Gillian Hanley

My interest in public relations began while I was working in the service industry and surrounded by different people every day. Whether it was sparking conversations, getting to know strangers, or learning new communication skills, I loved working in a fast-paced environment and connecting with people.

After studying public relations and marketing at Auburn University, I gained hands-on experience in the PR industry as a Media Relations Associate, assisting hospitality clients with several local and national awareness campaigns. Throughout this role, I supported clients by boosting engagement on social media platforms, building strong relationships, and practicing effective communication. Once I saw how meaningful it is to help connect clients with the media, my excitement for working in PR continued to grow.

Beyond my passion for connecting with people, I also love connecting with the world. I’ll always say yes to a spontaneous trip. Exploring new cities, diving into different cultures, and learning the history behind each place excites me. One of my biggest bucket-list goals is to visit all 50 states and hopefully many places beyond that.