Haley Downing: Account Manager for Waller & Company

Haley Downing: Account Manager for Waller & Company
By Callie Gillock

Haley Downing, a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma, found her niche in public relations when she entered college. At a young age, Downing knew she had a passion for writing like none other. After completing her first PR entry class she discovered an industry where writing was integrated with social interaction and client relations, which was what she was looking for.

Downing graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree from Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. She is now the Account Manager for Waller & Company, a PR firm located in Tulsa.

Waller & Company is a full-service public relations firm that was founded in 1996. This organization believes having a strong PR firm requires mutually beneficial relationships with all clients. Waller & Company strives to build lasting relationships with clients by creating resourceful ideas and solutions that will satisfy companies’ needs.

Not only does her job allow her to fulfill her passion for writing, but it also permits her to explore different areas in public relations. “I love working with such a diverse spectrum of clients,” Downing exclaimed. “Our firm has restaurant and hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare and technology divisions so we are always busy doing something different and coming up with new ideas for each of the client industries.”

When getting into the PR business you need something that sets you apart from everyone else. “My advice to young PR professionals is to complete as many internships as you possibly can before looking for an entry level position,” said Downing. “The University of Oklahoma adequately prepared me for an entry level PR position, but my internships set me apart from other applicants while job searching.”

For a successful career path, PR professionals should have a creative mindset and a proactive approach with all client relations. Also, Downing insists, “a PR practitioner should have knowledge of AP style writing, familiarity with PR writing, document formats and research techniques.”

"Wear Yellow Live Strong"

Wear Yellow Live Strong

By Callie Gillock

Every year millions of people around the world are affected by cancer. On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong – one of the world’s best cyclists – was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Armstrong, like many others, ignored the warning signs of cancer. By the time Armstrong received the diagnosis, his cancer had already spread to his lungs, brain and abdomen. Unaware of what the future would hold, Lance Armstrong created the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which is now known as LIVESTRONG, is a foundation that donates 81 cents of every dollar raised to services for cancer survivors as well as support for LIVESTRONG programs. In May 2004, the foundation teamed up with Nike and created the LIVESTRONG bracelet. The yellow bracelet is a part of the educational program “Wear Yellow Live Strong”. The program was created in an effort to raise awareness and money for cancer research. To date, there have been over 70 million bracelets sold worldwide. Since the foundation began in 1997, it has raised more than $325 million.

Marking the anniversary of Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis, every October 2 LIVESTRONG day has been dedicated to a global day of action. The worldwide event is to bring people together and wear yellow to honor people affected by cancer. People all over the world are invited to create their own LIVESTRONG event throughout the month of October. Nearly 1,142 events in 832 cities spanning over 65 countries have already been created.

The LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign brings together millions of people nation wide working together to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Picture Source: Nashmaximus