Three College of Communication and Information (CCI) alumni have been added to the Speakers Bureau: Herneshia Dukes, Alexa Nikiforou, and Ryan McCormick. The Speakers Bureau is a collection of alumni and industry professionals that are available to professors and student groups for presentations, class discussions, and other speaking opportunities.
The speakers offer their real-world experience and advice to students to help them build professional connections. Each speaker, either an alumni or friend of the College, offers a variety of speaking topics ranging from early career development and strategic thinking to specific career subjects.
Herneshia Dukes (B.S. Communication Studies ‘08) is the Founder and CEO of I.D.E.A. Education Consulting. She formerly served as president of Young Alumni Association and currently works as National Director at Greenhouse E3, a nonprofit organization supporting and developing executive leaders for the charter school sector. Some of her speaking topics include Developing Communication and Leadership Skills in Youth, Entrepreneurial Consulting, and Job Offers and Compensation Negotiations for People of Color.
Alexa Nikiforou (B.S. Media/Communication Studies ‘13) is an Account Director at Lippe Taylor, an earned marketing agency in New York City. With over ten years of industry experience, she offers an array of speaking topics such as Landing Your First Internship/job in Public Relations (PR) and Navigating the PR Industry as a Latina.
Nikiforou told CCI she wanted to join “to give back to my fellow Noles. I remember when I first started in the industry it was super difficult to get a head start and there were many things I wish I had known. By joining this group, I wanted to talk to students and new career professionals to share everything I’ve learned throughout my career so that they know their feelings are valid and hopefully their post-grad/career experience can be a tad bit easier.”
Ryan McCormick (B.A. Media Production ‘00) is a Media Relations Specialist and Co-Founder of Goldman McCormick Public Relations, named by Forbes Magazine as “One of America’s Best PR Agencies.” His speaking topics include Crisis Communications, Finding A Mentor, Brand Building, and Career Development.
McCormick shared his reasons for joining, “Florida State University is incredible. I learned so many invaluable skills and life lessons during my tenure. John Mayo (who was Dean of the School of Communication at the time) was an amazing teacher/advisor. To be part of this speaker bureau with so many other accomplished alumni is a great honor. I look forward to being of service and helping as many students as possible.”
As the Speakers Bureau grows, so do the opportunities for learning and development within our classrooms. To learn more, visit The Speakers Bureau.