Information Science Alumna Shayla C. Perry (B.S. 02) served as Program Director for the 48in48 2024 Social Justice Event. 48in48 is an organization that aims to create 48 free websites for 48 nonprofits in 48 hours.

“I simply enjoy seeing and hearing the happiness from nonprofit directors when they receive their free websites. For some of them, it’s their first website, so knowing I helped make it possible for them to market their nonprofits and expand their reach is amazing,” said Perry.

Perry started as a volunteer with 48in48 as a Project Manager for their 2023 Global Event and was later extended the opportunity to be an Event Project Manager for the 48in48 2024 Women’s Build. Additionally, she will be Program Director for their 2024 Global Event managing volunteers from all around the world.

She has previously worked for global brands such as American Express, BMW North America, and currently works for Google. Perry stressed that successful leadership hinges on having an excellent team, prompting her decision to hire iSchool Alumna and fellow graduate, Shayla Mark, to join her as Event Project Manager for the 2024 Social Justice Event. Her extensive experience as an educator and her role at Salesforce made her an ideal candidate, showcasing her strengths as a communicator, effective leader, and people person.

Perry has long been passionate about both technology and journalism, and her time as an Information student allowed her to explore both fields extensively. She reflected, “FSU prepared me to never give up and to think outside of the box,” noting that the University’s innovative approach to her education played an instrumental role in her success, including her leadership in organizing numerous events for 48in48.