中国学生
EstudiantesContinuing the series of successful Communication alumni, I had the chance to catch up with 2008 graduate, Tessa Winkler, a student I never saw without a smile on her face.
Tessa double-majored in Communication and Spanish, then went on to American University where she received a Master's Degree in International Communication. Currently, she is the Communications Officer/Web Content Coordinator for The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
My experience as an undergraduate student at Saint Vincent College was central to my decision to pursue a career in cross-cultural communications with the Catholic Church. Specifically, my study abroad experience in Cuernavaca, Mexico introduced me to what would become my passion, intercultural communication. Through Spanish language and communication courses, I had the tools to foster my interests and hit the ground running in a career of service to vulnerable populations and public outreach. Notably, the public speaking, writing, and technology skills acquired during my time at the School of Social Sciences, Communication, and Education have served as invaluable assets to my position in a non-profit organization where employees often wear several, diverse hats.
Tessa double-majored in Communication and Spanish, then went on to American University where she received a Master's Degree in International Communication. Currently, she is the Communications Officer/Web Content Coordinator for The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
What is the Catholic Legal Immigration Network?
Embracing the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger, The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a dedicated network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs. CLINIC is a nonprofit organization established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to support its affiliates, now totaling over 200 legal immigration service providers in 47 states.
CLINIC accomplishes its mission by offering trainings on program management and substantive legal immigration topics, focusing on administrative advocacy with government officials, and facilitating immigration for religious workers. Currently, with comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) on the horizon, CLINIC is poised to play a pivotal role in preparing its network to respond to the needs of undocumented immigrants seeking legal status (and, eventually, citizenship) under new immigration laws.
What do you do there?
My job is to maintain the organization’s public face by promoting its mission and work. I am charged with pursuing web strategies and other outreach designed to inform and build support for immigrants and CLINIC’s work on their behalf. I also write for brochures, quarterly reports and other publications for public distribution in addition to coordinating social media efforts and planning for various conferences and events.
How did Saint Vincent help prepare you for your career?
My experience as an undergraduate student at Saint Vincent College was central to my decision to pursue a career in cross-cultural communications with the Catholic Church. Specifically, my study abroad experience in Cuernavaca, Mexico introduced me to what would become my passion, intercultural communication. Through Spanish language and communication courses, I had the tools to foster my interests and hit the ground running in a career of service to vulnerable populations and public outreach. Notably, the public speaking, writing, and technology skills acquired during my time at the School of Social Sciences, Communication, and Education have served as invaluable assets to my position in a non-profit organization where employees often wear several, diverse hats.
Additionally, the Benedictine spirituality of Saint Vincent College inspired me to seek a career with the Catholic Church. I feel blessed to further the values of Catholic Social Teaching in my daily work and owe this, in part, to the example set by my friends, instructors and faith leaders at SVC.
How's life? Any big events in your immediate future?
I am thrilled to marry the most amazing man, Tim McKenzie (who is also a Saint Vincent Alum) on May 24, 2014! We will be married by Fr. Thomas Hart at the Saint Vincent College Basilica.
