Orgin Story

I’m Jorge Romero, a strategic communicator from the Southeast Side of Chicago. Living with hearing loss made me a listener before I was a speaker, teaching me to read rooms, body language, and tone. Growing up in the Mexican community reinforced that communication isn’t just spoken—it’s shared.

The summer before attending UW–Madison, I started as a freelance Brand Ambassador, working major events and pushing past my shyness in fast, people-facing spaces. That experience sparked my interest in communication and advertising, and showed me how powerful clear, human-centered messaging can be.

As of today, I’m currently studying Journalism (Strategic Communication) and Communication Arts with a certificate in Digital Media Analytics. I approach PR and strategy as storytelling with intent that is built on listening, perspective, and connection.

Hometown: Sweet home Chicago

Chicago is where my instincts come from.

I’m from the Southeast Side, from a neighborhood called South Chicago, where you learn early how to read a room and listen before you speak. It’s a place shaped by working families, immigrant roots, and cultures that overlap in everyday ways—through language, food, music, and shared spaces.

Growing up around the Hispanic community taught me the value of storytelling as something collective. Stories weren’t always formal; they lived in conversations, traditions, and moments passed down naturally. That environment sharpened my awareness of identity, perspective, and how meaning changes depending on who’s telling the story and who’s listening.

Chicago taught me that communication is personal before it’s strategic. That belief continues to guide how I approach storytelling today—with attention, care, and respect for context.

Manga lover/otaku

My love for manga ignites my creativity in countless ways. The vibrant artwork and intricate storytelling transport me to unique worlds that fuel my imagination. Each panel bursts with emotion, inspiring me to explore my artistic side, whether through drawing or writing. Manga’s diverse genres encourage me to experiment with different styles and narratives, pushing me to think outside the box. The connection I feel with characters and their journeys inspires me to infuse elements of their resilience and creativity into my own work. Ultimately, manga serves not only as an escape but also as a catalyst for my creative endeavors. I’m excited to share my favorite mangas in a 3×3 grid, showcasing the series that have sparked my inspiration and shaped my artistic journey.

Cinephile

Being a cinephile is a thrilling journey through film history, particularly for those obsessed with old movies. The allure of classic cinema lies in its ability to transport us to different eras, immersing us in the cultural zeitgeist and artistic innovations of the past. Each frame resonates with nostalgia and craftsmanship, showcasing timeless performances, exquisite cinematography, and groundbreaking storytelling. Discussing these films with fellow enthusiasts enhances the experience, as analyzing themes and styles reveals new perspectives. The excitement of uncovering hidden gems or revisiting beloved classics keeps the passion alive, making being a cinephile not just about watching films but celebrating an art form that shapes our understanding of storytelling and the human experience.