Influential Woman · Communications

Alexis Watkins

Library Marketing and Community Relations Supervisor, City of Suffolk, VA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Her Story

About Alexis

What I love most about my career is that communication is ultimately what people do every day, and it is the building block, I believe, of humanity. Storytelling has been what has carried history and people's stories, and sharing that with people is what I love so much. I think it's so important to do that well and to make sure it's accessible to everyone. I started out at community college after high school, and then I decided to go to Arizona State University's (ASU) Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, which was probably one of the best decisions I could have ever made, because there are so many opportunities at the Cronkite School, and it's made me the person, and professional that I am. ASU is where I got connected with The Chic Daily, a fashion publication, and that's how I was able to obtain my internships and was able to go to both LA Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. The opportunity in communications is that a lot of people are realizing that storytelling is what makes a brand or organization and what sets it apart, especially with people having such oversaturated socials and everything coming at them at once. To stand out, there's an opportunity there for communicators to really make their mark and know that there is a place for you, and it's not a waste of a degree or your time.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Alexis

01What do you attribute your success to?

My support system has been a big help in my success. My family and friends have encouraged me and poured into me when I didn't think I had it in me to keep going, and I will forever be grateful for their love and support.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Don't be afraid to take that risk, bet on yourself everytime!

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would tell women entering the communications field to not be afraid to reach out to people. Don't be afraid to send that cold email - it could lead to something you could have never imagined. That is how I have been able to get so many opportunities, by sending a cold email and asking for advice or asking if someone needed a helping hand. Also, professional development is very important, take advantage of the learning opportunities around you!

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The opportunities in media and communications are that a lot of people are realizing that storytelling is what makes a brand and what sets it apart, especially with people having such oversaturated socials and everything coming at them at once. So to stand out, there's an opportunity there for communicators to really make their mark and know that there is a place for you, and it's not a waste of a degree or your time. The challenge that we face is that communications is still not really seen as valuable - it's either seen as an easy career or one that doesn't take as much work. I think that is something we need to address by making sure that we set the tone and the standard that there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into what we do every day.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

For me, integrity is a big one, along with accountability. Holding yourself accountable and to a certain standard is always going to set you apart from the crowd. I believe integrity goes hand-in-hand with that - people can trust you, they trust your word, and they know that you're going to follow through with actions. I also believe having empathy is extrememly important.

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