About the Authors
Carla Blumenthal
Carla is a senior at James Madison University (JMU) with a double major in Communication Studies and Technical Scientific Communication and minor in European Marketing. A native of Philadelphia, Pa., she is currently the Senior Speech Consultant at JMU’s Communication Resource Center where she aids students with presentational speaking.
In the summer of 2007, Carla interned in the public relations department of a fashion company in New York City where she worked on lookbooks and special events. In the summer of 2006, Carla studied abroad in Antwerp, Belgium where she took classes in marketing and traveled extensively throughout Europe. She plans on using her love for global marketing and communications and travel in her professional career.
As past Member Development chairman for Delta Delta Delta, President of Dormitory Community Council, and a first year orientation guide, Carla gained leadership and event planning experience. As a speech consultant, she helps students improve all aspects of presentational speaking from research and outlining to delivery techniques. Carla is currently writing her honors thesis about improving university communication centers. During her senior year spring break, Carla will be traveling to Winter Park, Fl., with other JMU students to work with the homeless involved in the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Carla is a May 2008 graduate and will be attending Emerson College’s Global Marketing Communication & Advertising Master of Arts program.
Carla may be contacted at carlalbn@gmail.com.
Rachel Canfield
Rachel Canfield graduated in 2008 from James Madison University (JMU) with a degree in public relations and print journalism. During her years at JMU, Rachel worked as an Editorial Assistant and Student Researcher for the Journal of Mine Action; the Managing Editor of The Bluestone, JMU’s yearbook; and a Student Speech Consultant at the Communication Resource Center.
Following her graduation, Rachel moved to Washington, D.C., to work in business development with a leading global strategic communication consultancy.
Rachel can be contacted at rachellbn1@gmail.com.
Marilyn Coates
Marilyn Coates is currently employed as an event planner for the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. She graduated from James Madison University in 2008 with a B.S. degree in communication studies with a double minor in sports communication and sport and recreation management.
At JMU, Marilyn worked as part of the student staff at JMU Events and Conferences as a building and event manager. She also spent two summers, 2005 and 2006, as a sports writer for the Danville Register and Bee in Danville, Va., and one summer, 2007, as an administrative coordinator and marketing intern for JMU Events and Conferences. In 2006, she also completed a practicum for JMU Sports Media as the women’s soccer and basketball beat writer. Additonally, Marilyn participated in the IABC, PRSSA, Student Duke Club, CHOICES and Relay for Life.
Marilyn can be contacted at marilynlbn@gmail.com.
Aida Fazlic
Aida Fazlic is a senior at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Va., majoring in communication studies with a concentration in public relations. Her two minors are French and technical and scientific communication.
She is a member of the University Program Board, where she has worked for the Public Relations Committee, and Contemporary Issues Committee as the marketing chair and administrative chair. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, where she has served as the music chair and member of the Publicity and Philanthropy Committees. She is also a Student Speech Consultant in the Communication Resource Center.
Aida has an international background and speaks French, Bosnian and English. In the summer of 2007, she interned for the International Broadcasting Bureau in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she organized and planned a workshop on television in the new media era. She has also been a public relations volunteer for Court Days Festival, Sunflower Cottage and Valley Program for the Aging Services.
Aida can be contacted at aidalbn3@gmail.com.
Haley Rice
Haley Rice is a senior communication studies major with a concentration in public relations at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Va. She is also receiving a minor in sociology. She is involved in such activities as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and Lambda Pi Eta Communication Studies Honor Society. She is also a student member of the National Communication Association (NCA). For the past three years, Haley has been an active member of the University Program Board’s Public Relations, Marketing and Arts and Entertainment committees. Through this experience, she has gotten to work closely with the local media and learned innovative marketing and promotional strategies.
Currently, Haley is a public relations intern at the March of Dimes in Harrisonburg. She has extensive experience writing and designing for non-profit organizations. She has also has been a public relations volunteer for Sunflower Cottage, Valley Program for Aging Services and Caregivers Community Network.
Haley can be contacted at ricehe@jmu.edu.
