Speakers | Flagler COM Week

Meet our Speakers

Linda Beltran

Chief Communication Officer, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

Linda Beltran serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), bringing more than three decades of global experience shaping corporate narratives, building brand trust, and connecting organizations with their stakeholders. A seasoned executive with deep expertise across internal and external communications, media relations, crisis and reputation management, and change communication, she has worked with some of the biggest names in hospitality, SaaS, and entertainment — from The Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental to Disney, Oracle, Hitachi, Omni Hotels & Resorts, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Throughout her career, Linda has been a trusted advisor to CEOs and senior leaders, crafting compelling stories that inspire employees, attract media attention, and drive business growth. Recognized for her ability to design and implement integrated, multi-channel strategies, she has led award-winning campaigns that have earned billions of media impressions and numerous accolades, including ARDA finalist status and the Adrian Award for CSR. With a background in Journalism and Public Relations from California State University, Fresno, and a global mindset shaped by roles in Tokyo, Washington, D.C., and Silicon Valley, Linda has a proven track record of aligning corporate messaging with business objectives, shaping culture, and fostering meaningful connections with employees, customers, and stakeholders alike.

Vernita Bowens

Director of the Career Development Center at Flagler College

Vernita Bowens is the Director of the Career Development Center at Flagler College, where she leads efforts to support students and alumni in their professional growth. In her role, she engages directly with students to explore career goals, facilitates meaningful career events such as the Career and Graduate School Expo, and provides comprehensive resources for career planning, job and internship searches, and professional development. Bowens’ work centers on empowering Flagler students to succeed beyond the classroom and into the workforce.

Wilson Camelo

President & Chief Marketing Officer, Camelo Communication

Wilson Camelo is President and Chief Marketing Officer of Camelo Communication, a full service, multicultural marketing agency specializing in helping brands grow through culturally relevant communication. An industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Wilson has worked with various clients, from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies to not-for-profit organizations. He also led the Hispanic marketing for the St. Augustine Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau. Wilson proudly began his communication career as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Air Force where he advised 4-star generals and won numerous national-level awards in strategic planning, crisis communication, media relations and events. He retired as Major following a 20-year career.

Brian Jeong

Founder & CEO of Think Tank Consulting

Brian Jeong possesses a rare multifaceted perspective on business growth, bridging the gap between agile startups and corporate powerhouses. His journey began with building his own successful brands, including Boreas Gear, where he remains CEO. He later brought this entrepreneurial spirit to Group Delphi, serving Fortune 100 clients such as Apple, Porsche, Disney, and KidZania. Brian’s strategic vision led him to rebrand a digital marketing agency, Andculture, into a human-centered design firm, a pivot that culminated in a merger with RSM US LLP. Serving within RSM’s marketing leadership gave him deep insight into the mechanics of Corporate America versus the agency and startup worlds. Today, Brian leverages this cross-sector expertise as GM for Oru Kayak APAC and Heimplanet, while leading Think Tank Consulting to serve clients in education, healthcare, and food across the U.S.

Evan W. Lauteria

Assistant Instructional Professor of Sociology, University of Florida

Evan W. Lauteria is an Assistant Instructional Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida. His areas of study include cultural sociology, globalization, gender/sexuality, and science and technology studies. Dr. Lauteria’s research explores the emergence and proliferation of video game “localization,” a set of business strategies employed by Japanese companies to tackle global and regional market challenges and uncertainty. These strategies necessarily produced complementary discourses and mythologies of cultural difference, many of which are now taken-for-granted assumptions about national cultures and consumer tastes in the games industry today. In his research, Dr. Lauteria employs comparative-historical methods, social network analysis, and textual analysis, and he draws on interdisciplinary training in science and technology studies, women’s and gender studies, media studies, and cultural studies. Dr. Lauteria holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of California, Davis, an MS in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University, and a BA in Women’s Studies from the University of Florida.

Danny Pimentel

Asst. Professor of Immersive Media Psychology, University of Oregon

Danny Pimentel is an Assistant Professor of Immersive Media Psychology and Director of the Oregon Reality Lab at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication. He has also been a Fellow at Yale’s Program on Climate Change Communication and a Well-being by Design Fellow at Sesame Workshop’s Cooney Center. As a developer and researcher, Danny creates and tests the pro-environmental and prosocial implications of immersive storytelling through augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). His projects have been supported by Meta, Snapchat, Unity 3D, Google AR Core, and National Geographic, among others. His research and XR projects have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Scientific Reports, New Media and Society, and Journal of Nature Conservation, among others.

