Christopher Adams
Digital Data Reporter & Internship Coordinator, KXAN News
Christopher Adams is an Emmy Award-winning Digital Data Reporter at KXAN News in Austin. As a lover of maps and charts, Christopher enjoys providing extra context to stories by putting data front and center in his storytelling. He launched the KXAN Data Hub in October 2023, a collection of data-driven stories touching on topics as varied as weather, politics, education and demographics. Christopher is also KXAN’s internship coordinator and is proud to help guide future journalists as they embark on the first steps of their career.
Born and raised in England, Christopher graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, with a Bachelors of Journalism. While at UT, he interned with the KXAN First Warning Weather team for two semesters, working under Jim Spencer. He then worked as a weekend weather anchor and reporter at KJTV, the FOX affiliate in Lubbock, TX, before joining the KXAN team in December 2016 as an assignment editor. After five years running the nightside assignment desk, Christopher joined KXAN’s digital team as a data reporter.
Steffanie Agnew
Sr. Social Media Specialist, AMD
Steffanie Agnew is a Sr. Social Media Specialist at AMD, where she leads social strategy for PC processor and AI products. In her role, she helps shape global brand voice, drive product launches, and connect audiences to complex technology through clear and compelling storytelling.
Stephanie Aguilar
Senior Event Program Coordinator / Vice President of Programs and Education, University of Texas at Austin / ILEA Austin
Stephanie Aguilar is the Senior Event Program Coordinator in the Department of History at the University of Texas at Austin, where she manages a wide range of academic and community programming. Her career in events began in Wedding coordination, where she discovered her passion for creating memorable experiences. She went on to expand her expertise in the hospitality industry through her work with White Lodging (hotels), gaining a strong foundation in client service, logistics, and operations. Today, in higher education, Stephanie draws on that diverse background to design and execute impactful events that foster collaboration and connection within the university and beyond. A proud graduate of Texas State University with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Mass Communications, she also serves on the board of ILEA Austin as Vice President for Programs and Education, where she supports professional growth and development within the events industry.
Hailey Aaron
Media Planner, RPA
Hailey Aaron is an Assistant Media Planner at RPA, an independent advertising agency in Los Angeles built on a foundation of respect and results. A proud graduate of Texas State University, she earned her degree in Advertising with a minor in Business Administration. While at Texas State, Hailey served as Media Planning Director and Presenter for the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team, where she discovered her passion for strategy, storytelling, and the creativity that comes from collaboration. Her team went on to win first place nationally and received the Jeanie Ruedy Best Presentation Team Award, an experience that showed her the power of teamwork, resilience, and believing in an idea from start to finish.
Since graduating, Hailey has built her career on the idea that good media planning is part science, part art, and all about people. She loves finding the balance between creativity and strategy, and she uses that mix every day at RPA to turn insights into work that truly resonates.
Hailey looks forward to sharing her journey from student to media professional and offering advice to those exploring where they might fit within this ever-evolving field!
Wijdane Balbiyar
Digital Video Producer, CNN
Wijdane Balbiyar is an award-winning Visual Storyteller. From documentaries to social media content, her focus has always been on creating compelling videos that not only tell a story but also spark emotion and drive connection. Over the past 10 years, she dedicated her career to crafting compelling narratives that highlight the human condition, science, and conservation. Her work has taken her across the globe to over 15 countries, capturing stories that resonate with audiences worldwide from remote villages to bustling cities, always with the goal of telling stories that inspire change. She is the recipient of several international awards and recognitions including Cannes World Film Festival, London Shorts Film Festival, and New York Film Awards.
Damien Bartonek
Sports and News MSJ/Producer, TEGNA
An award-winning Sports MSJ/Anchor with 6 years of experience in journalism, and graduate from Texas State University in the Fall of 2022.
Elizabeth Birdsong
Strategy Director, Edelman
Elizabeth is a Strategy Director at Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, and has worked in the advertising and public relations industry for over ten years. Her clients span food, beverage, and consumer goods, and include General Mills, Starbucks, KFC, Kinder Chocolate, lululemon, and the American Heart Association. As a strategist, Elizabeth studies consumer behaviors and the psychology behind decision-making, researches the world at large, and activates on current trends. She then uncovers unique insights or provocative problems, ultimately crafting creative solutions brands can then act upon. The results can include celebrity partnerships, communications integrations, events, or product creations, all of which earn a brand a position in media. In her free time, Elizabeth can be found rereading one of Anthony Bourdain’s books, taking French classes, or training for a half marathon.
