Pr Hangover

Are you a transfer student worried you are too late in getting involved with your majors' extracurriculars? Good news, it's never too late. This week's episode features Alex Lucaj, a transfer student-athlete from the University of Concordia Ann Arbor, who shares her experiences on how she took initiative to get involved in PRSSA and how you can too. Being her first year at GVSU, she immediately takes action to get involved with leadership roles. We also spoke with Paige Bodine, a transfer athlete from GRCC who has made her impact by being involved with GrandPR and PRSSA. Being VP of Member Services and an Account Executive on 2 GrandPR teams is an impressive workload. Paige is also involved with the ROTC program. She shares her experiences with how to make an impact and get involved. Connect with them via LinkedIn: Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-lucaj-031119251/ Paige: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-bodine-b0a7a21b0/ Want to be on the show? Connect with Olivia: LinkedIn: https://www.li

Are you thinking about agency life but you're unsure of what it might hold? This week, I spoke with Jeremy Witt, a GVSU Alumni who graduated in 2016. Jeremy is a Public Relations Senior Associate at Lambert, based out of the Grand Rapids office. He primarily supports Lambert’s education/social impact clients, which include a mix of schools and nonprofits. Jeremy helps manage the firm’s internship program and is a member of Lambert’s Diversity Council, leading the Asian American Pacific Islander sector. Connect with Jeremy: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeremylwitt Want to be featured on the show? Connect with Olivia LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/oliviadolley

Are you interested in becoming a content creator? This week we were joined by Mak Smith, a full-time content creator, and life coach. Previously, Mak worked as a chemical engineer in Los Angeles. For a time in her life, she was living from a van and competing in OCR (obstacle course racing), training for the CrossFit games, ultra-marathon running, and outdoor adventure. Mak found success making TikToks at the beginning of the COIVD-19 Pandemic and shares her experiences in content creation to where she possesses a full-time job in content creation and life coaching. Join us in this episode where we learn about how dedication is crucial for success. Connect with Mak: IG: MakSheaSmith TikTok: makontherun Want to be on the show? Connect with Olivia IG: @OliviaDolley LinkedIn Keyword: Olivia Dolley

Have you been struggling with finding ways to gain visibility? You might be wondering, how do certain companies or organizations end up in the top recommendation on search engines. This past week GV PRSSA had the privilege of hosting digital performance specialists in SEO (search engine optimization), Delaney MacKenzie and Riley Holbrook, two professionals who have experience working for Black Truck Media and Marketing, an internet marketing service based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Delaney and Riley share their insight and experiences working with SEO and digital marketing and some navigating your way around this tool. Throughout this episode, you will learn some of the ways that you can improve your digital marketing through professionals who share their accomplishments and mistakes that they have learned over time. Both are Grand Valley Advertising and Public Relations Alumni, who offer insight on how making the most of college professional experiences will present you a better opportunity to get that d

Bill is founder, chairman and chief connectivity officer of IW Group, a minority-­‐ owned and operated advertising, marketing and communications agency focusing on the growing multicultural markets. For more than 25 years, Bill has represented some of the top domestic and global companies, including American Airlines, Coca-­‐Cola, Fox, General Motors, Godiva Chocolatier, Lexus, McDonald's, Nissan North America, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., Verizon, Walt Disney Imagineering, Warner Bros. Pictures, Walmart Stores, Westfield Malls and many others. His areas of expertise include advertising, branding, multicultural communications, marketing, crises management, partnership marketing and public relations. The IW Group is part of two international networks: Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG) and Worldcom PR Group. Both networks have international affiliates

Allie Hembree Martin is a visibility expert and owner of Fame and Fortune. She works with female entrepreneurs to elevate their brands and gain credibility and cash through proactive public relations and strategic social media. She formerly worked in public relations for Amazon, Alltech, Kendra Scott, and the International Spa Association. She also produces and hosts the podcast Selfish, a show dedicated to self-care and following your dreams! She lives in Shelbyville, Kentucky with her husband Brandon and is also an adjunct professor at Midway University. Connect With Allie: Email: allie@iwantfamefortune.com Website: iwantfamefortune.com Have a pitch for the show?: Connect With Olivia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-dolley-a78198221/

Jessica Toscano (she/her/hers) is the founder and editor-in-chief of the digital unisex lifestyle publication IntrigueMag, where she covers health and sexual wellness, self-care, and other aspects of lifestyle. She's also a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Health, SELF, and other outlets. Jessica is joining us to offer us some advice on how she got involved with these outlets and some of her best pitching practices. She also talks about her publication, IntrigueMag, the first unisex digital lifestyle pub that promotes individuality, independence, and the overall desire to Live Better. Feel Better. Be Better. Connect with Jessica: Follow her journey on social @MsJToscano. Email: JToscano@intriguemag.com IntrigueMag: https://www.intriguemag.com/ Connect With Olivia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-dolley-a78198221/ Socials @OliviaDolley