Molly Knight Raskin

Freelance Journalist, Pulitzer Grantee

Journalist Molly Knight Raskin has more than two decades of experience writing, reporting and producing for print, television, and documentary film - including the PBS NewsHour and the investigative documentary program FRONTLINE. Her documentary credits include series for Netflix, National Geographic, CNN, and A&E. Molly has received several journalism honors for her work reporting on global and mental health, including a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism and multiple grants from the Pulitzer Center.

Steffi Shook

Clinical Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Manhattanville University | Flagler '11

Her research focuses on video game studies, gender and sexuality, and social media. Steffi has published on media representation, female avatars, and failure in video games. She co-edited The Bloomsbury Handbook of Sex and Sexuality in Game Studies and serves as Area Co-chair of Game Studies for the Popular Culture Association.

Alumni Panel

Bailey Hersey Akin

Engagement Coordinator of the foundation at St. Johns River State College | Flagler '15

Annual giving, donor, and alumni engagement coordinator of the foundation at St. Johns River State College Bailey Akin is a proud alumna of St. Johns River State College (Class of 2013), where she earned an Associate in Arts, and Flagler College (Class of 2015), where she completed a degree in Media Studies with a minor in English. She serves as the Annual Giving, Donor, and Alumni Engagement Coordinator at the St. Johns River State College Foundation, where her fundraising efforts support student scholarships and emergency stipends that help students remain in school during unexpected life challenges. Bailey is a member of Leadership St. Johns, Class of 2025, and brings over a decade of experience planning events ranging from galas to golf tournaments. Her community involvement includes leadership roles with the AFC SJR State Chapter and the GFWC Woman’s Club of Palatka.

Alaina Bundy

K9s For Warriors Public Relations Manager | Flagler '19

A public relations professional with more than six years of experience spanning agency, corporate and nonprofit communications. A 2019 Flagler College graduate, she currently serves as Public Relations Manager at K9s For Warriors, where she leads earned media strategy and national storytelling efforts in support of the organization’s mission to provide highly-trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD and other invisible wounds of war. Prior to joining K9s For Warriors, Alaina held public relations roles at Wingard Creative and Firehouse Subs, managing national and local publicity efforts and overseeing the development and execution of integrated communications campaigns across diverse industries

Alexa Wint

Owner Nicalex Productions (Producer, Director, Writer, Editor) | Flagler '17

Alexa Wint is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and writer/director and the founder of Nicalex Productions, where she creates broadcast-quality film, television, and branded content. After training as an actor at the Actors Studio of St. Augustine and completing the summer conservatory at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, she transitioned behind the camera. She has worked on Netflix series including Cobra Kai, Stranger Things, and Raising Dion, and directed acclaimed short films such as Love At Stake and The Titanium Tiger. A three-time Best Film winner at the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project and recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award from the Jacksonville Film and Television Office, Alexa also produces commercial and documentary work. She is currently completing her debut feature documentary, What I Thought Was Love.

Madison Sloan

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens | Flagler '23

She leads content creation that supports conservation messaging, education programs, fundraising initiatives and special events through strategic digital and social storytelling. She has also worked with international organizations including World Wildlife Fund and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, creating content across digital platforms, print publications, social media and graphic design.

Networking that Works

Kim Brown

Director of Communications, Old City PR | Flagler '05

Kim was born and raised in a small coast town in Massachusetts known for clams, witches, and pillow lace. She journeyed south to St. Augustine, Florida, in 1999 to attend Flagler College. After earning her B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Anthropology, she took the waterway less traveled and started an early career as a tall ship sailor, where she fell in love with the marketing and communications side. She did stints in tourism and municipal government, expanding her skills to include crisis communications, graphic design, and video editing. Craving more time with her family, she started freelancing with Old City Public Relations and came on full-time in 2024. She’s obsessed with her family and is always planning their next adventure.

Natalie Caballero

PR Account Manager, Dalton Agency

Natalie Caballero is a public relations professional with a background in journalism, social media, politics and strategic communications. A dual graduate in political science and journalism from the University of Central Florida, she began her career at the Florida House of Representatives before moving into broadcast news and social media management at MyCity Social, an Orlando based agency. She transitioned into healthcare PR at Avant Healthcare Professionals and now works at Dalton, supporting clients including the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the First Coast YMCA, Visit Valdosta and more.