David Bradley
Anchor/Asst. News Director, KVII-TV
41-year career in TV news. Started in Fayetteville, AR, then Lawton, OK, and currently Amarillo, TX
Michael Brito
Global Head of Data + Intelligence, Zeno Group
Michael Brito is the Global Head of Data + Intelligence at Zeno Group, where he leads a 50-person analytics team supporting clients across B2B, Consumer, Technology, and Healthcare. He has built an integrated intelligence practice that combines data science, social listening, media analysis, and generative engine optimization. His team delivers actionable insights that inform paid, earned, and owned media strategies by integrating primary research, predictive analytics, and real-time cultural and narrative intelligence. Brito helps brands understand audiences, anticipate issues, and shape narratives in an evolving media and AI landscape.
Bri Cardenas
Account Executive, Hiebing
Rob Cartwright
VP of News, WBZ-TV
Rob Cartwright joined WBZ-TV in Boston as Vice President of News in September 2025. He previously served as News Director for CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin for 11 years. Rob has also been News Director at WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York, and held news management positions at television stations in Washington, DC, and Dallas. Rob began his career as a news producer in San Antonio after graduating from Texas State University in 1996 with a Broadcast Journalism degree.Throughout his nearly 30-year career, Rob has won numerous awards including the prestigious national Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. He is also a Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism Fellow and a member of the Radio Television Digital News Association.Outside the newsroom, Rob enjoys traveling with his wife, Larissa, and their daughter, Aviana.
Charlcee Cervantez
Senior Communications Specialist, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU)
Charlcee Cervantez is a Senior Communications Specialist at New Braunfels Utilities. In this position, she is responsible for developing strategic communication plans, managing content across various platforms, and ensuring consistent messaging. She also handles media relations and press releases. Additionally, Charlcee helps develop crisis communication plans for high-pressure situations and supports crisis communication efforts. Charlcee has a diverse background in higher education and tourism, with a strong focus on public relations, digital media, and storytelling. She holds a B.S. in Public Relations and an M.A. in Digital Media Communication from Texas State University.
Cody Coker
Assistant Professor, Boise State University
M. Cody Coker (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Boise State University. His research interests lie at the intersection of organizational communication and communication technology, encompassing understudied experiences in both physical and virtual spaces, the overlap between work and life, and the role of emotions as organizing features across personal and professional contexts. You can find his work in Management Communication Quarterly, Computers in Human Behavior, Communication Studies, and Journal of Professions and Organizations, among others. Dr. Coker is an alum of Texas State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (M.A., 2017) and Sam Houston State University (B.A., 2014).
Lydia Crow
Intern, Bhava Communications
Lydia provides administrative and tactical support to multiple client accounts spanning industries such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and more. Lydia earned a master’s in mass communication in May 2023 and a bachelor’s in public relations in May 2020 at Texas State University.
Kelsie Davis
Account Lead & Success Partner at Bakery Agency, Bakery Agency
Kelsie Davis is one of the Accounts Leads at Bakery Agency, an independent, Austin-based creative and advertising agency where she leads day-to-day client services for iconic food, beverage and lifestyle brands including Shiner Beers, Promised Land Dairy, LALA U.S., Sendero Provisions Co., and NatureSweet Tomatoes. In her role, she bridges strategy, creative, and production to bring large-scale campaigns and event activations to life across the nation.
A proud Texas State University alumna with a degree in Public Relations (Class of 2022), Kelsie’s career began in freelance fashion journalism in 2019 before transitioning into entertainment publicity, representing Emmy-winning series such as “Top Chef,” “American Ninja Warrior,” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Red Table Talk,” along with Facebook, Instagram, Spotify Podcasts, and more. She later expanded into consumer and franchise PR, promoting national quick-service restaurant brands including Yogurtland and TOUS les JOURS, before stepping into the agency world of advertising and brand management.
Passionate about integrated storytelling and creative collaboration, Kelsie brings a unique perspective to agency life: one that blends PR roots with a deep understanding of brand strategy, production, and culture-driven marketing.
