Today we’d like to introduce you to Devonte Hill.
Devonte, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Before taking the job as the Community Outreach Liaison, my career began working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to help tell stories about the state parks to those who have never experienced them. I also helped with their PBS Buffalo Soldier TV specials.
Those experiences really helped me when I got my first job out of college working for the CBS affiliate KHOU channel 11 and the daily talk show “Great Day Houston.” There I helped with the news programs, created short stories for Great Day Houston, and helped produce special projects like the “Houston Mayoral Debate” in 2015.
Although I’ve experience an unconventional path, I’m finally using my public speaking, producing and storytelling skills in this opportunity with Harris County to help inform people about the District Clerk’s office and about our most pressing issue; Jury Duty participation.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
After getting laid off from KHOU in 2016, I felt disoriented and lost. It was hard to convince others of my talents after losing faith in myself. This was the beginning on my coming season. In order to pick myself back up, I created my own production company and began freelancing as a Video Producer, a Podcast Host, and a Content Creator. I also hosted a weekly radio program called “Lyrical Reviews” on Afrovibes Radio Houston. It is also during this time period, where I earned my first feature film credit by helping produce Carlos Wallace’s documentary, “Life is Not Complicated, You Are.” I was determined to make things happen.
Harris County District Clerk’s Office/Total Medulla – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The District Clerk’s office manages and creates court records and court orders, assesses and collects court costs, fines and fees, processes passport applications and manages the juror summons process. As the Community Outreach Liaison, I work with community organizations, businesses and community leaders to spread information about important updates, provide valuable feedback from the community to officeholders and government officials, and spread awareness about the importance of Jury Duty. What I’m most proud of with my job here is I get to learn about my community and I have the opportunity to voice their concerns and help provide good service to Harris County.
Total Medulla is the production company I created after getting laid off. I used radio, youtube, and blog sites to tell stories about the community, the arts and about the human condition. I love storytelling and it’s something that I continue to do outside of my Outreach position.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Whatever project I start to work on, I want that project to mean something. I want it to impact others in a positive way. To me, success or being successful is being able to use the gifts you have to benefit others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.totalmedulla.com
- Email: info@totalmedulla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totalmedulla
Image Credit:
Total Medulla, Harris County District Clerk’s Office
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