Welcome Leah Hawthorne to the KCI Team!
See below for a brief introduction from Leah:
My PR Journey:
I grew up in Collier Township, a suburb outside of Pittsburgh, PA, and knew that I wanted to further my education at Slippery Rock University. Once I arrived at college, I wasn’t entirely sure which career path I wanted to pursue, but I was always full of questions, especially about what drives people and shapes their behavior.
At Slippery Rock University, I was initially majoring in Criminology. We visited the Butler County Prison as part of that program, which was an eye-opening experience that made me realize the career path wasn’t the right fit for me.
Then, everything changed when I discovered the Strategic Communication department. I found myself drawn to the major’s creative writing classes and unique content development programs. My curiosity and desire to learn led me to public relations and social media, where I found real excitement in sharing meaningful stories.
During college, I was an active member of our chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and had the chance to attend networking events throughout Pittsburgh. These experiences allowed me to gain insight into the industry and sparked my enthusiasm to join an agency.
I also worked for a remote marketing agency based in Pittsburgh. This agency shaped my perspective on the importance of storytelling, especially in the nonprofit PR and marketing landscape.
I’m always finding new ways to learn new skills and make meaningful connections. I am thrilled to work at Krakoff Communications and be a part of such a hard-working, driven team. Ultimately, I am excited to grow as a communicator and support our clients in sharing their stories.
More About Me:
About a year ago, I launched a foodie Instagram account where I post my favorite foods across Pittsburgh. It’s been a fun and creative outlet that has allowed me to visit local small businesses and meet new people. I also enjoy playing in a summer intramural softball league, as it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind from the week and stay in touch with my closest friends.
