40 Under 40: A Message to my Younger Self

Angelique Jackson (ABJ ‘12), Kristina Stafford Kelly (ABJ ‘08), Audrey A. Lewis (AB ‘07, ABJ ‘09, JD ‘10), Loree Anne Paradise (ABJ ‘11) and Juanita Traughber (ABJ ‘08, AB ‘08) spoke at an event titled “40 Under 40: A Message to My Younger Self” on Friday, Sept. 6. The alumnae advised students on graduating, beginning their careers and learning how to create a healthy work/life balance. 

Keisha Chestnut, fourth year journalism student, introduced the alumnae and led the discussion.

WORKING THROUGH THE HIGHS AND LOWS

Audrey A. Lewis is an attorney for Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun & Rogers, LLC. She handles litigation issues for government entities, such as the Georgia Department of Transportation. 

When asked about a defining moment during her career path, Lewis said, “so much of life and so much of your career are the hard moments… embrace those moments, the networks and relationships you have built will be very useful in guiding you through those moments.” She went on to encourage students to work through hardship and use it as a way to enrich the other parts of their lives. 

GEOGRAPHICAL CHANGES

Angelique Jackson is the senior entertainment writer at Variety. She has also served as both a film and media reporter and an events and lifestyle producer at Variety. 

Jackson participated in the Grady LA program while in college, which she says made her relocation even easier. She urges students to go get internships and “try to get out of Georgia and UGA before you graduate because it will give you the confidence of finding a new environment and making your own life out there before you have to do it for real.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Juanita Traughber is the director of marketing & communications at the University School of Nashville. She oversees all communications and marketing efforts for the K-12 school, but also has an extensive background in both the journalism and public relations fields. 

Traughber recommends students work on building interpersonal relationships, emphasizing their importance in all areas of life. She says “those relationships will get you in the door, and what you know will keep you there.” 

SPEAKING UP IN MEETINGS

Loree Anne Paradise is the chief of staff for the Office of the Lt. Governor of Georgia. Paradise started her career as a press secretary for the United States Congress, before receiving a JD from University of Kansas Law School and beginning her career as an attorney. 

Paradise discussed the importance of listening and thinking more than you speak. She said she “can tell the difference between someone who is confident and has really thought through a good idea…versus someone who is just trying to have their voice heard.” She goes on to tell students to have confidence in their ideas, but also think through the ins and outs of a new idea before speaking. 

FINDING A FIRST JOB

Kristina Stafford Kelly is the VP of communications at UP Entertainment, a media company focused on positive, uplifting entertainment. She knew she wanted to work in public relations from a young age and has worked in different sectors of the field since graduating. 

Kelly reminded students to remember that “it’s not your forever job, it’s your first job. It’s not going to be perfect, it’s not going to check every box.” She told students to find the good in any job, because all experience can be leveraged in later opportunities. 

To view the entire panel discussion, visit the UGAGrady YouTube channel. 

Thank you to our alumni for sharing their time and wisdom with our current students.

Written by Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu