Caroline Schultz
Account Manager
Coming from Des Moines, Iowa, Caroline Schultz is our Account Manager, or rather our fearless leader and anchor. With her uplifting spirit, innovative ideas and tenacious drive, she’s made her mark in the world of public relations and strategic communication.
With over two years of professional agency experience under her belt, Caroline is the perfect person to lead our agency-structured team. Caroline completed her first summer internship at Wixted & Company, a public relations agency in Des Moines, where she served as the company’s first-ever extended intern. After almost two years with Wixted, Caroline packed her bags and headed to Brussels, Belgium, where she served as an integrated communications and reputation management intern at FleishmanHillard EU. Caroline thrived in the bustling hub of the European Union, working on dynamic communication strategies for global clients and gaining an international perspective on the industry. After traveling to ten different countries, she brought her love for exploration back home to Catch Des Moines, a travel and tourism bureau, where she created content that reached thousands.
On campus, Caroline has sharpened her skills further in numerous leadership and service-oriented roles. As the head of public relations for Matchbook Marketing Agency, a student-run agency at the University of Missouri, she helped spearhead a major rebranding project. As vice president of risk management for the Public Relations Student Society of America, she orchestrated the organization’s first company visit trip. Additionally, she is a loyal member of the Rocking Against Multiple Sclerosis Steering Committee, Alpha Chi Omega and the St. Thomas More Newman Center. Her favorite college experience so far? Serving as a Panhellenic counselor, in which she guided over 50 women through sorority recruitment.
When she isn’t scheduling meetings for our team, you can find Caroline booking her next trip or immersed in a book about a place far, far away. Despite her love for travel and adventure (real or fiction), Caroline is Midwest-minded and seeks to personify her home state’s slogan by being ‘Iowa Nice’ every day.
AUDREY STOWE
Qualitative Strategist
Bringing the small-town charm from Guthrie Center, Iowa, Audrey Stowe is not only an insightful maximizer, but also an amiable presence on our team as Qualitative Strategist. She combines her keen strategic thinking with her genuine knack for connecting with people, making her a natural leader and collaborator.
A true “people person” at heart, Audrey is an excellent conversationalist who could even coax a brick wall into telling its story. As an account management intern with Signal Theory, Audrey was able to put her relationship-building skills to use. She assisted in the management of multiple client accounts, including Michelin Tires, Sonic Drive-In and Bekaert Fencing. She also led kick-off meetings for incoming client projects, oversaw the creative development of campaign assets and facilitated agency-wide presentations on topics related to the advertising industry. Audrey’s ability to connect, communicate and collaborate makes her a vital player on any team.
Audrey is equally passionate about community and campus involvement. As a dedicated member of Alpha Delta Pi, she’s held numerous leadership roles, including Junior Panhellenic Board representative, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee member and chapter president. Her leadership has extended to becoming president of Mizzou Panhellenic Association, in which she oversees 14 sororities and represents them in numerous campus organizations. Audrey was also chosen to be Delta Sigma Pi’s first-ever director of diversity, equity and inclusion, allowing her to build a foundation for its members and kickstart critical conversations regarding accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, she serves as a public relations specialist for Matchbook Marketing Agency, a research assistant for the Missouri School of Journalism, VP of communications for Mizzou Women in Media and a member of the Association of Trulaske Businesswomen.
Whether it’s on MOJO or in her personal life, Audrey is the definition of a go-getter. Right now, Audrey is on a mission to check off some bucket list items. Her most recent endeavor was skydiving (which she highly recommends!), and she is now actively obtaining her scuba diving certification.
GRACE HAGEDORN
Quantitative Strategist
Grace Hagedorn, our Quantitative Strategist from Kansas City, truly shines with her attention to detail, relentless ambition and strong passion for data-driven storytelling. Her analytical mind and curiosity lead her to uncover valuable insights that others might overlook –– insights she effortlessly transforms into actionable strategies. Grace always brings a fresh perspective and precision to every project, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
As a strategic communications intern for the State Historical Society of Missouri, Grace took the lead on filming, editing and producing compelling content that showcased the organization’s efforts, educated the public and promoted valuable resources across various social media platforms. Her contributions helped broaden the organization’s outreach and enhanced community engagement. She additionally deepened her analytical prowess as a marketing analyst for The Mortgage Research Center. Here, Grace leveraged programs and skills like SQL and Tableau to analyze extensive datasets and guide marketing decisions.
On campus, Grace takes her creativity to the airwaves as a radio DJ for KCOU with her show, “The Giggle Gazette,” where she discusses music, pop culture and the news. She also channels her technical skills as a student assistant stage tech for the University of Missouri Concert Series, handling lighting, sound and other tech for large-scale productions.
