Public Relations Alumni Testimonials Shannon D'Amore, Manager, Event Booking, Public Relations '18 Music & Entertainment Industries – “Take advantage of your time as a student. Intern as much as you can and start creating relationships in the real world now - it will benefit you in the long run!” Thomas DeMartino, Digital Operations, National Basketball Association, Public Relations 2019 – “I finally got my foot in the door at my dream organization, the NBA. My former PR professor was one of the first people I texted to share the news, because the faculty at WP always supported me and encouraged me to keep working towards my goals. I knew I had to build skills that would help me get there and to never give up which led me to my big break where I’m a project employee supporting digital operations.” Tom LaBelle, Edelman, Vice President, National Health Media, Public Relations '16 – “The dedication of the WP PR/communication faculty in helping students get internships and real work experience was the most important and helpful thing in my career.” Katie McNamara, SPRA EBoard Manager of Marketing Strategy, Planning, & Analysis, Public Relations '12 – “The professors and students in the PR/Communication program were amazing to work with and learn from. The real life experiences brought into the classroom prepared me for the challenges I could face and how to properly navigate to create my own career, even if my goals differed from my peers. The emphasis on internships kicked off my career direction.” Victoria Saavedra, Senior Publicist, CBS ENTERTAINMENT, Public Relations '17 – “PR courses helped me to understand aspects of strategic communications from social media to CSR and more. PR Faculty mentorship helped me land internships at top media brands like BET and NBCUniversal that led to my current position at CBS Entertainment.” Sena Salloum, SPRA President, Vice President, Enterprise Operations, Public Relations '09 – “The PR/Communication department contributed largely to my professional writing, speaking, and relationship building skills - all of which are critical to succeed. The professors were true masters of their craft across all areas of communication, providing me with a diverse skill set.” Esma Senman, Business and Social Impact Account Coordinator, Violet PR, Public Relations 2023 - “My classes and involvement in the Student Public Relations Association helped prepare me for internships and my career. I interned for a PR firm in the city that primarily works with non-profits. The non-profit world is where I want to be, and the professors here helped me to understand my skills and how I could apply them to my passion.” Hasaan Yasin, Senior Manager, Marketing, Novartis, Public Relations 2014 – “I owe a great deal of my achievements to the knowledge and skills I acquired as a PR student. WP’s commitment to nurturing and empowering students had a profound impact on my professional development. I continue to carry forward the values and expertise I have gained through lifelong faculty mentorship and support. As a VP in the PR Club, I am thankful for my SPRA faculty advisor’s belief in my potential which has been a driving force behind my accomplishments.”
