Already an experienced marketing and communications specialist, Brenda Buratti sought a master’s degree in strategic communication to add “teacher” to her career portfolio.

Argentinian native and self-described film buff Lucila Cejas parlayed the qualitative research expertise she gained through her Strategic Communication Master’s degree to connect with the Gen Z audience for a major animation studio.

More than 30 years after earning her undergraduate degree, Melissa De Lyser returned to college for a master’s in strategic communication. Now she’s the communications coordinator for the Washington County Department of Land Use and Transportation.

Ben Furr came to Portland by way of Buenos Aires, Austin, and New York City to seek a master’s in strategic communication. Now he’s a stakeholder communications manager at Cambia Health Solutions.

Story, photos and video by Schaeffer Bonner What happens when you gather the world’s leading strategic communication experts around one table? They talk. And UO students are listening. Communications professionals from leading organizations across the Pacific Northwest, including Microsoft, Intel, Columbia Sportswear and The Port of Portland, came together on Oct. 14 at the SOJC’s George S. Turnbull Portland Center.