Mike Devlin
Professor, Texas State University
Mike Devlin is a Professor and Regents’ Teacher of Advertising. He holds a PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Alabama, and an MA in Mass Communication and BA in Electronic Media Communications from Texas Tech University. Prior to earning his PhD, Mike worked as media designer and multimedia specialist in Austin, Texas. He currently teaches Advertising Copywriting and Layout, Creative Thinking and Connecting, and Portfolio courses at Texas State University along with sport media and sport marketing courses.
Elissa Fontenot
Executive Director, Digital Marketing, Texas State University Division of Marketing and Communications
Elissa Fontenot is the digital director in TXST’s Division of Marketing and Communications. Elissa has over a decade of experience in digital marketing, including content strategy, digital advertising, and email marketing. She currently shapes the content strategy at TXST, the institution’s digital advertising efforts, and high-profile web properties. She also leads the digital education for professional staff through monthly work groups.
Jordan Gass-Pooré
Independent Journalist, Creator/Host Hazard Podcast
Jordan Gass-Pooré is an award-winning independent podcast producer and investigative journalist with more than a decade of journalism experience. She is the creator and host of the “Hazard” series of podcasts: “Hazard NJ” examined serious pollution issues for two seasons as a production of NJ Spotlight News, the news division of NJ PBS, and was the outlet’s first podcast; “Hazard NYC” was a limited-run series with THE CITY, a nonprofit news outlet, about the impacts of climate change on Superfund sites in New York City.
Raegan Haggard
Senior Account Executive, Giant Noise
Raegan Haggard began her public relations career in Los Angeles, gaining valuable experience across the luxury real estate, travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. In 2023, she returned to her home state of Texas and joined Giant Noise, where she leads impactful media campaigns for a diverse portfolio of restaurants, hotels, lifestyle brands, and food festivals in Austin.
Raegan holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Texas State University. When she’s not working, you can find her dining out at a new restaurant, competing in a sand volleyball or pickleball league, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Blain Hefner
Senior Graphic Designer, Texas State University - Division of Marketing and Communication
Blain has more than 25 years of experience as a graphic designer, working at newspapers and magazines in Texas and Utah as a feature page designer and illustrator before landing at Texas State University 11 years ago. Now a senior graphic designer, he’s worked on major projects including the TXST logo, the TXST 125 logo, a major Hillviews magazine redesign, and the TXST NEXT campaign.
Nicole Hefner
Copy Editor, TXST's Division of Marketing and Communications
Trenna Hopson
Senior Marketing Manager, Social Media, Visa
Trenna Hopson is a senior Marketing Manager at Visa with a decade of expertise in social media and digital marketing across global industries.
April Johnson
Influencer Marketing Lead, Alaska Airlines
April is an Integrated marketing leader with a background in developing and executing successful global influencer and celebrity-led, social- first strategies, campaigns and activations for major Consumer brands, Dell Technologies, Alienware and Alaska Airlines
10+ years of experience managing MarCom projects and programs with budgets ranging between $100K to $10M with a track record of successfully taking campaigns and programs from conception through launch and implementing go-to-market (GTM) strategies that utilize organic and paid content, PR, trends and insights to drive awareness, consideration and conversion.
A Texas native, April lives in Austin with her Miniature Schnauzer, Oscar.
Carson Jones
Senior Account Executive, ECPR Texas
After graduating from Texas State University in 2023 as the PRSSA chapter president, PR student of the year and Gold Key recipient, Carson worked in tech PR where he led teams to develop earned media strategies, go to market plans, industry reports and social media campaigns. Now, he’s a senior account executive at ECPR Texas helping lead teams to secure local earned media, develop international announcements, organize major events and oversee campaign development for nonprofits, foundations, associations, brands and healthcare systems.
Giselle Kowalski
Podcast Producer, TXST Division of Marketing and Communications
Giselle Kowalski is the Podcast Producer at Texas State University, where she leads the TXST Podcast Network and develops original series that showcase student voices, faculty expertise, and campus life. She oversees production from concept to release, building the network into a growing platform for storytelling and engagement.
With a background in social media strategy and digital communication, Giselle previously managed campaigns for TXST Admissions, analyzing audience trends and creating content that strengthened outreach across platforms. She also spearheaded the “Try @ TXST” social media video series, which highlights student organizations and experiences in an approachable, engaging format.
A graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Digital Media Innovations, Giselle brings both creative and technical skills to her work. She is especially passionate about using media to share meaningful stories and create connections across the TXST community.
Grant Langford
Data Moderation Manager, Scorability
After graduating from TXST in 2020, Grant Longford worked at Oracle, a fortune 500 company. Now he is a new venture-backed sports company called Scorability.
Sam Lauron
Freelance Content Writer, Self-Employed
Reynaldo Leaños Jr
Producer / Reporter, Latino USA
Reynaldo Leaños Jr. is a producer at Latino USA and is based in New York City, but originally from the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. Leaños is an award-winning journalist who recently covered the U.S.-Mexico border and immigration for Texas Public Radio. While at TPR, his work was frequently featured on NPR’s national news shows like Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition, as well as NPR’s newscasts.
Prior to joining TPR, Leaños was a freelance journalist in the Rio Grande Valley and in New York City. His work has appeared on PRX’s The World and Global Nation, NBC News, Texas Observer, Latino USA and KUT’s Texas Standard.
He has an undergraduate degree from Texas State University, where he studied journalism and international studies. Leaños also has a master’s degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, where he specialized in international reporting and where he is now also an adjunct professor.
Callie Lewis
Assistant Director of Project Management, Division of Marketing & Communications (TXST)
Callie Lewis is the Senior Project Manager at Texas State University in the Division of Marketing and Communications. Callie has over 10 years of experience in event management and planning, which came in handy for the launch of TXST’s new brand campaign in 2020. She implements and oversees over 200 concurrent projects and traffics all incoming work within the unit. During her time at TXST, she has led the team through the first campus-wide brand training conference, multiple on-campus brand activations, the launch of Canva for Campus, and the launch of the new university logo. A proud TXST alum, she graduated with honors with a degree in Mass Communication with a focus in public relations.
Ray Longoria
Creative Director, Ray Longoria Advertising
Ray Longoria graduated with a B.A. in Advertising from Southwest Texas State University, where he led a team of 27 students to the university’s first national win at the National Student Advertising Competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) This earned him a spot as a Speaker at the Advertising Age Creative Workshop—six months before he graduated college.
Ray’s most recent traditional agency role was Creative Director at GSD&M in Austin, Texas, for nearly twenty years. He then became Executive Creative Director at C2, the client-side agency for Charles Schwab, for a five-year stint before founding Ray Longoria Advertising, consulting as a fractional Creative Director for agencies and corporate clients all over the world.
Over his career, he’s worked on accounts including AT&T, BMW, Land Rover, The United States Air Force, Lennox, Southwest Airlines, Ace Hardware, Norwegian Cruise Line, SBC, Pro-Mark Drumsticks, and dozens more.
His work has been celebrated in the Communication Arts Annual, The One Show, Cannes, The Clios, The Radio Mercury Awards, The London International Advertising Awards, and The National Addy’s and his mom’s refrigerator door.
Elias Martinez
Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Texas State University
Elias Martinez is the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Texas State University, where he leads the nationally recognized team named the 2022 AMA Higher Education Marketing Team of the Year. At TXST, he directed the university’s first new brand campaign in nearly two decades, fueling growth in student recruitment, public perception, and fundraising. His team’s work has received CASE Circle of Excellence and UCDA awards, as well as recognition in the Webby’s Anthem Awards.
Previously, Martinez served as Associate Vice President for Brand Strategy at Colorado State University, where he oversaw a campus-wide rebrand that drove record-breaking enrollment, community engagement, and fundraising. He also guided the branding of CSU’s on-campus stadium and led the marketing team honored as UCDA’s “Best In-House Team” in 2016. His work there also earned recognition from CASE, PRINT Magazine, and other national organizations.
Before entering higher education, he was a creative lead at Zeus Jones, developing campaigns for major brands including General Mills, Purina, Cheerios, Wheaties, Betty Crocker, Nordstrom, and Nike. His creative work has been featured by Good Morning America, NPR, ESPN, Fast Company, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. A first-generation college graduate, Martinez is committed to advancing access and upward mobility through higher education.
Lea Mercado
Digital Production Manager, Straight Arrow News
Lea Mercado is the digital production manager at Straight Arrow News. She began her writing career at KTSW, where she created digital content to foster a healthy community. She earned a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Texas State University, and ventured into technical writing at Shure, but her love for storytelling drew her back to journalism. Now, she works at the intersection of journalism, tech and product — right where she loves to be.
