Always a Mastodon

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, 2012
M.S. in Organizational Leadership, 2021

Professional Career Path
I started in nonprofit right after I graduated in 2012. I went into sales shortly after trying to utilize my degree. That led me back to my university in 2016. I worked in admissions for three years, and then left to start my own company in the food industry. 

Advice for Prospective Students
Make the most of every opportunity you can! PFW allowed me the opportunity to reinvent myself—I was able to enter those doors as a new person. If you are considering PFW, then take these words of advice: GET INVOLVED! I have friendships and networks that have put me where I am today, and I met them while at PFW. 

Class or Reference Material That I Still Use Professionally
Conflict and communication! It was one of my favorite classes because the professor was amazing, and he helped us understand conflict and how to deal with it. Conflict is all around us. Conflict is not always bad. We learned how conflict can create some of the greatest moments and relationships. I will remember that class forever.

Current Location
Green, OH 

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Communication; B.A. in Psychology; Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies, 2021

Professional Career Path
My professional career path has been shaped by a passion for service, leadership, and authentic connection. During college, I dove into political and civic organizations, taking on leadership roles that allowed me to build relationships, coordinate events, and develop strong communication skills. After graduation, I worked as a Communications Manager, where I crafted messaging strategies, created content, and supported public outreach. That experience strengthened my ability to tell stories that resonate and move people to action. 

I currently serve as a Regional Director for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, where I represent the office across multiple counties, organize public events, and build relationships within the community. One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been mentoring others along the way. Whether guiding young professionals or helping community members navigate resources, I have found that investing in people is one of the most important and rewarding parts of leadership.
   
My career so far has been a mix of public facing work, strategic communication, and meaningful service, all driven by a desire to make a real difference in the lives of others and in the communities I serve.

Advice for Prospective Students
Take advantage of everything PFW has to offer. This is more than just a university. It is a place where people become family. The professors here are not just teachers. They become lifelong mentors who truly care about your growth and success. Whether you are looking for academic support, career guidance, meaningful friendships, or leadership opportunities, you can find it at PFW.
  
In my experience, the people at PFW want to see you succeed. There are so many resources and individuals who are available, approachable, and willing to help you every step of the way. If you show up, ask questions, and get involved, you will not only grow—you will thrive.
  
And do not overlook the city of Fort Wayne itself. It is a vibrant, welcoming community filled with opportunities for internships, networking, and fun. It is the perfect backdrop for both personal and professional growth. PFW gave me so much more than a degree. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a strong foundation for the future. It also gave me lifelong friends people who walked alongside me through some of the most formative years of my life. I would choose it again in a heartbeat.
 

Current Location
East Lansing, MI

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.A. in Economics, 2016
B.S. in Mathematics, 2020

Professional Career Path
I worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) while completing my first degree in 2016. In this role, I worked on an ambulance and responded to 911 calls to help patients experiencing an emergency. I moved to Boston for a year and worked for the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center, primarily doing new patient scheduling. I returned to PFW and took classes part-time to earn a degree in mathematics, while also working as an EMT and a preoperative resource assistant for the orthopedic hospital at Parkview. I graduated with my second degree in 2020, and began a PhD program in economics at Michigan State University. I finished my PhD in 2025, and I currently work as a researcher for the Mayo Clinic, where I study hospital quality metrics.

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is great city to go to college. It is big enough that you can always find something to do, but small enough to never feel lost in a crowd. Fort Wayne also attracts students from all over, which offers an opportunity to meet some really interesting people.

On Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities
My involvement in student life was one of the most important aspects of my campus experience. I started in student government as a student senator, and served two years as the vice president of legislation and one year as the student body president. I was an orientation assistant for a few years, where I helped incoming students enroll in classes and answered questions about PFW. I served as an Ambassadon, where I represented the university at events. I was also a student success coach and helped connect first year students with campus resources. Through all my experiences, I became friends with incredible people and grew a lot as a person. I learned to walk outside of my comfort zone and learned about service leadership.
 

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Marketing and Management; A.S. in Business Administration; minor in Psychology, 2017

Professional Career Path
During my time at Purdue Fort Wayne, I found my calling. I loved every class and internship that allowed me to connect with consumers and understand what drives them. The digital world fascinated me, and I quickly realized e-commerce was the perfect path, combining my creativity and analytical mindset. Now, at Vera Bradley, I get to bring new ideas to life online while working for a company that truly cares about giving back.

On the Career Development Center
During my time at Purdue Fort Wayne, I took full advantage of the university’s career development resources. I completed two co-op internships with a major Fort Wayne company, attended multiple job fairs, and participated in interview and résumé preparation workshops. Additionally, I attended more than 30 Lunch and Learn sessions to connect with local leaders and gain valuable insights into the professional world.

Advice for Prospective Students
There is just so much to offer here, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of it. I would encourage any prospective students to get involved in as many things as you can! There is truly something for everyone.

Current Location
Fort Wayne, IN

PFW Degree and Graduating Year
B.S. in Public Affairs, 2012
Master of Public Affairs, 2015

Professional Career Path
My career has included a rewarding mix of higher education, human resources, K–12 education, and nonprofit leadership. In my current role as vice president of community development with Arts United, I lead the team tasked with development, communications, marketing, grant administration, and community engagement. The common theme throughout my career is service to community. 

Benefits of College in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne offers all the amenities a college student would want without high prices, constant traffic, or intimidating size of bigger cities. In a community like Fort Wayne, you can easily find your place and make an impact.

Most Memorable Elective
My favorite and most memorable elective was Intro to Creative Writing with Dr. Kalamaras. I went into the course without much appreciation for the subject but realized I had a natural interest in writing poetry. And in a very practical sense, this course made me a better writer in general.