Alumni Spotlight - Candace Harrison
Candice’s Communication degree has opened doors for her to work at some really exciting
places. She is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at SSOE, where she is responsible for developing programs and solutions that further foster
an inclusive work environment. She leads the implementation of the firm’s DEI vision,
develop compelling and inclusive messaging, create aspirational goals and plans for
change, and an in-depth assessment of SSOE’s DEI initiatives.
Candice was previously employed with Toledo Public Schools as the External Communications Manager, responsible for media relations, social media, community engagement initiatives, coordinating digital media and acting as spokesperson for the district. She has also served as the Director of Communication for the Toledo Museum of Art and as Senior Communications Manager for the Toledo Zoo.
Her Communication degree from UToledo helped prepare her. “I learned about the power of relationships and how to appropriately work with others. It helped me do well in my career.” She likes working for organizations that align with her values and with her “authentic self.” She believes that writing and public speaking skills are vital to career success.
There are a few ways that she believes a student can tell if a Communication degree is right for them. “If you enjoy working with others, helping to elevate brands, helping to lift others up, you may be interested in the field of communication. There are so many paths outside of broadcasting. There is a whole industry that people don’t know about because it’s behind the scenes. But strong brands and companies are driven by the most dynamic communicators.”
