Will Marcus Sanders, Doctoral Candidate

Communicator & Equity-Driven Planner | Ph.D. Candidate | Veteran Mentor ๐Ÿ™๏ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

United States

About

Will Marcus Sanders is a servant leader who fuses military discipline with deep expertise in communication and urban development. With over 11 years of experience, he holds a Master of Science in Communication. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning at Jackson State University, where his research centers on community development and housing equity. Specializing in strategic communication, Will Marcus explores how media, messaging, and narrative influence public perception and shape urban policy, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. His work focuses on dismantling misinformation, advancing inclusive planning practices, and amplifying voices often left out of development discourse. A U.S. Army Sergeant (E5) RET, Will Marcus, leverages his military background to guide and uplift fellow veterans. Through speaking engagements, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship, he supports transitioning service members in rebranding themselves, identifying their transferable skills, and navigating paths into academia, entrepreneurship, or impactful careers. As a seasoned public speaker and advocate, he is passionate about urban justice, veteran reintegration, and transformative planning. His global perspective is informed by experiences such as the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, contributions to the Global Food Security Seminar in Colombia, and teaching roles in China. Currently working on: - A dissertation on infrastructural racism and displacement - A virtual speaker series on AI and the future of planning - Coaching veterans into civilian leadership and entrepreneurship - Building strategic alliances with universities and international partners If youโ€™re passionate about equity-driven planning, veteran advocacy, or resilient community building, letโ€™s connect.

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at Will Marcus & Company LLC.
    Jun 2022 - Present ยท 4 yrs 1 mo

    Will Marcus & Company LLC. is a digital communication agency that supports Personal brands and small to medium-sized businesses.

  • Intern II at AECOM
    Feb 2025 - Nov 2025 ยท 10 mos

    Collects in-depth research and data analysis to inform strategic decisions, directly supporting successful project delivery for federal clients. Designs professional graphics and crafts compelling written materials, enhancing the clarity and impact of planning reports and presentations. Prepares comprehensive materials and facilitates effective communication for client meetings, stakeholder engagements, and interactive workshops.

  • Army at US Army
    Mar 2021 - Jan 2024 ยท 2 yrs 11 mos

  • Chief Imagination Officer at WMS Atelier
    Jan 2012 - Jun 2022 ยท 10 yrs 6 mos

  • Long Term Substitute Teacher at Harper woods Middle School
    Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 ยท 1 yr 1 mo