The Many Hats of Alyssa Gardina

The Many Hats of Alyssa Gardina

By: Andrea Segura

Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Gardina

Alyssa Gardina describes herself as wearing many hats when she refers to her position in public relations. As a graphic designer, copywriter, media strategist and social media aficionado Gardina is on the new media side of the profession and represents where the field is heading in the future.

Gardina began with a brief background on herself. She is originally from New Jersey and still proudly describes herself as a ‘Jersey Girl’ She graduated from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York with a B.S. degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and a minor in American History. Gardina says she counts museums and London among her favorite things. “I love good wine, good food and good conversation, especially when I can find all 3 in one place.” Gardina also runs a successful blog on which she discusses current technology trends mixed with a refreshing bit of her quirky humor.

Gardina held two previous positions as Social Media Supervisor at Ansira and Social Media Specialist at Razor before moving to Dallas, Texas. Today Gardina is an Account Supervisor at Weber Shandwick in Dallas where She works on a variety of brands, developing their social media strategies and tactics in order to increase brand awareness and customer engagement. She is also the Vice President of Branding at Social Media Club - Dallas Chapter. She also counts co-founder of fiveoclockdallas.com, a review site and community for Dallas bars and happy hours, among the extensive list of her accomplishments. Her responsibilities with Five O’Clock Dallas included creating content for bar listings, happy hour listings, blog posts and video reviews.

Gardina says her goals are to use her well-rounded computer, creative, research and communication skills to seamlessly combine the fields of research, marketing and media production. She also is ready and willing to share her expertise and says thinking simple is key in the public relations industry.

A Life Dedicated to Music

Andy Nunez is the founder, owner, and operator of Opolis Productions, LLC, a music promotions company and venue, which he manages with his wife and bandmate Marian Nunez. Nunez has a passionate history with music, starting in the 6^th grade when he formed his first band right here in Norman. As time and his skill set progressed, so did his involvement in the Oklahoma music scene. “Most people interested in music, their interest sparks at a young age, grabs them, and never lets go,” said Nunez. Such a statement holds true for Nunez, as his progression from middle school bands to former Barsuk Records band the Starlight Mints finally lead him to his current gig as a music promoter.

Nunez attended college at Rose State University and the University of Oklahoma after an early graduation from Norman High School. He did not obtain a degree, because he dropped out to pursue his music career in Oregon after a short two years. As Nunez joked, “My wife got a degree in Art Media. We’re still paying for it.”

Nunez relayed information about the status of the music industry today, and remarked that the most challenging aspect of his job was keeping up with the constant fluctuation of trends, much like music and cultural icon Bob Dylan.

When asked which advice he would give to new professionals, Nunez quickly replied, “Change with the times. Be aware of trends; this business changes at a faster pace, so you have to adapt quicker in the music industry.”

photo: courtesy of Andy Nunez

My Mentor

Summer 2011 was a time in my journey to becoming a Public Relation practitioner that I would never forget. Even though I am still on my journey, I can say that my time at Devon Energy this past summer was filled with lots of knowledge and learning experiences and a time I will never experience again

My mentor during this internship was Alesha M. Leemaster, MBA, APR. Leemaster is a Senior Communications Specialist at Devon Energy. She was always quick to help me understand the different ways to deal with the media and the right way to do things in the industry. I learned so much from her and she has become someone I can go to for advise and anything I need.

Leemaster studied Public Relations at the University of Oklahoma from 1999 to 2003. She said she always loved and understood the process of public relations and knew exactly what she wanted to do when she got into college.

“A lot of people in PR say the want to join the profession because they are good with people or they are outgoing,” Leemaster said. “Those attributes are great but this profession needs people who understand the process of successful PR and have the passion needed to be successful.”

Leemaster began her career at the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, where she was a communications specialist. She stayed there for two years and then became a communications specialist for the Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OGE). Leemaster said that even though she wanted to work for a big company, she knew she had to start somewhere.

“I started off working with small companies where I was the only communications specialist,” Leemaster said. “I was responsible for every aspect of PR and that helped me acquire so many skills instead of limiting myself.”

Leemaster’s experience and her ability to handle all aspects of public relations and communications put her above her peers. In 2006, she was offered a position at Devon Energy as a Senior Communications Specialist, a position she had always dreamed of. She has been with the company ever since.

Leemaster has had a big impact in my life and she has taught me skills that I will need in my future. She also taught me to spread my wings and to make myself valuable. To be a woman in such a high position at Devon Energy shows how much talent she has and shows her passion and understanding of the process of public relations.