The Spring ’13 Team
First and Last Name: Kate Gray
Position Title: Creative Ink Faculty Advisor
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Currently, I am an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design in the School of Organizational Leadership and Strategic Communication. I received my BFA in Advertising Art and a minor in Marketing from the University of North Texas. I am proud of my more than 30 years of experience in all areas of the communication and design field. These experiences have provided me with wonderful opportunities including; owning my own design firm, Add Design; designing for the Intel Corporation; and managing a creative team as the Assistant Director of Publications at the University of Missouri. In 2007, I joined the faculty of Stephens College. Within the School of Design and Fashion, I served as the Coordinator of the Graphic Design Program, in addition to my teaching responsibilities in that area. Currently, I teach courses in graphic design, fashion and marketing. I am a Wakonse fellow and was nominated for the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award in 2011. I am also an award-winning professional fine artist and a member of the Board of Directors for the Missouri Watercolor Society.
Position Title: Creative Ink Faculty Advisor
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Currently, I am an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design in the School of Organizational Leadership and Strategic Communication. I received my BFA in Advertising Art and a minor in Marketing from the University of North Texas. I am proud of my more than 30 years of experience in all areas of the communication and design field. These experiences have provided me with wonderful opportunities including; owning my own design firm, Add Design; designing for the Intel Corporation; and managing a creative team as the Assistant Director of Publications at the University of Missouri. In 2007, I joined the faculty of Stephens College. Within the School of Design and Fashion, I served as the Coordinator of the Graphic Design Program, in addition to my teaching responsibilities in that area. Currently, I teach courses in graphic design, fashion and marketing. I am a Wakonse fellow and was nominated for the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award in 2011. I am also an award-winning professional fine artist and a member of the Board of Directors for the Missouri Watercolor Society.
First and Last Name: Brittny Goran
Position Title: Firm Director
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising
Minor: Event Planning
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2013
Plans After Graduation: Upon graduation I would like to work at an established marketing firm that embodies a creative environment and supports my ambition for further education.
No, that’s not a typo you see… My name is indeed spelled right! I was born and raised in the Midwest, loving the simple part of life with a touch of glam. Country music is my get up and go, along with a strong cup of coffee. I cherish the hard work ethic and drive my parents instilled in me. A quote that I find advice from is, “Failures do what is tension relieving, while winners do what is goal achieving.” I believe that life is about reaching your dreams and making the world a better place. This may not always be easy and there are going to be obstacles, but it’s worth the fight to reach the top. I walk through my life with high heels and high goals.
Position Title: Firm Director
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising
Minor: Event Planning
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2013
Plans After Graduation: Upon graduation I would like to work at an established marketing firm that embodies a creative environment and supports my ambition for further education.
No, that’s not a typo you see… My name is indeed spelled right! I was born and raised in the Midwest, loving the simple part of life with a touch of glam. Country music is my get up and go, along with a strong cup of coffee. I cherish the hard work ethic and drive my parents instilled in me. A quote that I find advice from is, “Failures do what is tension relieving, while winners do what is goal achieving.” I believe that life is about reaching your dreams and making the world a better place. This may not always be easy and there are going to be obstacles, but it’s worth the fight to reach the top. I walk through my life with high heels and high goals.
First and Last Name: Gabrielle “Bree” Martino
Position Title: Creative Director
Hometown: Melbourne, Florida
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: Equine Studies
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation: I would love to work as a designer for a small company somewhere on the east coast – working and living creatively while actively increasing my education.
I’m the typical, horse-crazy girl who never really grew out of the “I want a pony!” stage. Nothing ever surpassed my passion for my four-hoofed friends, except for design. I grew up being artistic – always painting and sketching furiously and even purchasing my first graphics tablet by the age of thirteen; I never considered it as a potential career path until I got to college. Now, as a Graphic Design major, I guess it’s just another thing I never outgrew. I’m lucky to be able to nurture both of my passions at Stephens. When I’m not out at the barn, you might find me sketching, drawing, painting or just messing around with that worn-out tablet I miraculously still have. I guess some things never change.
Position Title: Creative Director
Hometown: Melbourne, Florida
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: Equine Studies
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation: I would love to work as a designer for a small company somewhere on the east coast – working and living creatively while actively increasing my education.
