Get to know Gabrielle Lacherza, 2014-2015 Conference Coordinator!

Gabrielle is a junior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations. After joining PRSSA last fall, Gabrielle soon got involved in the Fundraising committee and worked to raise money for our Temple Invitational this past spring. This will be her first year serving on the executive board.

Learn more about Gabrielle below!

Hometown: Bethlehem, PA

Favorite part of PRSSA: Spending time each week with people who share the same passion for our major.

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? I enjoy taking yoga and spin classes with friends and catching up on my favorite television series when I’m alone.

A favorite quote: “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent. ” – A Bronx Tale

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? El Vez  

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? I would like to confidently say that I know a lot about the history and culture of Philadelphia.

Dream travel destination? Santorini, Greece.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City.

 

Meet Megan Healy, 2014-2015 Director of Social Media!

Megan is a junior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and minoring in Spanish. Megan has been an active member of PRSSA since joining and got involved in PRSSA’s committees and community service programs before being elected onto the executive board. This will be her first year as an executive board member.

More on Megan below!

Hometown: Ringoes, NJ

Favorite part of PRSSA: Meeting other public relations students and professionals and participating in community service in the Philadelphia area.

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? With friends, I like to go shopping and exploring in Center City – alone, I like to listen to music and play the piano.

A favorite quote: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? Vietnam House in Chinatown.

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? Buy food from a food truck because I have yet to do that on campus.

Dream travel destination? I have always wanted to go to London because I love big cities. Someday, I want to travel all over Europe.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?  Olivia Pope from Scandal because she knows how to work under pressure in handling any problem or crisis communication issue.

Say hello to Caitlin Kummeth, 2014-2015 Director of Community Service!

Caitlin is a senior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and minoring in sociology. Caitlin has previously served as the Director of Mentorship and most recently, as the Director of Community Service for the Fall 2013 semester. After a semester of studying abroad in Australia, Caitlin will again be taking on the role of the Director of Community Service for the 2014-2015 school year. This will be her third year on the executive board.

Keep reading to learn more about Caitlin!

Hometown: Broomall, PA

Favorite part of PRSSA: The enthusiasm!

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? With friends, I like to go swimming and alone, I like to read and write.

A favorite quote: “Always give more than you take.” – Unknown.

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? Fado.

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? No specific goal other than to do what makes me happy and less stressed. No worries, right?

Dream travel destination? Greece.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? On a beach…with my 3 children. -4 more to come–

Introducing Jaime Martorana, 2014-2015 Director of Mentorship!

Jaime is a senior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and minoring in general business studies. Jaime has previously served on the executive board as our Temple Student Government Representative and as Co-Conference Coordinator for the Fall 2013 semester. With her new role as the Director of Mentorship, this will be  Jaime’s third year on the executive board.

Continue reading to learn more about Jaime!

Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA

Favorite part of PRSSA: Meeting new people!

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone?  I love going to concerts and festivals with friends, but sitting and listening to music by myself.

A favorite quote: “…and not, when I came to die, discover that I have not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear…” – Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? Sabrina’s Cafe. 

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? Mastering all the SEPTA lines. I still can’t use the buses!

Dream travel destination? Peru or anywhere in South America.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.

Give a warm welcome to Kelly Dougherty, 2014-2015 Secretary!

Kelly is a senior at Temple University majoring in Strategic Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and minoring in General Business studies. Before taking on the role of Secretary, Kelly previously held the position of Temple Student Government Representative for the fall 2013 semester and assisted with PRSSA’s Temple Invitational this past spring. Actively involved with PRSSA since her freshman year, this is Kelly’s second year on the executive board.

To learn more about Kelly, read on!

Hometown: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Favorite Part of PRSSA: Getting to learn about the different opportunities the field of public relations has to offer and making some amazing friends!

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? I love to go to concerts and go dancing with my friends – any type of music! One activity I love to do alone is running, especially on Kelly Drive in Philly!

A favorite quote: “If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: who cares?” ― Tina Fey

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? El Camino – neverending nachos and marvelous margaritas.  

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? One thing I am determined to do before I graduate is run the Phildelphia Half Marathon.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Samantha Jones from “Sex and the City”. She is a PR goddess and the sassiest, most confident woman in television history.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? Easy. Beyoncé of course! Enough said.

Get to know Jameeda Rucker, 2014-2015 Treasurer!

Jameeda is a junior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and double minoring in African Amerian studies and Spanish. Jameeda has been an active member of PRSSA since her freshman year, joining various committees before being elected onto the executive board. This will be her first year as an executive board member.

Learn more about Jameeda below!

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Favorite part of PRSSA: Being able to learn valuable and practical information and the opportunity to network at conferences and invitationals.

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? I enjoy excursions in the city with friends, but I like to go to local coffee shops alone.

A favorite quote: Just keep swimming.”- Dory, “Finding Nemo.”

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? Green Eggs Cafe.

