By I have very fond memories of learning from Doreen during my formative years at Carroll College. Part of the graduating class of 2009, I had the privilege of being among the first students to graduate with a concentration in broadcast communication. In the first few days of class, Doreen opened my eyes to the opportunities that pursuing television production can bring — not only for a career, but for the leadership skills that come from being able to clearly communicate on camera. She helped me to gain an internship at a local station next to campus that influenced my decision to go on to get a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. As someone who started off pursuing pre-med and chemistry, this shift was monumental. I felt like the communication department at Carroll as a whole set me on the path I was meant to take that got me where I am now.
Today, I am the founder and CEO of a tech platform called Pitchcraft, providing content, community and live workshops to connect publicists and journalists across all mediums. We are growing quickly and becoming known as a go-to resource across the country for the PR industry. Much of my time is spent leading virtual and in-person events, and I credit Doreen and Carroll’s broadcast program for helping me to develop the leadership skills and comfortability on camera that got me to where I am today.
I also remember an evening at the end of the school year when Doreen hosted a small group of students at her home for a traditional Ghanaian meal. Growing up in a small agricultural community in Montana, I was not exposed to much diversity or global cuisine. This was my first time eating a meal with no silverware, and I keenly remember trying okra at her home.
It’s come full circle now, as I live in Alabama with my husband and 1-year-old son, and this is a vegetable served regularly here, too. I’m even growing some in my garden this year, and I thought of Doreen as I planted it.
Kelsey Ogletree ’09