Ayan Mittra
Senior Managing Editor, Local News, The Texas Tribune
Ayan Mittra is The Texas Tribune’s senior managing editor overseeing local news. He led the launch of The Waco Bridge and is spearheading the development of a new community newsroom in Austin. During Ayan’s time as a leader of the Tribune’s newsroom, the organization has earned prestigious national awards including a Peabody Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow and Online Journalism Awards. He joined the Tribune in 2012 after spending 11 years at The Dallas Morning News.
Nick Nelson
Executive Vice President + GM, Edelman Austin, Edelman
Nick Nelson believes the most powerful brands don’t just communicate – they advance the culture. As a strategic communications leader, he helps brands understand where they sit within the cultural landscape, and how to own that role with intention, relevance and impact.
With more than 15 years of experience spanning reputation leadership, executive advisory, and creative strategy, Nick has guided organizations through transformation by building narratives that connect brand to culture and ambition to action. His work often centers on helping companies show up in high-impact moments, whether launching new initiatives, navigating social change, embracing emerging technologies, or redefining their role in the world.
His leadership spans executive visibility, brand repositioning, creative campaign development, and communications strategies that integrate purpose and performance. A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, Nick has counseled executives across sectors on inclusive messaging, thought leadership, and long-term reputation strategy – bringing a unique blend of cultural fluency and strategic clarity that helps shift perception and build lasting trust.
Nick currently leads Edelman’s Austin office, where he focuses on community-building and mentoring the next generation of communicators and brand leaders. He is also a very proud graduate of the illustrious Howard University.
Pam Nemec
Founder, Cascade Communications Group/Pam Nemec Consulting, Inc..
Pam Nemec is the Founder of Cascade Communications Group, an internal communications agency that connects teams, aligns operations, and keeps brands strong as they scale and grow their business.
Judy Oskam
Professor & Director, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Texas State University
Judy Oskam is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Certified Tiny Habits® Coach, and Thrive Certified Coach. She is also Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and a TEDx Speaker. Through her podcast, Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy helps listeners navigate change and spark creativity
Shelley Parks
Strategic Communications Consultant, City of Austin
Shelley’s career highlights include serving as the Marketing and Communications Director at the American Red Cross for 7 years. She then spent 8 years as the Director of Public Affairs at H-E-B, representing the Border/Valley and Gulf Coast regions of Texas. Shelley has also worked for the City of Austin for 11 years, contributing to several departments including the Parks and Recreation Department and the City Hall Media Relations Team. She spent 2 years with Austin Public Health as the Communications and Planning Chief during the COVID pandemic and is currently a member of the City’s Strategic Communications Team.
Shelley’s career highlights include serving as the Marketing and Communications Director at the American Red Cross for 7 years. She then spent 8 years as the Director of Public Affairs at H-E-B, representing the Border/Valley and Gulf Coast regions of Texas. Shelley has also worked for the City of Austin for 11 years, contributing to several departments including the Parks and Recreation Department and the City Hall Media Relations Team. She spent 2 years with Austin Public Health as the Communications and Planning Chief during the COVID pandemic and is currently a member of the City’s Strategic Communications Team.
Alejandro Perez-Segnini
Co-Founder / Art and Motion Director, Chamoy Creative
Alejandro is one of the Co-Founders and Art & Motion Director of Chamoy Creative.
Marina Petric
Ph.D. Candidate and Instructor, Texas Tech University
Marina Petric earned her Master’s degree at Texas State in 2022. She’s a Ph.D. candidate in her final year of the doctoral program in Communication at Texas Tech University. She is a long-time media designer and data storyteller with experience at global intelligence firm StratFor, the State of Texas, and other outlets in the US and Brazil.
