Meet Whitney Prather | Director of Communications & Forever Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Prather and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite affirmation is “Rooted and Established.” I founded Yokefellow Creative in 2018 and transitioned to full-time in 2020, this affirmation has been my constant reminder that I am strong. I’ve drawn from my faith in God both at the start of my entrepreneurial journey and now in my role as a Director of Communication for a nonprofit.

What I love about this affirmation is its power in moments of uncertainty. Whether I’m facing a difficult decision, preparing for an important conversation, or navigating complex interactions, these words remind me that I’m grounded in something greater than myself. I often whisper it to myself as a reminder that regardless of the challenges ahead, my foundation remains secure in my faith and capabilities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career journey has been a beautiful blend of challenges and growth, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability. Starting as a Career Services Advisor during the 2008 recession wasn’t my dream job, but it became a foundational stepping stone in my professional development. Through this role, I learned what executive presence meant for me, and the power of building meaningful connections.

What sets me apart is my ability to find purpose in every experience, even the challenging ones. Each position, whether I loved it or found it difficult, contributed to my professional toolkit. I’ve learned that building and maintaining genuine relationships along your journey is invaluable – it’s not just about moving forward, but about lifting up others.

Today, my path continues to evolve through a combination of vision and intentionality. While I founded Yokefellow Creative and later transitioned into nonprofit leadership, I’ve discovered that success isn’t always linear. Sometimes it requires pivoting, and that’s perfectly okay. What excites me most is the ability to remain creative, whether through writing, graphic design, video production, or campaign creation.

My message to others: embrace your journey with joy rather than shame. Your path may take unexpected turns, but each pivot is an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to celebrate these transitions, finding fulfillment in using my creative gifts in new and meaningful ways.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re staying right here in Stark County! Our first stop has to be Gervasi’s Still House for coffee and quiche. Whether we’re working on our laptops or having deep conversations, the atmosphere is perfect. When we’re done, we’ll walk around the gorgeous grounds and head to the Crush House. Their risotto balls are a must-try, and we might even peek into the wine cave. I know this sounds like a Gervasi commercial, but it truly is one of the most impressive places around town. Plus, everyone there is just so delightful!

Another day, we’ll visit Beech Creek Botanical Garden. It’s such a special place – perfect for families and fur babies alike. My family and our dog Jasper have had some wonderful times there.

We’ll definitely spend a morning at Exploration Gateway – I absolutely love the Sippo Valley Trail. Afterward, we’ll treat ourselves to Royal Docks in Jackson Township. The people are fantastic, and the food and atmosphere are just perfect.

And if we have any little girls in our group, I’d love to take them to the Dragonfly Tea Room in Canal Fulton. It’s such a special experience, even for us grown-ups, to enjoy their beautiful presentation of food and tea.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel like a 90’s emcee when I say – this goes out to my husband Eldridge. You’ve been my rock through every entrepreneurial venture and career transition. Your belief in me and support during the late nights, the tough decisions, and the moments of self-doubt has meant everything to me. From launching Yokefellow Creative to stepping into nonprofit leadership, you’ve championed my dreams while helping me stay grounded. Thank you for being my constant source of strength and encouragement. Your belief in me makes all the difference.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyprather/

Image Credits
I need more time to see about the supporting images. For the last 4-5 years, I have been behind the scenes taking photos. There’s been so many great moments, but they aren’t captured of me. Uggg.