When Grace isn’t crunching numbers or sharing her current go-to artists and the latest trends on air, she’s likely at home trying to wrangle her kitten, Winnie, or rewatching classics like “Rocky.” An avid sci-fi reader and a huge fan of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Grace knows how to balance work and play.
AVERY HOLTON
PR Account Manager (Strategy)
Avery Holton is our passionate, inventive and deliberate PR Account Manager (Strategy) who knows how to turn ideas into action. From Billings, Montana, Avery brings a blend of creativity and strategic precision to our team, using her ambition and ideas to take our work to the next level.
Over the summer, Avery worked as a corporate consultant intern at Atrevia, Global Communications and Corporate Affairs Company in Barcelona. Here, she worked on a variety of national and international brands, gaining hands-on experience in press releases, blog posts and tracking news for clients across all sectors, from technology to sports and higher education. Prior to her international adventures, Avery interned at Mimi & Pal, an online retailer catering to new moms. She worked directly with the CEO and helped the brand grow its Instagram following by 10,000. From crafting engaging content to analyzing social media insights, Avery proved a well-planned strategy can change the game.
On campus, Avery has been an unstoppable force. In PRSSA, she has served on the executive board for two consecutive years — first as public relations chair and now as president. She’s managed multiple client projects, led a research team to develop recommendations for an early-stage tech CEO and currently oversees a partnership with Mizzou Athletics. She has also served on the PR committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, where she has created content pertaining to the sorority’s efforts and member information.
When she’s not crafting communication strategies or leading her peers, Avery can be found immersed in her first love: dance. A former science and math whiz turned creative connoisseur, she finds her rhythm in everything from strategic campaigns to teaching young dancers and choreographing her sorority’s homecoming routines. She never expected to land in a creative field, but sometimes the best journeys require a detour — even through chemistry.
CLAUDIA HAGEN
Public Relations Account Manager (Content)
Claudia Hagen, our PR Account Manager (Content) and Columbia, Missouri, native, is known for her personable, driven and kind demeanor that truly sets her apart. Her ability to connect with others, paired with her dedication, has made her a go-to for tackling any PR challenge. No matter the task, Claudia will always deliver impactful results.
Claudia first put her PR skills to the test as a public relations intern at HLK, where she contributed to comprehensive PR plans for clients such as Harris House Treatment and Recovery Center and SK Designs. From budgeting and media contact lists to launch event proposals, her strategic mind and attention to detail were key in creating successful campaigns. Building on this experience, she transitioned to Paradowski Creative as an account service intern. At Paradowski, she excelled in client management and agency operations, managing projects for notable clients like the St. Louis Zoo and U.S. Soy. Her favorite opportunity? Presenting merch concepts to the VP of Marketing and Communications for the St. Louis Zoo.
A proud alumna of Pi Beta Phi, Claudia has always been passionate about community and service. She put her graphic design skills to work by coordinating a multimedia presentation for the Historic Preservation Commission of Columbia and even cut off eight inches of her hair at a Pi Beta Phi philanthropy event, benefitting children experiencing hair loss.
Despite all of her talents that make her perfect for this role, Claudia wasn’t expecting to pursue a career in strategic communication at all –– she initially dreamed of becoming an art museum curator. Though she chose a different path, her passion for art never waned. With minors in Art History and Anthropology, she can often be found wandering through art museums, ready to ramble about everything from Rococo to Neoclassicism to anyone willing to listen.
ANNA STOLL
Digital Strategist
Anna Stoll, our Digital Strategist from Overland Park, Kansas, has definitely earned her title as the queen of digital strategy, leading with her creativity, adaptability, organization and energy in everything she does. Whether she’s crafting innovative marketing strategies or coordinating large-scale events, Anna approaches every challenge with fresh eyes and a fearless spirit.
As a public relations intern at Influence Associates, a leading automotive and e-mobility agency, Anna dove headfirst into the fast-paced world of supercars and vintage luxury. She enhanced the social media presence of high-end automotive brands, led insightful media research and orchestrated international car shows with effective event planning and media involvement. Her experience interning abroad in London equipped her with creative ways to engage diverse audiences, a broadened global perspective and an experience to remember.
On campus, Anna’s leadership and commitment to service are evident through her work in Delta Delta Delta, where she oversees initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion and spearheads philanthropic efforts that raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also plays a pivotal role in Mizzou’s Homecoming Steering and Service Committees, organizing events that mobilize hundreds of volunteers and contribute thousands of pounds of food to local communities. Beyond her community involvement, Anna is active in organizations like PRSSA and AAF Mizzou, the University of Missouri’s chapter of the American Advertising Federation. In these organizations, she has embraced opportunities to connect with industry professionals, attended informative workshops and contributed to several pro bono projects, including developing NIL strategies and a planbook for Mizzou athletes to help them gain sponsorships.
