1:30-2:45 p.m.
Nov. 15
Franklin Hall, room 312
Communication with purpose is the name of the game and can take many forms over the course of your career. Explore public relations, marketing, and other communication roles. Panelists include:
Moderator: senior lecturer Dave Groobert
BAJ'89, head of media relations, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling TNA
Ross started working in professional wrestling while a student at IU, hired as a freelance writer for the WWF (now WWE) Magazine. After graduating, Ross worked as a full-time sportswriter, first at the Las Cruces Sun-News, and then freelance writing for such outlets as USA TODAY, Chicago Tribune, and Chicago Sun-Times. Ross works for TNA Wrestling promoting pro wrestling events and its superstars to a worldwide media contingent. He worked for World Championship Wrestling during the heyday of the Monday Night Wrestling Wars between WCW and WWF (now WWE) and has been traveling the world for TNA for more than 15 years. Ross has worked alongside most of the high-profile pro wrestling legends over the past few decades, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Kurt Angle.
BA'22, copywriter, Inspire Brands
Leighton holds a bachelor's in media advertising with a creative advertising specialization and a minor in studio art/graphic design. During her time at IU, she served as the editor-in-chief of The Tab and worked as a writer before that role. She currently works in Atlanta as a copywriter at Inspire Brands' in-house advertising agency, Maverick Studios, where she writes for clients such as Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and Arby's.
BAJ'10, Vice President, Dittoe Public Relations
With 15 years of industry experience, Greta has developed and executed successful PR strategies at the local and national level for clients in nearly every industry and is well-versed in crisis communications, media training, thought leadership, and integrating PR with social media and marketing strategy. Greta also leads Dittoe PR’s hiring, recruitment, onboarding, and training strategies while also supporting business efforts that propel Dittoe PR forward as an agency.
BAJ'04, PR/COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT, BRIGHT SPOT PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLC
Alicia has held roles in media relations, corporate communications, event planning, and brand management with several organizations, including Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Generation Bio, and M. Holland Company. Alicia is also a certified life coach. She is on the board of directors for the Chicago chapter of the IU Alumni Association and is a member of The Media School Alumni Board.
