SMU CCPA Fellows: Meet Your Fall 2024 Fellows

The SMU CCPA Fellows are essential contributors to SMU CCPA’s communications, invited to serve and create impactful content. They develop key materials for SMUCCPA.com, including web pages, blog posts, and valuable internship and job listings. To stay connected, subscribe to CCPA emails and never miss a post from the SMU CCPA Fellows team!

This fall, we’re thrilled to introduce five outstanding Fellows eager to share fresh content, valuable insights, and connect you with all things CCPA. Look out for their work! If you’re curious about the Fellows or would like to request a story, please feel free to reach out to them!

Ana Villalobos

Meet Ana!

Ana, a senior from Brownsville, TX, double-majors in Public Relations and Strategic Communications as well as Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, with a minor in Political Science. Currently, she’s building her professional experience as a Social Media Management Intern at Farrell’s Daughter, a digital marketing agency in Dallas.

“I’ve learned a lot from Professor Lee over the past two years, which is why I’m so excited to work with him as a SMU CCPA Fellow! Meadows and SMU are deeply committed to preparing their students for success beyond graduation. They have provided me with countless opportunities for career development and personal growth, for which I am incredibly grateful. I am eager to give back and contribute to the community that has supported me.”

Welcome to the SMU CCPA Fellows Team, Ana!

Lauren Hastings

Meet Lauren!

Lauren is originally from Atlanta, GA, and will leave SMU with a double major in Public Relations and Strategic Communication and French, with a minor in Advertising. Apart from her studies, Lauren is passionate about Fashion and works as the Creative Director for SMU Look Magazine on campus while pursuing an internship at Betty Reiter as a social media and event planning intern. 

“I’m excited to participate in the Fellows program this year and to learn more under Professor Lee’s leadership. I’m very proud to be a student in the CCPA division, and I know I’ll leave with gratitude for everything I’ve learned and for the network I’ve built along the way.”

Welcome to the SMU CCPA Fellows Team, Lauren!

Spencer Croston

Meet Spencer!

A senior from Salt Lake City, UT, Spencer majors in Public Relations and Strategic Communications, minoring in Italian. This past summer, he interned with Arvo Advisory as a Public Relations and Advisory Intern, working with clients like Hilton and Hollman Inc. Spencer is excited to be an SMU CCPA Fellow in his final semester, sharing unique voices and stories.

“Throughout my time at SMU, Steve Lee has been an amazing mentor. In my final semester, I look forward to working with him and the rest of the fellows to represent the CCPA department the best I can!” 

Welcome to the SMU CCPA Fellows Team, Spencer!

Mollie Essner

Meet Mollie!

Mollie, who grew up in Los Angeles, California, is currently a senior majoring in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, with a minor in Statistics. Last summer, she interned at FOX Entertainment in Los Angeles as an Experience and Design Intern, where she contributed to both in-person and virtual events. This experience allowed her to develop valuable skills in the entertainment industry, and she plans to return to Los Angeles to pursue a career in this field.  She could not be happier to spend her second to last semester with Professor Steve Lee and collaborate with her peers.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community as an SMU CCPA Fellow this fall. So far, we have exchanged creative ideas, shared humorous stories, and produced some fantastic content. I am honored to be mentored by Professor Lee, whom I look up to immensely. I am incredibly excited about what’s still to come!

Welcome to the SMU CCPA Fellows Team, Mollie!

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Renée Garza

Meet Renée!

Renee Garza is a senior at Southern Methodist University, where she is completing a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. Raised in Brownsville, Texas, between two cultures, she brings a unique perspective to her academic and professional career. This marks her second year as a CCPA Fellow, and is excited to continue making meaningful contributions to the SMU community.

“I’m passionate about continuing to share my work with a broader audience, and further amplifying voices and stories that matter.”

Welcome to the CCPA Fellows Team, Renée!