Are you wondering what it takes to enter the world of real estate? This week we hear from Jon Roosen, a Saginaw Valley State University Alumni, who has an undergraduate degree in Human Biology. He stresses the importance of listening to your heart and pursuing what makes you happy for the most successful outcome. He currently resides in Knoxville Tennessee, working as a Multifamily Real Estate Investor and Advisor. Jon gives advice to younger adults concerning finances or who may be interested in entering the world of real estate investing. He also discusses the significance of advertising and public relations while working in real estate and the importance of building a professional brand image. Connect with Jon: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonroosen/ Email - Jon.Roosen@svn.com Connect with Olivia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviadolley/ Email: dolleyo@mail.gvsu.edu

So you’ve thought about starting your own business but don’t know where or how to start? Through this episode, I spoke with Russell Climie, a Professional Photographer, and co-owner of his very own, Tiberius Images. Russell discusses the business that he has established all throughout West Michigan with his wife and co-owner, Rebecca. He also discusses how the business is about serving clients, making people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and making it easy and enjoyable. Through this episode, Russell goes through the process of how he started his business and the un-sugarcoated truth of what it takes to be a business owner. He also offers some tips with photography and how to get started. Click the link below to learn more about Tiberius Images: https://www.tiberiusimages.com/ Connect with Russell LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiberiusimages Email: tiberius@tiberiusimages.com Connect with Olivia LinkedIn Keyword: Olivia Dolley

Diving into the Mantra of: “Life, Liberty, and Pie” Ellie currently lives in Traverse City, Michigan as the digital marketing specialist at Cherry Republic's headquarters. Previously, she lived in Washington, DC after graduating from Grand Valley with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations where she was the communications specialist at the National Pension Fund, and earned her masters in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Georgetown University. Her focus is on all things digital marketing, SEO, food blogging, and Google Advertising. She also recently started The Social Spoon Agency, her side hustle focusing on social media management, brand strategy, and food photography for the food and beverage industry in Northern Michigan. Connect with Ellie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialspoonagency/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kebler-66a392142 Email: elizabethkebler1@gmail.com Connect w/ Olivia: LinkedIn: Olivia Dolley

This week we will learn about Nyah Hodges (she/her/hers): a Public Relations Specialist who currently utilizes her strategic communication skills as an Associate Corporate Communication Specialist at Dow Chemical’s Global Headquarters. Through this episode, we will learn about Nyah and how her corporation prioritizes a safe workspace by implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. A recent Central Michigan University graduate, Nyah is a diligent professional who has garnered a resume of PR opportunities during her time in college, helping her maneuver and learn about various career avenues with a public relations degree. While in school, she was involved with Central Michigan's Public Relations Society of America Chapter serving as its Director of Member Services. She also has acquired an impressive amount of awards during her time at CMU. Connect with Nyah LinkedIn: Nyah Hodges

This week features a previous GVSU Alum. Morgan is a communications and public relations professional based in Chicago. She specializes in digital communications, social media marketing, and content creation. Morgan is currently the Communications Manager for the Illinois Supreme Court. Through this position, Morgan is responsible for providing ongoing support across the judicial branch in all manner of design and content creation. Similarly, she writes and manages official judicial branch communications including the Court’s social media and the Annual Report of the Illinois Courts. In her spare time, she is a Co-Founder of her own women-owned marketing and communications agency based in Chicago called Roof17. This agency specializes in working with small business owners to boost their brand awareness through digital marketing innovation. While at Grand Valley, Morgan served as the CEO of GrandPR and on the PRSSA E-Board. She was named Public Relations Student of the Year by West Michigan PRSA in 2014. Throu

You've heard his voice all year long but how well do you really know Brady Mills? If you didn’t know already, Brady was the previous host of PR Hangover. He is an individual who does everything with intention and his dedication and perseverance will guide him to success. Brady is an incoming senior at Grand Valley State University where he studies advertising & public relations (with a PR emphasis) and public & nonprofit administration with a French minor. It is easy for him to stay busy on his feet between his school work and all of his extra circular. When he has free time, (which is probably not often), you could catch him throwing extravagantly goofy events with friends, reading, traveling, or discussing topics pertaining to faith, morality, and Kung Fu Panda. Connect with Brady: Instagram: @brady_mills_ LinkedIn: Brady Mills Connect with Olivia: Instagram: @OliviaDolley LinkedIn: Olivia Dolley Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvprssa.com/ Instagram: @gv_prssa Facebook: @GVPRSSA Twitter: @GV_PRSSA

When David Robinson first set foot on the red carpet as a volunteer, he knew he’d be back for more. Today, he is a successful publicist working with academy award-winning films and renowned gospel artists, conducting media relations and marketing for his clients. (Plus, he’s a GVSU alum!) But the journey from West Michigan to Atlanta did not happen overnight. In this episode, David discusses his entry to the entertainment industry, what work as a publicist entails, and specific practical tactics that have led him to build lasting relationships with a vast network of professionals. Connect with David: Website: www.thedavidbrand.com Instagram: @thedavidbrand Facebook: The David Brand Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvprssa.com/ Instagram: @gv_prssa Facebook: @GVPRSSA Twitter: @GV_PRSSA

