Campus Celebrity: Kenia Zelaya
“I describe myself as PR student by day, world traveler by night”
This week I had the privilege of getting to know one of Masons finest, Kenia Zelaya. Zelaya is a very well rounded, family oriented girl, who strives to reach her dream of working on an international level, and changing the world in a positive way. Here are a few questions I asked Zelaya about her life and her plans for a successful future.
Name: Kenia Zelaya
Age: 21 Years old
Expected graduating year: 2016
Major: Communication(s) with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Business
Why did you decide to be a Communications major?
“I was originally interested in journalism. I wanted to be in front of the camera and out on the field reporting. Then I learned about Mason’s Public Relations Student Society of America and of the public relations concentration. The organization was active and the classes seemed more interesting to me. I started going to meetings, events, and taking the public relations classes and declared my major and concentration all at once,” said Zelaya
For all you collegiates interested in public relations, think about joining GMU PRSSA for unique opportunities and connections that will help you pave your way to a successful future.
Who do you look up to in your field?
“David Gallagher, CEO Europe of PR firm Ketchum, is one of the many professionals I look up to. He recently wrote a blog about his journey to his current executive position. Something he said in the blog felt like he accurately described the motivation behind the transition from journalism to PR that both him and I made like many other professionals have. He said, “I loved journalism and the notion of sharing news about the world. But as a writer for an advocacy organization, I really liked the idea of using journalism to influence the world, not just describe it.” That’s one of the best part of public relations, being able to cause change and move public opinion,” said Zelaya
Organizations you’re involved in at Mason?
“[I’m a] Highly active member of GMU’S PRSSA. If I’m staying late on campus on a Monday night (because I commute) it’s usually for PRSSA. Otherwise I’m helping out someway with the communication department, getting work done for one or all of my six classes I’m currently taking, or I’m enjoying family time or movie/TV time or eating at a new restaurant,” said Zelaya
Zelaya is not only extremely involved in the Mason communications community, but she is also very involved in the communication world.
Internships/Jobs you have done?
“Event planning for Taste of DC (this year I was a guest instead and it was very different than being behind the scenes) in Washington, DC., public relations intern for boutique firm Focused Image in Falls Church, Va., and social media manager for 14ymedio, Cuba’s first digital news source (this was a virtual telecom internship all in Spanish), ” said Zelaya.
Zelaya is extremely involved in her field of study, and hopes to find a job once she graduates to help her continue her path to success. She hopes to return back to school in a few years to further her education and get one step closer to her dream job.
Favorite quote?
“The world is a book, and those who don’t travel only read one page,” Zelaya plans to read that book to the end.