This week we are profiling another alumni leader from one of our 173 chartered alumni communities. Joanna Coker lives near Atlanta and is a member of the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club. She was interviewed by Baindu Lucy Bayon, Ph.D., Vice President of Neal-Marshall.
When did you attend Indiana University?
In 2011, I graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies. During my time at IU, I participated in many campus groups and activities. To name a few, I was a Hudson and Holland Scholar, I served as an executive board member for the Volunteer Student Bureau, and volunteered many hours at the Bloomington Boys and Girls Club.
What is your fondest memory of Indiana University?
My fondest memory of Indiana University was easily the day of my graduation. While I was pleased that I had completed my degree, my true joy came from being able to experience – all at once – how proud each of my family members were. The love was overwhelming. I will never forget the feeling of hugging my grandmother – who was in town all the way from Nigeria – and showing her that her sacrifices were not in vain.
What have you been up to since your time at Indiana University?
I am a public relations professional at Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company with $21 billion in annual revenues and approximately 60,000 employees worldwide. In my role, I support executive communications and external affairs, managing our leadership’s social media presence as well as the presence of the company at-large, facilitating media relations and working with enterprise-wide partners to organize initiatives and plan events. Previously, I served as a Communications Coordinator for the City of Lawrenceville, Georgia where I had the opportunity to guide the Mayor’s external presence as well as the City at-large.
How do you stay connected to friends you made while at Indiana University?
Working in communications and PR, social media is a significant part of my day-to-day so I tend to use it as my primary medium for staying in touch with classmates and friends. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @JoannaCokerPR.
What do you love most about being an Indiana Hoosier? What about IU makes you proud?
What I love the most about Indiana University is that it defies the negative and closed-minded image that most people have of the state of Indiana. Btown was indeed our little bubble within Indiana. A bubble that exposes you to a variety of cultures, personalities, beliefs, genders, races, political affiliations, traditions and so much more. Contrary to what many might believe, diversity is supported and celebrated at Indiana University. During my time on campus, I was a member of the African Student Union and as an individual of Nigerian descent, I greatly appreciated that I was able to be a fellowship with other millennial African students as we held shared interests and experiences. I’m proud to be Hoosier because diversity and inclusion are embedded within our culture.