Laura Wightman
Intern - Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Hired: May 2007
Education
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, School of Journalism and Mass Communications
- Majors: Professional Strategic Communication – Public Relations and Communication Studies
- Minor: Studies in Cinema and Media Culture
Curiosity Brings Experience
- Walt Disney Studios/Buena Vista Pictures Marketing - College Marketing Representative
- Devised creative promotional strategies for Touchstone & Walt Disney Picture films and implemented them on five Minnesota college campuses
- Supervised preview film screenings for college press and word-of-mouth viewers
- South Dakota Symphony Orchestra – Marketing Intern
- Researched for potential program book advertisers and Web site upgrades
- Sold ad space in 2006-2007 season program book to local businesses
A Triple Threat
Laura carries an undeniable desire to learn and an unshakable enthusiasm for trying new things. While pursuing a double major and a minor in four years, she was the assistant firm director of the U of M’s PRSSA chapter. After being welcomed onto the Risdall McKinney PR team, she received a Results That Matter™ award from RMPR President, Rose McKinney. Thus far her educational accomplishments, Laura has shown she’s prepared to tackle anything Risdall has to offer.
Favorite candy @ RAA:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Laffy Taffy – but not together.
Labors Of Love
- Public Relations Student Society of America – Willard Thompson Chapter
- Minnesota Programs and Activities Council (MPAC) major events volunteer
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
The Lighter Side
Laura savors the time she spends with family and friends. Cooking with her roommates, going to concerts, exploring the Twin Cities, and playing with Camille, the family dog, are her favorite diversions.
Her Unfamiliar Side
- Laura used to be a cheerleader in high school, though people don’t see her as the “Rah-Rah” type, it’s clearly recognizable in her work ethic.
- Arthur “AC” Nielsen is her great-great-uncle; “he passed before I was born, but my grandfather refers to him fondly as “Uncle Art.”