Lisa Pinto
Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, SWBC
Lisa Pinto joined SWBC in 2006. As Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Lisa is responsible for the company’s public relations efforts and working with the media throughout the country. She is also responsible for the company’s corporate communications. Prior to joining SWBC, Lisa was a TV news anchor/reporter/producer for eight years. Most recently, she worked at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate in San Antonio, TX). She also worked for News 9 San Antonio and KBTV in Beaumont, TX. Lisa graduated from Sam Houston State University, where she double majored in Radio/Television and Speech Communications with a Bachelor of Arts. She was runner-up in the 2021 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Woman of the Year and earned the 2021 Citizenship Award for Volunteerism. She also served on the Board of Directors for LLS’ South Central Texas Region. Lisa is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio—Class 43 (LSA 300). In 2016, Lisa was named one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Rising Stars. Lisa was the 2014 Metro SA Chamber’s Leadership Lab Chairman, a program from which she graduated in 2008. She also serves on the board for WISH for OUR HEROES and is a 2012 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy. She holds her General Lines Agent License for Property and Casualty. Lisa is also active in the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association and the Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association.
Joseph Pormar-Webb
Social Media Manger, Shift 4
Joseph Pomar-Webb spent 7+ years leading social for major brands in hospitality and gaming. He’s now in fintech, blending creative voice with sharp, data-driven strategy.
Erin Quinn-Kong
Managing Editor & Author, Texas Highways
Erin Quinn-Kong is a longtime magazine editor and debut author. Currently managing editor at Texas Highways, she was also editor-in-chief of Austin Monthly and an editor at Allure and Us Weekly. Her writing has also appeared in Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, Self, and Shape. Erin is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and their two children. Hate Follow is her first novel.
Allison Ralston,
Senior Associate, INK Communications Co.
Allison Ralston is a senior associate at INK Communications Co. specializing in media relations with energy clients. After earning her B.S. in public relations and mass communications from Texas State, Allison continued her education and earned her M.A. in mass communications from Texas State’s SJMC graduate program.
Ezekiel Ramirez
Multimedia Journalist, KXXV/KRHD News
Ezekiel Ramirez joined KRHD in June 2024 and works as a multimedia journalist.
He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from East Central High School in 2019. He then received his associates degree from Palo Alto College and finished his college career at Texas State University in San Marcos. He worked at The University Star, KTSW 89.9 and covered Uvalde throughout his undergraduate career. He also worked as an intern at KABB and at the KSAT12 news station in San Antonio. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media with a minor in communication studies in May 2024.
Ezekiel Ramirez has known he’s wanted to become a reporter from a young age. He always woke up watching the local news station when he got ready for school. He has a passion for being the voice of the voiceless and using his storytelling abilities to help others. He’s excited to start his journalism career in Bryan, Texas and hopes he can make an impact in his communities.
Erika Ramirez
Staff Photographer, Texas State University, Division of Marketing and Communications
Steve Riach
CEO, Eterne Films
STEVE RIACH is an award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author, speaker, and subject matter expert in culture issues. He is also the founder of a national nonprofit that is impacting the lives of underserved youth.
The lead producer and co-writer of the soon to be released dramatic feature film, ONE HEART, Steve is a writer/director/producer, whose documentary films and television programs have been distributed through ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC, and a variety of broadcast, digital platforms, and cable television outlets. He has produced content around the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, NBA and NCAA Championships, NASCAR, major golf tournaments and college football Bowl Games; and has worked with legendary sports figures such as Joe Gibbs, Tom Landry, John Wooden and Pete Maravich.
For the past 30 years, he has produced and directed The Bart Starr Award live on the site of the Super Bowl. He was the story producer on the groundbreaking 2018 Amazon Prime series All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines.
He has produced and directed a number of documentary films, including With Open Eyes, documenting the conflict in Sudan; Minister of Defense: The Reggie White Story, profiling the late, great pro football star; Spirit of the Game, a film profiling more than 20 of the NFL’s top role models, and many other films.
Jakob Rodriguez
Producer - KENS 5 News at 10 P.M., KENS 5
Shelby Seelhammer
Social Media Manager, SAS Media
Shelby Seelhammer graduated from Texas State in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and a minor in film. Since then, she has started my own social media management business, SAS Media.
Maria Slaughter
Wedding Planner, Lila Lane Events
Maria Slaughter is a Lead Planner with Lila Lane Events & Planning, where she helps couples bring their wedding visions to life with creativity, organization, and heart. Before becoming a full-time planner, Maria earned her degree in Music Education and spent three years teaching middle school choir and theatre – an experience that honed her patience, problem-solving, and ability to keep calm in the middle of chaos (skills that come in handy on wedding days, too!). She got her start in events by training with a California-based planner and completing an internship with an Austin-based wedding planner. Maria loves blending creativity with organization to design celebrations that truly reflect her clients. She also serves as Director of Programs and Education for the ILEA Austin Chapter, supporting connection and growth in the local events community.
