Her Story
About Mikaela
Mikaela Hunt serves as Director of Communications for the Ohio Department of Commerce, where she oversees a team responsible for integrated communications, including social media marketing, video production, media relations, marketing campaigns, and strategic communications governance. With a career spanning journalism, public relations, and government communications, she focuses on developing compelling narratives that increase public awareness, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and advance organizational objectives. She began her professional journey in 2000 after earning her Bachelor of Journalism in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She initially worked as a leadership consultant for a fraternal organization before transitioning into television news, where she served as a producer, anchor, and reporter across Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio.
In 2015, following an unexpected career transition, Mikaela founded Mikaela Media LLC, a brand journalism agency dedicated to helping organizations communicate their stories through a journalistic lens. Through this work, she provided storytelling, video production, media training, media relations, voice-over services, and social media management. Her expertise and approach to strategic storytelling eventually led to her recruitment by Ohio state officials in 2019. In her government communications leadership role, she applies the PESO media strategy, integrating paid, earned, shared, and owned media to maximize outreach and engagement. Among her notable initiatives are an opioid awareness campaign for financial advisors that received a national Reagan Public Relations Award and a cannabis prevention education campaign addressing pregnant women, youth, and the workforce. Her work has also earned multiple Public Relations Society of America Central Ohio awards, recognizing her contributions to effective communications and public engagement.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mikaela remains committed to leadership development, community involvement, and advancing opportunities for women in business. Her recognitions include Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 honor in 2018, selection for Women Welding the Way, and recognition as a 2027 WELD Calendar Honoree. She is a Leadership Ohio alumna and maintains an active role in professional and civic initiatives, including service on the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees and involvement with Women for Economic Leadership and Development, the Environmental Sustainability Commission, and the 2020 Club. She also hosts the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s Cbuzz podcast, where she highlights entrepreneurs, local businesses, and innovative ideas shaping Central Ohio. Through her combined experience in journalism, strategic communications, and public-sector leadership, Mikaela continues to champion authentic storytelling, meaningful public engagement, and communication strategies that help organizations build trust and create lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mikaela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my belief that the right story, told strategically and authentically, has the power to create meaningful change. Since beginning my professional journey in 2000, I have built my career across journalism, media, public relations, and integrated communications, continually learning how to connect with audiences and communicate messages that inspire understanding and action. My experience has taught me the importance of adaptability, creativity, integrity, and clear communication. I remain committed to understanding the needs of the people I serve, embracing new approaches, and using storytelling to strengthen relationships, build trust, and make a lasting impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve embraced is the importance of mentorship and helping others find their voice. My mentor, Sherry Maxfield, has reinforced the value of learning from others, sharing experiences, and using what we gain throughout our careers to help others grow. I believe that sharing knowledge can shorten someone else’s learning curve, build confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. Mentorship is about more than offering advice; it is about empowering others to recognize their strengths, develop their potential, and find their own path to success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the communications industry is to learn how to tell your own story with the same confidence and authenticity that you bring to representing organizations and clients. It is easy to become so focused on highlighting others’ accomplishments that you overlook your own. I encourage young professionals to maintain an ongoing record of their initiatives, achievements, and successes so they can clearly articulate the value they bring to their teams and organizations. Be intentional about documenting your growth, advocating for yourself, and embracing opportunities that challenge you to develop new skills. Your work deserves to be recognized, and learning to communicate your own value is an important part of building a successful and sustainable career.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are leadership, service, integrity, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. I believe leadership is not simply about holding a position of responsibility; it is about empowering others, contributing to the community, and using my experience to create opportunities for growth. These values have guided my involvement in organizations such as the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees, where I served for three years, as well as Women Welding the Way, the Environmental Sustainability Commission, and the 2020 Club. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of collaboration, giving back, and remaining committed to causes that benefit others. Ultimately, I strive to lead with purpose, support those around me, and ensure that my work reflects the values I believe in.
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