For Michigan State University School of Journalism grad, Antonice Strickland Jackson ‘12, graduation was the start of her rise to the top.
Moving to Washington, D.C., Strickland Jackson attended Georgetown University, completing her Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communication. Through her hard work as an entrepreneur and leadership at nonprofits, she received the “Emerging Leader Award” by Washington Women in PR and HuffPost’s “Top 25 PR Millennials to Watch.”
“In the world in general, being a women of color means you have to prove your worth and that can be hard. However, once you know you’re enough, you know you’re able to get to that level in your career. I try to be that open door to inspire women,” said Strickland Jackson.
Rising Up
While getting her master’s degree at Georgetown, Strickland Jackson learned to push through ups and downs to come out on top. Balancing being President of the National Black Public Relations Society, starting her own company, holding additional jobs, and studying, Strickland Jackson knew the definition of working hard.
She started a new business called Audacious Publicity and Management Group, which helps create and promote client brands in the music entertainment industry. That’s when she was recognized as a “Top 25 African American PR Millennials to Watch” by Huffington Post.
“This recognition pushed me into a greater place of gratitude. It was great to connect with other high level professionals and highlight the amazing work that’s happening, especially among millennials,” said Strickland Jackson.
Coming Home
After spending years in Washington D.C., Strickland Jackson returned home to Michigan to work for Truscott Rossman as a senior account executive. In this position, she manages multiple accounts and is an integral part of the Internal Communications Team.
“I love that I can lead in accounts. They hired me and they trust me, which means a lot to any career. I love that I can be in different types of industries and gain that institutional knowledge,” said Strickland Jackson.
As Strickland Jackson continues to climb the ladder to the top, she offers her advice for current students.
“Don’t shrink yourself or your goals to make other people feel comfortable. You’re about to grow and graduate or move away, and it’s going to be scary,” said Strickland Jackson. “Find what you’re trying to do and stick with it. You don’t have to be the best to make a big impact.”