40 under 40 honoree profile: Lauren Culbertson Grieco

Congratulations to Lauren Culbertson Grieco (ABJ ’09) on being named to this year’s class of 40 under 40 honorees by the UGA Alumni Association. Culbertson graduated from Grady College with a degree in advertising and is the head of U.S. public policy for Twitter, a role she has held since Fall 2020. She has worked at Twitter since 2017, following roles as a public affairs consultant and serving multiple communication roles for the late Sen. Johnny Isakson. While a student at UGA, Grieco was involved with a variety of activities including UGA HEROs, Blue Key Honor Society, Kappa Delta Sorority and serving as a Richard B. Russell Leadership Fellow.

Grieco took a few minutes from her schedule to answer some questions for us.

What experience during your time at Grady College had the biggest influence on where you are today?

Dr. Karen Russell insisted (and graded as such!) that I learn how to Tweet; I secured my first job on a political campaign because I knew how to Tweet, and I now work at Twitter. It’s a powerful tool that can help your career if harnessed strategically.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

You will always do your best work in the areas that interest you; don’t force things. If you find yourself misaligned, take it seriously and adjust accordingly.

What skills or advice should graduates and young alumni have for success early in their careers?

Surround yourself with good people. The leaders you work for influence your experience and development just as the organization in which you work. Prioritize working for people who you respect, want to emulate, and will invest in your growth. I have been fortunate to work for excellent leaders, and this has made all the difference.

Also, do the small tasks well so you will be entrusted with more significant responsibilities. You can’t skip to the good part right away.

What do you believe is your biggest strength and how has it helped you in your current role?

I’m a problem-solver and will work collaboratively with anyone willing to work toward a solution. It has served me well working in politics.

What does success mean to you?

Success is being clear about your purpose and working towards it every day.

Favorite Podcast? Tech’ed Up

One job-related tool you can’t live without: Twitter (duh)

Favorite restaurant in Athens: Last Resort. Always.

Favorite place you’ve traveled: Hong Kong, Lapland, the Dolomites

Item on your bucket list: African safari

Six Grady College graduates are represented in this year’s UGA Alumni Association 40 under 40 class. Grady College alumni honored in 2022 include:

• Emily Curl (ABJ ’14)
• Lauren Culbertson Greico (ABJ ’09)
• Christie Johnson (ABJ ’07)
• Chad Mumm (ABJ ’08)
• Kevin Schatell (ABJ ’16)
• Michael Waldron (ABJ ’10)

We will welcome five of the honorees back to Grady College on Friday, Sept. 9 for a “Message to My Younger Self” panel. Please join us in the Peyton Anderson Forum (room 238) at 10 a.m. A light breakfast will be offered.