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? I would LOVE to complete a public relations internship with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dream travel destination? A West African country.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? Nicole Garner, President/CEO of  The Garner Circle.

Meet Rachel Draghi, 2014-2015 Vice President of Public Relations!

Rachel is a senior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and minoring in Art History. Before serving as the Vice President of Public Relations, Rachel previously held the position of the Director of Mentorship. Actively involved with PRSSA since her freshman year, this is Rachel’s second year on the executive board.

Here’s a bit more on Rachel!

Hometown: Londonderry, NH

Favorite part of PRSSA: PRSSA has done a fantastic job in further educating me about the different aspects of the PR industry and potential career paths. In addition to that, I’ve made countless friends throughout my years involved in this organization that I may not have met otherwise.

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? With friends, I enjoy going out in the city – whether that be trying a new restaurant, going shopping, attending an event or just walking aimlessly and exploring Philadelphia. When alone, I enjoy binge-reading novels and watching all types of movies.

A favorite quote: “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? Fat Salmon – I’m constantly craving sushi!

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? Before I graduate, I plan on completing two more internships.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Either Elizabeth Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice” or Jo March from “Little Women” – I can’t decide.

Dream travel destination? In my ideal world, I someday move to Paris and live there for a couple years.

Say hello to Alissa Steele, 2014-2015 Vice President of Fundraising!

Alissa is a junior at majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations. Alissa served as PRSSA’s Temple Student Government Representative for the Spring 2014 semester before taking on the role of the Vice President of Fundraising.

Keep reading to learn more about Alissa!

Hometown: York, PR

Favorite part of PRSSA: I love being a part of an organization that gives you the opportunity to not only meet and get great advice from professionals, but allows you to meet, interact and bond with other students who have similar career goals.

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone?  I love to go exploring – whether it’s around the world or just in my hometown! I love seeing new things, places and making the most out of a day with friends. When I’m alone though, I like to binge watch “Scandal”.

​ A favorite quote: “Just for laughs and giggles.” – Unknown. This quote reminds me to make the most out of every situation and go out and try new things. When it’s all said and done, all you can do is look back and laugh. ​

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? My favorite restaurant in Philadelphia is Lorenzo’s pizza- you just can’t go wrong with a $3.00 slice bigger than your head!

 What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? Before I graduate, I want to be in a Temple ad or pamphlet!

Dream travel destination? My dream travel destination is ​to be in the water on the beach in Australia!

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? If I could pick anyone to be my mentor, it would be Jennifer Lawrence. She is successful, talented and stays true to herself. Lawrence also has a great positive outlook on life, a good sense of humor and is a fun and crazy kind of girl!

Get to know Tyler Cameron, 2014-2015 Vice President!

Tyler is a senior majoring in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and minoring in general business studies. Before serving as Vice President, Tyler previously held the position of Director of Social Media. Tyler has been an active member of Temple PRSSA since his freshman year and this is his second year on the executive board.

 To learn more about Tyler, read on!

Hometown: Northeast Philadelphia

Favorite part of PRSSA: My favorite part of PRSSA is the people I’ve met through this organization. Some of my closest friends in college are the people I’ve shared experiences with in PRSSA.

What’s one activity you like to do with friends and one activity you like to do alone? One activity I like to do with friends is try new places in the city – whether it is a restaurant, a beer garden, etc. One I like to do in my alone time is discovering new music and listening to it while going on a run.

A favorite quote: “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” – J.K. Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia?: Lloyd Whiskey Bar or Estia. Can’t pick one.

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? Before I graduate, I’d like to go on a trip with all my friends from college. I haven’t gone anywhere for spring break, so it would be nice to do that.

Dream travel destination? My dream travel destination is Greece. I would love to vacation there.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  I see myself working for a Fortune 500 Company in their investor relations department.

Introducing Cara Graeff, 2014-2015 PRSSA President!

Cara is a senior majoring in strategic communication with a focus in public relations and minoring in general business studies. Before taking on the role of Temple PRSSA President, Cara previously served on the executive board as the Director of Internal Affairs and the Vice President of Public Relations.

Continue reading to learn more about Cara!

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

Favorite part of PRSSA: PRSSA has been an amazing extension of my education that has helped me learn about the industry, broadened my professional network and helped me make many new friends!

What’s one activity that you like to do with friends and one activity that you like to do alone? I like going out to eat or going to concerts with a group of friends, but like exploring in the city by myself.

A favorite quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t- you’re right.” -Henry Ford

Your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia? The Continental Midtown. Their cheesesteak eggrolls are to die for!

What’s something you would like to accomplish before graduating? My dream had always been to study abroad at some point during college; I was lucky enough to get to do that in London during the spring 2014 semester.

Dream travel destination? I’d love to take a long tour of Italy and visit Florence, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I hope to be working in a position I love at a PR or digital marketing agency and possibly have a MBA. I love the city so I hope to remain in or outside of a major city like Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago or Washington D.C.