I’m the typical, horse-crazy girl who never really grew out of the “I want a pony!” stage. Nothing ever surpassed my passion for my four-hoofed friends, except for design. I grew up being artistic – always painting and sketching furiously and even purchasing my first graphics tablet by the age of thirteen; I never considered it as a potential career path until I got to college. Now, as a Graphic Design major, I guess it’s just another thing I never outgrew. I’m lucky to be able to nurture both of my passions at Stephens. When I’m not out at the barn, you might find me sketching, drawing, painting or just messing around with that worn-out tablet I miraculously still have. I guess some things never change.
First and Last Name: Michelle Niewald
Position Title: Account Representative and Traffic Manager
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising
Planned Graduation Month/Year: BS May 2014, MBA May 2015
Plans After Graduation: I plan to earn my MBA from Stephens in one additional year, and after that I want to work for a marketing agency or other creative entity. Eventually, I want to open my own dance studio.
I have culminated an interesting set of life experiences in the past 19 years. From competitive dance for 14 years to my adventures in the foothills of Colorado, my perspective on life has been shaped by individuals from all backgrounds. What have I learned? First, never cross a toddler with a bedazzler. Second, that I will always live my life by Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar quotation, “There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea we are now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves or lose our ventures.” You only live once, so why not take every opportunity life throws your way.
Position Title: Account Representative and Traffic Manager
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising
Planned Graduation Month/Year: BS May 2014, MBA May 2015
Plans After Graduation: I plan to earn my MBA from Stephens in one additional year, and after that I want to work for a marketing agency or other creative entity. Eventually, I want to open my own dance studio.
I have culminated an interesting set of life experiences in the past 19 years. From competitive dance for 14 years to my adventures in the foothills of Colorado, my perspective on life has been shaped by individuals from all backgrounds. What have I learned? First, never cross a toddler with a bedazzler. Second, that I will always live my life by Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar quotation, “There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea we are now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves or lose our ventures.” You only live once, so why not take every opportunity life throws your way.
First and Last Name: Kaylyn Crane
Position Title: Creative Representative
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: Art History
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I plan to find a job as a designer somewhere in the midwest or west coast.
Columbia, Missouri is considered home to this veteran of the Air Force. Working as a finance customer service tech for over four years was a blessing in disguise. I hated math and was terrified of helping people with their pay issues. However, it gave me a new outlook on life. I realized after looking back upon my experience that I had succeeded at doing something that I had once feared. It then clicked that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. With this approach I have completed two marathons, and I plan on running more. I love to see how far I can go and what challenges I can overcome, not only in running, but also in life.
Position Title: Creative Representative
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: Art History
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I plan to find a job as a designer somewhere in the midwest or west coast.
Columbia, Missouri is considered home to this veteran of the Air Force. Working as a finance customer service tech for over four years was a blessing in disguise. I hated math and was terrified of helping people with their pay issues. However, it gave me a new outlook on life. I realized after looking back upon my experience that I had succeeded at doing something that I had once feared. It then clicked that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. With this approach I have completed two marathons, and I plan on running more. I love to see how far I can go and what challenges I can overcome, not only in running, but also in life.
First and Last Name: Nichole Twenter
Position Title: Account Executive
Hometown: Boonville, Missouri
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising
Minor: Event Planning
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2013
Plans After Graduation: Plan to stay in mid-Missouri area hopefully working with sponsors in the marketing field planning promotional events.
I’m involved not only in Creative Ink, but am a member of Kappa Delta serving as Vice President-Membership, and Mortar Board – a senior honor society. The past summer I was given the opportunity to gain field experience while serving as an intern in the marketing department for the Missouri State Fair. It was a very rewarding experience that allowed me to get an insider look of large scale event planning and promotion. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing with friends and family, cooking new recipes for my boyfriend to taste-test, putting together projects found on pinterest and attending country music concerts (my favorites include Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert).
Position Title: Account Executive
Hometown: Boonville, Missouri
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising
Minor: Event Planning
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2013
Plans After Graduation: Plan to stay in mid-Missouri area hopefully working with sponsors in the marketing field planning promotional events.
I’m involved not only in Creative Ink, but am a member of Kappa Delta serving as Vice President-Membership, and Mortar Board – a senior honor society. The past summer I was given the opportunity to gain field experience while serving as an intern in the marketing department for the Missouri State Fair. It was a very rewarding experience that allowed me to get an insider look of large scale event planning and promotion. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing with friends and family, cooking new recipes for my boyfriend to taste-test, putting together projects found on pinterest and attending country music concerts (my favorites include Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert).
