

Dan Arguijo is a highly respected marketing and communication professional with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. He has worked for Fortune 500 companies and small to medium-sized technology companies, developing and executing media crisis, marketing, and communication plans to protect an organization's brand before, during, and after a crisis. Arguijo served as Chief Communication Officer for the Houston Community College, where he increased student enrollment by 50% and managed the institution's 25-person communications department. He also served as Public Affairs Director and Chief Information Officer for the City of Austin Water Utility, where he led the organization through a well-publicized media crisis.

Arguijo's extensive marketing and communications work has earned him recognition on local, state, national, and international levels, including awards such as the "21st Century Most Promising Leader" Award from the Dallas Urban League, the Cox Enterprises Inc. Communications National Impact Award, and the National Council on Marketing and Public Relations Regional Medallion and National Paragon Award. He has served on several boards and committees for four Dallas mayors and one Houston Mayor and was a member of the North American Free Trade Agreement subcommittee. Arguijo earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Texas RGV.

Favorite Travel Destination: Oaxaca, MX
Favorite Music: Funk Music
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Subject in School: Philosophy
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Place of Birth: Big Spring, TX
Hero: My Father
Favorite Food: Mediterranean fused with Mexican
Pronouns: Him/ He/ His

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Ashleigh Hamilton

Ashleigh Hamilton is an east Austin native and mother of two children. Ashleigh is a pillar in her community and continues her family’s legacy in transformative justice here in Austin. Ashleigh has more than 15 years of experience working with diverse communities and serves on several local boards and initiatives. Ashleigh has developed a strong network of volunteers, activists, and organizations to further social justice. Ashleigh also leads workshops and events to educate the public on the importance of social and racial justice. During that time, Ashleigh worked in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, addressing health disparities in the same community she grew up in. Ashleigh’s passion lies in building community-led solutions to systemic problems. Ashleigh has been at the forefront of many crucial racial justice campaigns in Austin. She has also been a leading voice calling for police accountability and an end to police brutality. The community has recognized her for her leadership. Most recently, being acknowledged by the Austin NAACP, awarding Ashleigh the Outstanding Community Spirit Award. She is an excellent communicator and collaborator and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

Quote: "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
Favorite Travel Destination: Africa (Manifestation in progress)
Favorite Music: 80’s & 90’s R&B and Hip Hop
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Subject in School: English
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Place of Birth: Austin, TX
Hero: My grandmother, Jeri Baylor
Favorite Food: Tie between Mexican Food and Soul Food
Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers

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