Kristin Chambers

Founder & CEO, Meerkat Media | Flagler '07

Kristin Chambers is the founder and CEO of Meerkat Media Group, a boutique digital marketing and creative agency launched in 2017. With a background rooted in journalism and hospitality, Kristin built Meerkat Media with the belief that there is a story behind every great brand. Meerkat’s strong but mighty team specializes in social media, digital advertising, content creation, commercial production, campaign planning, SEO, copywriting, and analytics-driven marketing. Meerkat thrives on helping brands grow through creative strategy and measurable results.

Kara Pound

Owner & Founder, Old City PR | Flagler '06

Born and raised in Connecticut, Kara moved to St. Augustine, Florida, in 2004 to attend Flagler College, where she graduated with a B.A. in communications focused on print journalism. After working for more than a decade as a professional writer for notable publications throughout the region, Kara took a Director of Communications position at a craft distillery, where she fell in love with marketing and public relations. Needing more flexibility in her work-life balance, Kara left the distillery to start her own public relations firm. Old City Public Relations was established in the summer of 2017 and has been growing with lightning speed since taking root in the Nation’s Oldest City. Kara loves cooking for her friends and family, snuggling with her rescue pup, Buddy, and spending as much time as possible in her happy place, the Green Mountains in Vermont.

Kaia Wright

Producer, Action News Jax | Flagler '25

Kaia Wright is a recent graduate of Flagler College, where she earned a degree in Digital Media and Journalism with a minor in Health Communication. She currently works as a Producer at Action News Jax in Jacksonville, where she writes and produces multiple news shows. During her time at Flagler College, Kaia interned at WJCT in Jacksonville, covering Duval and St. Johns counties. Her reporting focused on local budgets, city council meetings, education, and community issues. She also contributed to the Flagler College Gargoyle, where she reported on addiction in Florida and issues affecting the local community. As a staff writer for the Gargoyle, one of her stories, “Breathing Life Into the Dead,” highlighted one of the oldest segregated cemeteries in the state of Florida, focusing on years of neglect that left it forgotten. The article was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists as a finalist in its Race & Underrepresented Communities Coverage category.

Inside the Press Box: Sports Media Panel

Eli Elmore

Freelance Photographer | worked for major NFL teams

Eli is a Jacksonville, Florida–based photographer and visual storyteller whose work spans sports, live events, travel, and aerial photography. Before the age of 26, his career has already taken him to more than 30 countries, capturing landscapes, cultures, and experiences around the world through both traditional photography and drone cinematography. In addition to his travel work, Eli has photographed major live events and produced content for professional sports organizations, including several NFL teams. His ability to capture the energy and emotion of high-profile sporting environments has made him a sought-after creator in the sports media space.

Before pursuing photography full time, Eli studied counseling and theology and spent two years serving as a counselor and missionary in Portugal. That background continues to influence his work today, shaping the way he approaches storytelling and human connection through visual media. Through his photography, Eli focuses on capturing authentic moments and creating visuals that bring audiences closer to the action, the atmosphere, and the story behind each image.

Eryn Harris

Multi-Disciplinary Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Social Media Manager, ATYL Media | Flagler '24

Eryn Harris brings a rich creative background spanning short films, news clips, and social media content. She utilizes videography, photography, and graphic design to craft compelling stories with creativity and precision. Committed to producing meaningful content that resonates with diverse audiences, Erryn combines a versatile skill set with unwavering dedication to every project she takes on.

As of January, she began a new role as Social Media Coordinator and Motorsports Photographer at ATYL Media, where she captures high-energy moments and dynamic content at the track throughout the racing season.

Laurel Plexico

Athletics Communications Coordinator at Flagler College | Flagler '25

Laurel is a graduate of Flagler College, where she developed a strong passion for social media and digital storytelling. She completed internships with the Tampa Bay Rays social media team during the summers of 2024 and 2025, assisting in managing the @TropicanaField accounts, live-updating various Rays social platforms during games, collaborating with the creative team, and tracking analytics across all accounts. She also managed the @FlaglerBaseball accounts and supported the management of additional athletic team accounts for the college as needed. With a love for photography and content creation, Laurel is often behind the camera capturing dynamic visuals and creating engaging, real-time content.

Students with Professional Experiences

Joelle Pakes

Creative Director of Strike Magazine

Joelle Pakes is a senior at Flagler College majoring in Strategic Communications. She currently serves as the Creative Director for Strike Magazine Saint Augustine, where she coordinates between different departments to ensure the magazine is cohesive in its creative themes. Through her time at Flagler College, she has honed her skills in many areas of communications, including data research and analytics, photography, videography and radio communications. Passionate about her creative pursuits and community, Joelle is dedicated to delivering the best possible results in all of her endeavors.

