GSPA welcomes new staff member, Anna Parel

Hi! My name is Anna Parel. I am a first-year Graduate Student at the University of Georgia, obtaining a master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from The University of Mississippi. I am currently assisting GSPA for the 2023-2024 year!

I have always had an appreciation for journalism. In high school, I was on my school’s journalism staff for four years. During my junior year, I worked alongside the Macon Telegraph to produce a video for their website. I also served as The Stratford Gazebo’s newspaper editor and interned with a local news station, 13WMAZ, my senior year of high school. I take a great appreciation for work that the GSPA conducts and hope that my previous experiences in journalism will help me serve the association well. 

I am also passionate about the Journalism and Mass Communications field. Two summers ago, I served as a Travel Communications Intern for the American Junior Golf Association. During my time as an intern, I traveled to ten different states to help manage golf tournaments across the country. I produced content for the association’s social platforms and executed media coverage. I conducted player interviews and collaborated with large brands, such as Adidas and TaylorMade, to produce sponsorship content. I wrote feature stories and articles and created weekly video content for their YouTube channel.

More recently, I have had experience working in advertising. Last spring, I competed in the National Student Advertising Competition. During this experience, I conducted research, created digital content and helped execute a strategic campaign for a large corporate brand. This experience led me to ultimately choose advertising as my M.A. emphasis. 

I love taking on new challenges and have always aspired to work in a profession that pushes me to express ideas through written and visual concepts. I discovered that the Journalism and Mass Communications field allows me to take a creative approach through every form of media.

During my free time I enjoy exercising and watching my favorite T.V. shows- “Breaking Bad” and “The Office.” I love trying new things (especially new restaurants), so I am always open to recommendations!

I am so excited to see what this position will bring and am looking forward to being a part of the GSPA staff!