Amanda’s extensive involvement within the Gannon community began the moment she stepped on campus – and continues even now. As a Business Consultant for Gannon’s Small Business Development Center, Amanda works alongside small Erie-area businesses, helping them to develop rational business plans, strategic marketing tactics and even obtain financing. This in turn not only stimulates the local economy, but helps to fulfill these business owners’ entrepreneurial goals.
Achieving her Bachelor of Communication Arts in 2009, Amanda spent much of her four years at Gannon acting as a DJ and news director for the radio station, WERG-FM, a feature writer for the Gannon Knight student newspaper, the education / advocacy chair for the Relay for Life, as well as president of Pi Sigma Alpha and the National Broadcasting Society / Alpha Epsilon Rho. These roles – coupled with the teachings of her professors – taught her the importance of networking, allowing her to continue to value friendships made during her time spent as a student. “[The Gannon faculty] taught me how to be driven but professional, compassionate but firm in my beliefs, and ultimately how to identify my strengths and use them to better our industry,” she explains.
Amanda’s spirit of involvement has carried through into her professional life, allowing her to become an ATHENA PowerLink board member, as well as a member of YEP! (Young Erie Professionals) and Erie Ambassadors. In her spare time she enjoys running her event-planning company: Amanda Christine Designs, mentoring local college students, and volunteering for local nonprofits (such as the American Cancer Society).
Amanda resides in the Erie area with her husband, Andrew, and hopes of soon pursuing a Master’s degree.
(Published May 2014)