1. What was your major/minor and when did you graduate?
I graduated in 2018 with a degree from the College of Business. Marketing major/ Digital Studies Minor.
2. What is your current position (title, company, location)? Can you describe a typical day?
I am the Community Coordinator at La Colombe Coffee Roasters based in Philadelphia, PA. I am responsible for social media and influencer marketing management. Every day looks a little different whether it’s a day in NYC meeting with media outlets (Hearst Media for example) about product launches, being on set at content photo shoots, or constructing press/media kits. An office day is copy writing and planning social content for all social media platforms, planning and doing influencer collaboration outreach for social ad campaigns, answering direct messages on social, tracking social media performance data, and assisting in PR releases.
3. How did your major prepare you for your current job?
Versatility. Taking classes, like Econ, Finance, and Accounting, for example might not seem to affect my day-to-day responsibilities directly but having a strong foundation in the overall business model allows me to converse with colleagues in different departments and assess numbers to advertise in a way that best benefits all of our business channels.
4. How did you become interested in your field?
In college, I was always attracted to the power of social media. Despite people’s views on whether social media influence is positive or negative, there is no denying the immense power it has to influence consumer decision making in a way that was not possible before. It’s ever-changing and fast paced and allows for limitless creativity. Being a college athlete, the pace at which adapting to situations and challenges was always exciting for me and I feel as though my current field matches that same energy in a new way.
As for coffee, my interest
started with my first cup at Blackstone my sophomore year. It was always about more than the taste. It was a catch up with friends, it was a release in the midst of cramming for finals, it was the energy I needed for Appli
ed Statistics at 8am. Coffee is one small comfort that a vast array of people with different stories and backgrounds can relate to. It’s the memories created before, during, after the actual cup itself that holds all the value that makes it special and relatable. And it’s just delicious:)
5. What’s the best career advice you ever received?
Choose what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
6. Was there a professor, advisor, or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were at UMW?
Deena Applebury, Head Women’s Basketball Coach. She always expected us to give our personal best on the court and in the classroom with the understanding that our best might look different one day vs. the next and one teammate vs. the next. Hard work, accountability, comradery, and dedication that is praised in the workplace was always expected on the team. Taking that mentality with me has made me a better colleague and employee as much as any class.
7. What’s your fondest memory of UMW?
When I look back I don’t see memories as much as I see faces. UMW gave me my “people.” And while I could go back and think of every fun and growing time I shared with them, it’s the friends, teammates, and mentors I got to carry with me from these memories that mean the most.
8. Are there any special accomplishments you’ve achieved after college that you’d like to share?
-Product/Cafe placement in the #1 Netflix Series Queer Eye Season 5: Episodes 1 & 2
-The highest performing social media post in La Colombe history: 8.1K Likes, 238 Comments, 91,768 Impressions
-Connecting our brand to influencers/celebrities with reaches in the millions
9. How would your family or friends describe you in seven words or less?
“Enthusiastic about every opportunity for growth”-Kayla Parks, Bio Major Class of 2018, also best friend and current roommate
10. In one sentence, what advice would you give current business students?
Take every business opportunity and connection that is presented to you in your desired field as a chance to learn, grow, and help achieve your goals.