First and Last Name: Emily Detloff
Position Title: Creative Representative
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
Major/Degree: BFA, Graphic Design
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2013
Plans After Graduation: After graduation I would love to travel with friends and family, move somewhere new, and work for a small design firm or publication.
I knew I had two loves in high school: English and Art. I got the unique opportunity to study both throughout my college career. The combination of the two led me to graphic design and it has been my passion ever since. My other loves include cooking and camping. I believe in putting creativity into everything I do and living graciously. I’m so excited to go out into the world with the skills and friendships I’ve made at Stephens! I feel so blessed to be able to use my creativity and imagination every single day!
Position Title: Creative Representative
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
Major/Degree: BFA, Graphic Design
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2013
Plans After Graduation: After graduation I would love to travel with friends and family, move somewhere new, and work for a small design firm or publication.
I knew I had two loves in high school: English and Art. I got the unique opportunity to study both throughout my college career. The combination of the two led me to graphic design and it has been my passion ever since. My other loves include cooking and camping. I believe in putting creativity into everything I do and living graciously. I’m so excited to go out into the world with the skills and friendships I’ve made at Stephens! I feel so blessed to be able to use my creativity and imagination every single day!
First and Last Name: Kate Rudder
Position Title: Creative Representative
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Major/Degree: Fashion Communication
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2015
Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I would love to move to Texas and get a job designing for “The Book” at the Neiman Marcus headquarters.
After a year of calling Stephens home, I’ve turned my hopes and dreams into plans. If there’s one thing I’ve learned at Stephens so far, it would be that you can do anything you put your mind to. Growing up in a close-knit family of three girls, I always wanted to do exactly what my two older sisters did. But after starting school and living on my own, I feel I’ve settled into my own niche and know exactly who I want to be. I am a perfectionist at heart, and I think that is what drives me to become a better designer. I am inspired by design innovators and plan to one day leave my mark on the graphic design world.
Position Title: Creative Representative
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Major/Degree: Fashion Communication
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2015
Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I would love to move to Texas and get a job designing for “The Book” at the Neiman Marcus headquarters.
After a year of calling Stephens home, I’ve turned my hopes and dreams into plans. If there’s one thing I’ve learned at Stephens so far, it would be that you can do anything you put your mind to. Growing up in a close-knit family of three girls, I always wanted to do exactly what my two older sisters did. But after starting school and living on my own, I feel I’ve settled into my own niche and know exactly who I want to be. I am a perfectionist at heart, and I think that is what drives me to become a better designer. I am inspired by design innovators and plan to one day leave my mark on the graphic design world.
First and Last Name: Jennifer Pestle
Position Title: Account Executive
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising
Minor: Psychology
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation:
I am a Columbia native that is a natural born traveler. Viewing new places through the lens of a camera is my passion. I am a firm believer that traveling is one of the best ways to learn about other people. It has made me confident to be thrown into new situations. Coming from a family of hard workers mixed with my passion for travel has filled my life with hard work, communicating with people, and excitement for new experiences.
Position Title: Account Executive
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising
Minor: Psychology
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation:
I am a Columbia native that is a natural born traveler. Viewing new places through the lens of a camera is my passion. I am a firm believer that traveling is one of the best ways to learn about other people. It has made me confident to be thrown into new situations. Coming from a family of hard workers mixed with my passion for travel has filled my life with hard work, communicating with people, and excitement for new experiences.
First and Last Name: Christie Lee
Position Title: Account Executive
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising
Minor: Event Planning
Planned Graduation Month/Year: December 2013
Plans After Graduation: Find a job (preferably out of Missouri) that allows me to turn my social media obsession into a paycheck within a company I enjoy.
I don’t like to say I’m a social media snob… but I am. So when it finally dawned on me that there are actually people out there who are hired to produce quality content online, I knew I had found my calling. Even in my younger years back in Springfield, I had developed the personality of a marketer. Yet I was continually deterred by the pantsuit and brief case style, refusing to exchange my TOMS for high heels. Still destiny persisted, and here I am now, in heels, studying business at Stephens College and working for Creative Ink. I am nothing short of ecstatic to be a new part of the team!
Position Title: Account Executive
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Major/Degree: BS, Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising
Minor: Event Planning
Planned Graduation Month/Year: December 2013
Plans After Graduation: Find a job (preferably out of Missouri) that allows me to turn my social media obsession into a paycheck within a company I enjoy.
