PRSA Pittsburgh Honors Point Park Student and Alumna at 2021 Renaissance Awards Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Morgan McCoy

Degree earned: B.A. in PR and advertising '19
Job title and employer: General Manager, Growth & Operations, Adda Coffee & Tea House 
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High school: Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)

Tell us about the work you do for Adda Coffee & Tea House.

I am the general manager for the whole company. So, my responsibilities run the gamut. My primary focus is on growth — marketing for our online store, planning for new locations and growth, running strategic partnerships and keeping the team happy.

It's only been about two months, but I have loved working on paid promotions, merchandising, digital marketing and designing new products/partnerships like our Take Care! Kit with Pittsburgh Juice Company.

What does receiving the PR Disruptor of the Year award mean to you?

It means so much. On the surface, it looks like my academic and professional pursuits have been successful. Underneath, they were both huge struggles for me. I don't think or act in traditional ways. I have learned through hard lessons that I don't always have to reinvent the wheel, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to pursue new, better and more efficient and creative ways to do things. It's a blessing and a curse. I had a hard time finding peers, groups and companies that truly embrace the way I work.

Having my former professor and incredible friend, Camille Downing, in my life really changed my direction. She saw the fire in me and helped me direct it into PRSSA and projects. She helped me be a better communicator, both professionally and personally, giving me the confidence to forge ahead boldly.

To be recognized by PRSA Pittsburgh as an innovator at this stage in my career is a huge honor.

In what ways did your college experience prepare you for your career?

Point Park's School of Communication is the best in the world! The professors actively sought real-life projects and clients for us to interact with so we could really understand communication not only on the page, but in action. This helped me become a more mature problem solver which has led me to take on advanced positions earlier in my career.

Emily Sjoberg

Major: PR and advertising '22
Minor: Graphic design
Hometown: Presque Isle, Maine
High school: Presque Isle High School
Career goals: Director of communications for a nonprofit

What does it mean to you to receive the Bob O’Gara Student Scholarship?

Receiving this scholarship provides me with the opportunity to focus on my professional development before I graduate. I’m honored to be recognized by PRSA Pittsburgh and hope to continue developing connections with the region’s PR professionals.

How is your Point Park experience preparing you for your future?

Gaining experience both inside and outside of the classroom is invaluable for college students. Instead of just lectures and tests, many of my classes have involved creating work for local organizations. Additionally, I was able to get involved in Point Park’s student organizations, including WPPJ and Point Park Uno League, from day one. The knowledge gained from Point Park helped me land three internships throughout the years.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

Point Park provides a close-knit community along with an abundance of opportunities just minutes away from campus. Gaining real-world experience throughout my college career has helped me prepare — and get excited — for my professional future.