This month we interviewed Jessica Barkosky, Autism New Jersey’s Director of Creative & Digital, who is celebrating her 20-year anniversary with us!
For more than two decades, Jess has helped shape our brand, articulate our mission, and strengthen our message. She has guided us through multiple rebrands, conferences, campaigns, and deadlines. Her talent has helped so many people understand who we are and what we do.
Tell me about your role at Autism New Jersey.
I lead the creation of visual and digital content that reinforces Autism New Jersey’s mission while keeping our brand consistent and engaging across platforms. That includes everything from graphic design and digital campaigns to social media, website visuals, and creative assets for programs, fundraising efforts, and events.
Following our recent and very exciting rebrand that introduced a new logo, mission, vision, and values, we also launched a new website at the end of 2025. Together, these updates reflect our refreshed look and message, which I am now incorporating into our Annual Conference materials and the Autism Acceptance Ambassador Program. The website was designed for easier navigation and expanded resources, connecting families and professionals with trusted information, highlighting our work to create an autism-friendly New Jersey, and promoting ways for the public to get involved in increasing awareness and acceptance.
Overall, I focus on using thoughtful, inclusive design to help tell our story, build connection, and promote the incredible impact of the work our team does every day.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how our materials are used by the community to build autism acceptance. Not long ago, I attended a school event with my children and saw our Ambassador Program acceptance posters hanging through the hallways. My kids were so proud to tell everyone that their mom created them. What made it even more meaningful was knowing those materials were helping the students in my very own community. Seeing a child with autism in my daughter’s friend group feeling safe, happy, and accepted by peers who truly embraced him reminded me why this work matters and is something I’ll always be proud of.
How has your work at Autism New Jersey impacted your life over the past 20 years?
Over the past 20 years, I’ve grown alongside the organization, shaped by the mission, the people, and the families we serve. The work has given me a strong sense of purpose, pushing me to grow creatively and professionally. One of the most defining parts of my work at Autism New Jersey has been shaping the visual and creative identity of our annual conference. Each year brings a new challenge — developing the theme, designing the logo, building out the full suite of materials, and creating the artwork that fills the venue. Seeing thousands of professionals and families walk through a space we’ve branded from the ground up has taught me how creativity can bring people together, set the tone for learning, and make our mission feel tangible.
As you look to the next few years for Autism New Jersey, what are your priorities?
Autism New Jersey’s mission reminds me every day that thoughtful design can help families feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our goal is to make sure every autistic person, caregiver, and family in New Jersey who needs us knows we are here. As I look to the next few years, I am focused on strengthening how we share our message so our resources are easy to find, our stories are visible, and our impact is clear.
What do you do outside of work for fun?
Outside of work, you’ll find me with my family, most often on the sidelines cheering on my two kids at softball, soccer, or basketball games. When we’re not at a field or a gym, we love family beach days, skiing, and just hanging out at home. I’m also rarely without a project, whether it’s decorating, planting flowers, or tackling the next home improvement idea.