I don’t like to say I’m a social media snob… but I am. So when it finally dawned on me that there are actually people out there who are hired to produce quality content online, I knew I had found my calling. Even in my younger years back in Springfield, I had developed the personality of a marketer. Yet I was continually deterred by the pantsuit and brief case style, refusing to exchange my TOMS for high heels. Still destiny persisted, and here I am now, in heels, studying business at Stephens College and working for Creative Ink. I am nothing short of ecstatic to be a new part of the team!
First and Last Name: Michelle Marcum
Position Title: Creative Executive
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: N/A
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation: After graduation I plan to continue working as a graphic designer – whether working as an in-house designer, freelancing or starting my own creative firm is yet to be determined!
Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be an artist. I have a deep love for drawing, sculpting and paper! When it came to figuring out how to use that talent, I decided to get into the computer field. As a graphic designer, I have found a way to use my illustration and eye for design to build a career. Coming to Stephens has been such a wonderful networking opportunity, and I’m so excited to be a part of Creative Ink!
Position Title: Creative Executive
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: N/A
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2014
Plans After Graduation: After graduation I plan to continue working as a graphic designer – whether working as an in-house designer, freelancing or starting my own creative firm is yet to be determined!
Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be an artist. I have a deep love for drawing, sculpting and paper! When it came to figuring out how to use that talent, I decided to get into the computer field. As a graphic designer, I have found a way to use my illustration and eye for design to build a career. Coming to Stephens has been such a wonderful networking opportunity, and I’m so excited to be a part of Creative Ink!
First and Last Name: Mokihana Blanding
Position Title: Creative Executive
Hometown: Sheridan, Michigan
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: N/A
Planned Graduation Month/Year: December 2014
Plans After Graduation: My ideal future takes place in the mountains with neighbors to be less than echoes in the wind. There, I would live a free lifestyle with no limitations, to spend my days painting and designing.
Art runs deep through my family tree. I have relatives skilled in music, drawing, painting, designing, and being otherwise artistic. Through my life, I’ve found a challenge in determining my niche, though I’ve held onto the artistic and creative connection from my family. My great-grandfather became a huge influence on me after his death when I saw all the paintings, shoes, and pieces of furniture he’d created. He’s always on my mind, and I want to make him proud.
Position Title: Creative Executive
Hometown: Sheridan, Michigan
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: N/A
Planned Graduation Month/Year: December 2014
Plans After Graduation: My ideal future takes place in the mountains with neighbors to be less than echoes in the wind. There, I would live a free lifestyle with no limitations, to spend my days painting and designing.
Art runs deep through my family tree. I have relatives skilled in music, drawing, painting, designing, and being otherwise artistic. Through my life, I’ve found a challenge in determining my niche, though I’ve held onto the artistic and creative connection from my family. My great-grandfather became a huge influence on me after his death when I saw all the paintings, shoes, and pieces of furniture he’d created. He’s always on my mind, and I want to make him proud.
First and Last Name: Kala Jones
Position Title: Creative Executive
Hometown: Dumas, AR
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: Business
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2015
Plans After Graduation: I plan to earn my MA in Design Studies. I would also like to work as a designer for a magazine or advertisement agency-really anything that will challenge me creatively.
I grew up on a cotton farm in southeast Arkansas, miles from the nearest town of 5,000 people. Because of this issue, I knew at a small age that I needed to travel, see the world and never have a boring life. The goal was to attend a college somewhere out of state in order to kick-start my travelling career. Choosing to spend my college years at Stephens was a pretty scary and exciting decision with no friends or family within a 400-mile radius. While it may not be a big city I always dreamed of, it’s my first step towards independence and adventure.
Position Title: Creative Executive
Hometown: Dumas, AR
Major/Degree: BA, Graphic Design
Minor: Business
Planned Graduation Month/Year: May 2015
Plans After Graduation: I plan to earn my MA in Design Studies. I would also like to work as a designer for a magazine or advertisement agency-really anything that will challenge me creatively.
I grew up on a cotton farm in southeast Arkansas, miles from the nearest town of 5,000 people. Because of this issue, I knew at a small age that I needed to travel, see the world and never have a boring life. The goal was to attend a college somewhere out of state in order to kick-start my travelling career. Choosing to spend my college years at Stephens was a pretty scary and exciting decision with no friends or family within a 400-mile radius. While it may not be a big city I always dreamed of, it’s my first step towards independence and adventure.