Kelsey Solis
Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, Texas State Athletics
I am the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and oversee all areas of NCAA, Sun Belt Conference and institutional compliance for all 16 Bobcat athletics teams.
Charles Spicer
Data and Viz Editor, The Committee to Protect Journalists
An award-winning investigative journalist from Kansas, Charlie Spicer works as the Data and Visualizations Editor at the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Justin Sprague
Vice President of Development, Terminal B TV
Justin has worked every side of the business, from boots-on-the-ground producing on Emmy-winning projects to developing hit shows in 2025. He’s delivered for nearly every major network, from Netflix to Fox to Discovery. Justin brings a rare dual skillset—he can track down victims of crimes and help tell their stories with empathy and precision, while also creating breakthrough formats that push the boundaries of unscripted television.
Justin scored an Emmy win for Outstanding Sports Documentary while in the field, with three more Emmy nominations to his name. He was part of the team behind Sly, the Sylvester Stallone documentary that earned a Best Biographical Documentary nomination in 2023.
Most recently, Justin created and produced Netflix’s #1 film Unknown Number: A High School Catfish, turning a wild true story into a global streaming hit.
Alexander Tawiah
Doctoral Student, Univeristy of Iowa
He earned his master’s degree in mass communication from Texas State in Spring 2025. Alexander was awarded as the top graduate student in the program and received several university-wide honors, including Outstanding Service to Student Government from the Graduate College, Outstanding Mentor to International Students from the ISSS office, and First Runner-Up for the College of Fine Arts and Communication Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He was also recently awarded the National Kappa Tau Alpha Research Award and the Top Student Paper Award from the International Communication Division at the 2025 AEJMC Conference in San Francisco.
Professionally, Alexander has extensive experience as a media producer, educator, and digital strategist. He has led projects in video production, website design, social media management, and content development, working across academic institutions, media organizations, and independent platforms.
Katie Tobin
Communications Strategist, Katie Tobin Communications Co.
Senior-level strategist and research specialist with over 25 years’ experience in the communications industries-advertising, branding, PR, marketing, and politics.
Olivia Tompkins
Account Supervisor, Edelman
Olivia Tompkins is an Account Supervisor on the corporate reputation team at Edelman. She also serves as global knowledge manager for Edelman’s Gen Z Lab, where she brings together cultural insights and client strategies to help brands build meaningful connections.
Within Edelman’s Corporate practice, Olivia primarily works with technology clients to deliver communications programs that include global product launches, earned media strategies, executive thought leadership, and activations at major consumer trade shows. Her client experience includes Samsung, Texas Instruments, and PayPal to name a few.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Olivia earned a degree in Public Relations and Public Affairs Communications from the University of Georgia.
Lucero Treviño
Social Media Videographer, Division of Marketing and Communications
Known for her communication skills and commitment to luxury service, she builds strong relationships that lead to memorable experiences and lasting partnerships. Based in Austin, she is an active member of the local event community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, painting, baking, and spending time with her two cats, Uma and Sobek.
Lauren Troccoli
Senior Event Services Manager, Fairmont Austin
Lauren Troccoli is the Senior Event Services Manager at Fairmont Austin, where she manages events ranging from intimate gatherings of 5 guests to large-scale conferences of up to 1,600 attendees. With over a decade of customer service experience and a strong background in both social and corporate markets, she has planned and executed weddings, galas, incentive trips, conferences, and cultural events. Her career spans resort properties and museum venues, giving her a diverse perspective on event operations and client service. She currently serves as President of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Austin Chapter, where she is passionate about advancing the events industry and fostering community among local professionals.
Known for her communication skills and commitment to luxury service, she builds strong relationships that lead to memorable experiences and lasting partnerships. Based in Austin, she is an active member of the local event community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, painting, baking, and spending time with her two cats, Uma and Sobek.
JJ Velasquez
Managing Editor of Audience, San Antonio Express-News
JJ Velasquez is the managing editor of audience for the San Antonio Express-News. He is a journalist with 16 years of experience in newsrooms throughout Texas, namely the Victoria Advocate, Laredo Morning Times, Community Impact Newspaper and the San Antonio Report. Velasquez holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.