IABC’s Student and Early Career Professional Shared Interest Group provides opportunities, resources and support to college students and early professionals with the goal of enhancing career readiness and instilling a life-long passion for the field. This initiative takes inspiration and action from its members who assume volunteer leadership roles to facilitate networking, produce programs, promote volunteerism and provide access to experienced professionals.
Upcoming SIG Events
About Our Student/Early Career SIG Leaders
India Starr (she/her)
India Starr is a data-driven storyteller with a passion for strategic communication and creating brand narratives. A San Diego native, she is currently in her second year pursuing her Master’s in Public Relations and Advertising at the University of Southern California, where she is a graduate fellowship recipient and serves as a Research Assistant for the USC Center for Public Relations. Starr is also a former college athlete, having played women’s basketball at California State University, Chico, where she graduated with a degree in Communications and Public Affairs.
Jodie Lack (she/her)
Jodie is a high-performing early career public relations professional. She has an eager and passionate interest in the areas of tourism, B-Corporation, not-for-profit and government. With over two years of industry experience, Jodie’s skills have been highly developed in media relations, social media, website design and event management. Jodie graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Communication and Public Relations with a distinction in 2023.
Lenny Zaleski (he/him)
Lenny Zaleski is a Chicago native and currently studying public relations and political science at the University of Dayton on track for an accelerated master’s in public administration. Zaleski has worked primarily for nonprofits and government agencies focusing on the environment, climate change, housing and human rights. Currently, he is a communications intern at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office working on social media strategy, event marketing, strategic communications campaigns and email marketing. Lenny’s key focus areas include media relations, social media strategy and strategic communications focused on brand perception and community relations.
Yohana Fontenia (she/her)
Yohana is a dual bachelor's student in economics and politics at the London School of Economics and Business Leadership at Forward College. Having lived in Spain, Portugal, France and Germany, she embraces a holistic international perspective. She is passionate about education, social justice, leadership, strategy and sustainability. She is an EU Climate Pact Ambassador, she has collaborated with the European Commission and UNICEF in several events related to climate change. She has also worked and led several projects and start-ups. Yohana is committed to working towards positive global changes and helping others.