Bobcat Alumni Career Milestones

Lauren Whidby currently works as the senior marketing coordinator at Salas O’Brien.

In early 2022, Kathryn joined UK-based Virgin Atlantic Airways as its international communications lead. She oversees external communications for the airline's “rest-of-world markets,” namely the U.S. She is responsible for driving point of sale increase in the U.S, supporting the organization's “VelocityX plan: A return to profitability by 2024.”

Felicia Cummings is currently a PR professor at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. She wrote: “My PR business is growing and looking to move it to Warner Robins as well as add staff. Been teaching media studies and PR courses at Fort Valley State University as a PR professor. I am also working on my doctorate degree in strategic media.”

Jenna Byrd is currently living in Berlin via sponsorship from the U.S. Department of State and the German Bundestag. She wrote, “So far in Germany, I have attended language courses, university, and now I will hold a paying job. I recently met with my Bundestag representative, Dr. Jan-Marco Luczak.”

Moriah Thomas works as the national service project coordinator in the Serve Kentucky Office for the Kentucky State Government, Cabinet for Health and Family Services. She wrote: “I have a heart for system-involved and justice involved youth and believe they are some of the most resilient and compassionate folks in our communities. My education empowered, refined and uplifted me. In the rhetoric program, I was championed by the phenomenal faculty, I found my truest voice!

The voice of a Change Agent!”

Luke Paul recently opened a men’s clothing store in his hometown, Columbus (Georgia), called High Pines Outfitters. He wrote: “We sell everyday lifestyle clothing. You can view our website at highpinesoutfitters.com.”

Daniella Vivas currently works at Ad Tech. She wrote of her career experience: “Upon graduating from GCSU, I made the leap to move to NYC and pursue my career in tech, more specifically Ad Tech. I joined the company in August 2021 where I started as an associate and have since been promoted to manager. Here, I am able to collaborate on the charitable arm of the company, in addition to my normal day-today, where we work with non-profits to create and execute digital campaigns (TrueGiving).”

Kelly Orr currently works for a non-profit ministry, Campus Outreach. She wrote, “I mentor college students, plan events, plan our weekly meetings, facilitate bible studies and run the social media accounts.”

Andrea Smith works in PR/communication. She wrote, “Grateful to my alma mater for jump starting an exciting career in PR/communication where I’ve had the privilege to travel the globe and work in many exciting industries.”

In August 2022, Jessica Ramirez started her current position as international student and scholar advisor at the University of Tampa.

24 LYNX 2023 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION 25

The Department of Communication welcomed dozens of students from Middle Georgia area high schools in November 2022 and April 2023 for the fall and spring Bobcat Comm Fest events. During each event, students attended mock rhetoric, PR & advertising, multimedia journalism, audio and film classes. They also ate lunch at The MAX and went on a guided campus tour. In addition to working with faculty, the high school students interacted with current GCSU students to learn more about campus culture and social life. Department faculty expect to make Bobcat Comm Fest a bi-annual event.

GARDNER continued from page 9

to writing about the new technology available at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Along the way, Gardner said she’s gained valuable skills such as writing and storytelling. She’s also learned that some skills are transferable – no matter the career and career location.

“I think sometimes people get scared to switch industries, but it’s the same job no matter where you are. You’re finding stories and telling them and trying to find what people are going to care about and making it interesting. If you have those skills then you can succeed anywhere,” Gardner said.

In March of 2021, Gardner began what she thought was her dream job – senior account executive at Edelmen, a global public relations firm located in Atlanta. She worked public relations for numerous clients, including Kroger, Disney and Chobani.

Gardner said she worked her entire career for that job. However, she said she quickly realized that maybe she was meant to do something else.

“It wasn’t for me. It’s hard to feel like you’re giving up something you wanted so badly but ultimately, it’s your life and career, so you have to do what you feel like you’re going to be happy doing for eight hours a day,” Gardner said. What’s Next?

Currently, Gardner, who recently married her wife, works as a PR and brand strategist for Carbonate, a branding agency in Atlanta that specializes in restaurants and hospitality. At Carbonate, Gardner said, she gets to use more of her creativity.

Gardner acknowledged that since graduating from GCSU, her priorities have evolved from needing a job that is appealing to other people and keeps her busy all the time to needing a job with good healthcare and time off. Gardner added, though, the job has to be meaningful.

Gardner’s advice for current undergraduate students is to take advantage of GCSU’s network. Equally important, she said, is to gain skills such as quality writing, which she said are uber important for communications jobs. She said with those skills a person will be able to start a job right away and write without errors.