Emily Braunstein

WFCF 88.5 Social Media Director

Emily Braunstein is a Journalism and Digital Media Production Junior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has been an on-air personality with WFCF since her freshman year and has served as the social media director this past year. Some of her notable accomplishments include interviewing Erin Brockovich, R.L Stine and Chuck Todd. She is passionate about photography, videography, music, and reporting.

Sofia Clark

WFCF 88.5 Digital Production Director

Sofia Clark is a junior at Flagler College majoring in Digital Media Production & Journalism and Media Studies, with a minor in Film Studies. She serves as the Digital Production Director at WFCF 88.5, where she contributes to the creative and technical execution of on-air and digital content. Sofia has audio engineered interviews with acclaimed author R. L. Stine, ensuring high quality sound and seamless technical production. She contributes behind the scenes to The Break Room podcast, hosted by Flagler College Communications Director Melissa Wissel, assisting with recording and post-production before broadcasting the program on WFCF 88.5 Flagler College Radio. She is deeply interested about videography, music, and audio editing, and is dedicated to creating engaging media through thoughtful storytelling and technical precision.

Alice Coursey

Student Filmmakers Association Historian

Alice Coursey is a junior at Flagler College majoring in Psychology with double minors in Criminology and American Sign Language. She serves as the Historian for the Student Filmmakers Association, where she helps document and highlight the organization’s creative work and events. Alice brings curiosity, dedication, and a strong interest in people and storytelling to everything she does.

Joel Hernandez

Student Filmmakers Association, Treasurer

Joel Hernandez is a sophomore at Flagler College majoring in Cinematic Arts with a minor in Creative Writing. He serves as the Treasurer of the Student Filmmakers Association, where he supports the organization’s initiatives and creative projects. Joel combines his passion for visual storytelling with strong organizational skills, contributing both creatively and strategically to the filmmaking community on campus.

Olivia Pagliuca

Editor-in-Chief of Strike Magazine Saint Augustine

Olivia Pagliuca serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Strike Magazine Saint Augustine. Strike Magazine is a nationwide, student-run publication with 13 chapters across the United States, dedicated to producing editorial content focused on fashion, art, and culture. The Saint Augustine chapter has produced 10 print and digital issues and is currently in production for its 11th edition. Strike Magazine provides college students with hands-on experience in a professional publication setting, offering opportunities in photography, marketing, writing, styling, creative direction, and more. Through collaborative, industry-inspired work, students are encouraged to develop their skills, expand their portfolios, and gain meaningful experience in the creative field.

Kelsey Hearns

External Affairs Director for Strike Magazine Saint Augustine

Kelsey Hearns is a senior majoring in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. She brings a strong background in content creation, client relationship management, and database research through her role at Old City Public Relations, where she will join the team full-time following graduation. As External Affairs Director for Strike Magazine Saint Augustine, Kelsey leads the marketing, public relations, and social media teams, driving cohesive brand strategy and cross-functional collaboration. She oversees the planning and execution of staff and public events while cultivating partnerships with local businesses to advance sustainable, community-focused initiatives.

Julieta Ramos Correa

Student Filmmakers Association President

Julieta is a current student at Flagler College studying Cinematic Arts and Graphic Design. She has a passion for film and aspires to pursue her dream of becoming a movie director. Her interest in graphic design often overlaps with her love for film, allowing her to creatively blend both disciplines in her work. Julieta is actively building her skills and portfolio while gaining hands-on experience in her field.

Rylan Dos Santos

Student Filmmakers Association, Vice President

Rylan Dos Santos is a sophomore at Flagler College majoring in Cinematic Arts with a minor in Theatre Arts. He serves as the Vice President of the Student Filmmakers Association, where he helps lead initiatives and support student-led creative projects. Rylan brings a strong passion for storytelling and performance, blending film and theatre to enhance his creative perspective.

Student Showcase

Max Gibbs

Bermuda Project

Max is a Junior, born and raised in Saint Augustine Florida, on Anastasia Island. He is double majored in Cinematic Arts and International Business. Max was a member of the wet crew, and serviced equipment.

Izzy Swyt

Bermuda Project

Izzy is a junior at Flagler College majoring in Cinematic Arts and minoring in Political Science and Law. She contributed to multiple aspects of the Bermuda Project, serving as a cinematographer and sound operator during filming in Bermuda. She also worked as the assistant director and editor for one of the documentaries produced.

Chloe Smith

Bermuda Project

Chloe is a senior at Flagler College majoring in Journalism and Digital Media Production with minors in Business and Marketing. She works in reporting, video production, and marketing. In Bermuda, she was part of the dive team on the film’s wet crew, helping lead underwater cinematography.