This influencer marketer knows her industry front and back... literally. Why? Because she’s an influencer herself. Ayanna Bozeman (AKA Ayanna Alexis) is an Abercrombie & Fitch influencer marketing specialist who has quite the following of her own, creating lifestyle and fashion content for audiences on Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok. Ayanna joins the show to discuss her experience and the lessons she has learned from content creation, professional life, and her journey on both sides of the influencer marketing field. Listen in as she shares how she approaches starting conversations with influencers, and stick around for practical advice to students looking to follow in her footsteps! Connect with Ayanna: Instagram: @ayannaalexis LinkedIn: Ayanna Bozeman Youtube: Ayanna Alexis TikTok: @ayannaalexiss Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvprssa.com/ Instagram: @gv_prssa Facebook: @GVPRSSA Twitter: @GV_PRSSA

There’s more to employee advocacy than meets the eye. Brandi Boatner, a PR veteran working in digital and employee advocacy at IBM, is an advocate for people, company, and career. A former PRSA president with years in the public relations world, Brandi knows the ropes of both external and internal strategic communications. In this episode, we discuss Brandi’s shift to employee advocacy, how it differs from her “traditional” PR experience, and how she has been able to connect with thousands of IBM employees from around the world. She shares her excitement about IBM’s recent launch, “Let’s create.” She also speaks right to us students with words of encouragement that every pre-professional needs to hear… Join in! Watch the “Let’s Create” launch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSTX0qdBAsI Connect with Brandi: Twitter: @ThinkBluePR LinkedIn: Brandi Boatner Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvprssa.com/ Instagram: @gv_prssa Facebook: @GVPRSSA Twitter: @GV_PRSSA

PR pros and journalists, despite key differences in their approach, have a lot in common. So how can these two distinct roles work together to advocate for community members in difficult situations where the wellbeing of communities is at stake? Bryce Huffman, a reporter and producer for BridgeDetroit, has interacted with many communications professionals over the years. He knows firsthand the tension and the collaboration that can come from these important relationships. Join us as we talk about covering sensitive news stories, using writing tactics that cause readers to care, and supporting journalists in their work(and vice versa). Bryce also shares some wisdom to help PR and journalism students work through the differences in careers and choose a route that fits them best. Listen on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Spotify, and Soundcloud. Connect with Bryce: Twitter: @BryceHuffman313 LinkedIn: Bryce Huffman BridgeDetroit: www.bridgedetroit.com/ Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvprssa.com/ Instagram:

There are already hundreds of tools in a PR pro's arsenal. Why care about podcasting? Robert Johnson, a seasoned podcaster and public relations practitioner, shares just how impactful a podcast can be for clients. No matter the industry, there is space for a podcast if a brand can execute it effectively. As a host and producer of PR industry podcast PR Nation and Strategic Communications Officer at Riester Public Affairs, Robert is an expert at building podcasts for clients. Starting in radio as a 14-year-old, he knows his way around a microphone… and he thinks you can too. Tune in to hear just why Robert thinks podcasting is important, its relevance to our lives as PR students, and what it takes to start a podcast of your own.

What does it take to work at a world-renowned agency? GVSU alumna Melissa Albano is an assistant account executive at Edelman, an agency that has ranked #1 of Global PR Firms. Clearly, she’s doing something correctly. So what’s her “it” factor? Join Melissa as she shares her journey of joining Edelman, her client work with Taco Bell, transitioning from corporate to firm life, and how she and a Trader Joe’s seasoning have lots in common. Melissa packs encouragement, motivation, and advice into this episode that any student should hear. Listen on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Spotify, and Soundcloud. Looking to get to know Melissa and make a connection at Edelman? Shoot her a message on LinkedIn! Connect with Melissa: Instagram: @melissa_albano LinkedIn: Melissa Albano Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvprssa.com/ Instagram: @gv_prssa Facebook: @GVPRSSA Twitter: @GV_PRSSA

What College Can’t Teach You: A Post-grad Conversation (w/ Allison Canter, Carson Kunnen, and Morgan Layne) Some things can’t be taught in school. The awkwardness of settling into the ‘real world’ after college is one of those things. Today, recent GVSU Advertising and Public Relations graduates Allison Canter, Carson Kunnen, and Morgan Layne share their experiences of transitioning from involved students to young professionals. From finding joy in the mundane aspects of adult life to celebrating victories on the new job, we cover it all. Allison, Carson, and Morgan reflect on adjusting to unexpected career positions, opportunities they wish they had pursued in college, and advice to their undergraduate selves. Undergrads, you won’t want to miss this one. Connect with Allison: Instagram: @allisoncanter LinkedIn: Allison Canter Connect with Carson: Twitter: @ckunnen12 LinkedIn: Carson Kunnen Connect with Morgan: Instagram: @morgnlayne LinkedIn: Morgan Layne Follow GVPRSSA: Website: https://gvpr