When she’s not hard at work crafting brilliant strategies, Anna is most likely obsessing over the latest unsolved mystery. Whether she’s hooked on a gripping podcast, lost in a true crime documentary or binge-watching “Law & Order: SVU,” Anna loves the challenge of trying to solve the unsolvable — a passion that’s easily become her favorite pastime.
SYDNEY TELANDER
Media Planner
Sydney Telander, our fabulous Media Planner, thrives on collaboration, ambition and building meaningful relationships. From Lakeville, Minnesota, she always sees the big picture while handling the finer details, bringing a dynamic energy to every project she tackles.
Working as a sales intern at Marsh McLennan Agency, Sydney took the lead on prospecting, market research and event planning. From fishing tournaments to golf outings, Sydney made networking and preparation an art form. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed —Sydney played a key role in her team’s victory at the National Internship Competition, hosted by Marsh McLennan Agency. Interns from different branches across the country competed in teams, and Sydney’s group won the marketing and communications division. Her team, comprised of six interns working remotely from offices nationwide, developed innovative marketing strategies aimed at increasing awareness of the agency’s internship program among college students. She further honed her sales and account management skills at UnitedHealth Group, where she successfully managed client relationships, assisted in quoting and enrolling small business groups and collaborated with interns across the country on various projects.
At Mizzou, Sydney took on the role of internal PR and marketing chair for Delta Delta Delta, where she led communication efforts and created compelling promotional content. Her involvement with AAF Mizzou further allowed her to connect with industry professionals. Outside of her academic and professional commitments, Sydney’s passion for philanthropy is exemplified in her volunteer work. She has participated in multiple fundraising events for St. Jude, combining her skills in event planning and community engagement to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research and patient care support.
When she’s not occupied with her to-do list, Sydney is often found strolling around campus, earphones in, tuned into her favorite true crime or pop culture podcast. Whether it’s planning her next adventure or spending time with family and friends, Sydney embraces every moment and makes sure she is living life to the fullest.
EMILY RUTLEDGE
Copywriter
Emily Rutledge has always had a way with words. Coming from Little Rock, Arkansas, our Copywriter loves crafting fun and compelling narratives, ensuring every word counts and every story resonates. Emily’s adaptability, authenticity and curiosity drives her work –– as does A LOT of caffeine. Whether she’s revamping a client’s Instagram page or whipping up a blog post, Emily brings her creativity, strategy and determination to every project.
Emily has developed a vibrant professional career over the years, embracing new challenges and opportunities to grow as a writer and communicator. Working as a social media manager at Lingo, a start-up marketing agency in Arkansas, Emily has mastered engaging differing audiences with creative content that truly connects. From coffee brands to construction companies and tech startups, she has tackled a wide range of topics. She has additionally expanded her copywriting, editing and research skills as a freelance writer, where her versatile writing style has catered to clients across different states and industries. At Axia Public Relations, Emily further honed her craft as a web content editor, in which she ensured impeccable grammar, clarity and engagement in all online content for the company and its clients.
At MU, Emily has served as a copywriter for Matchbook Marketing, as well as a copy editor and copy chief for The Maneater, MU’s news publication. In these positions, she developed a sharp eye for detail, found her writing voice and learned how to effectively captivate critical audiences among various brands and organizations.
When she isn’t busy perfecting a piece of copy, Emily is likely either rewatching “New Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries” or some iconic horror film, snuggling with her Maltipoo Archie (a fellow Damon Salvatore enthusiast) or planning her next concert fit.
NOAH SCHMITZ
Video Producer
Hailing from Kansas City, Noah Schmitz brings stories to life through his lens as Video Producer. His determination, expression and thoughtfulness can be seen in his creative approach to video production, whether he’s brainstorming compelling narratives behind the camera or meticulously editing footage to capture moments that engage and inspire.
Noah recently took his passions to Barcelona, Spain, where he worked as a social media intern for Frank Stein Studio, one of the top casting studios in the country. There, he filmed, edited and produced behind-the-scenes content that promoted acting workshops and high-profile casting directors, blending creativity with strategic promotion to elevate the studio’s brand.
On campus, Noah has continued to hone his craft as co-communications director for KCOU, MU’s student-run radio station. In this role, he manages visual content for all of KCOU’s social platforms, creates both short and long-form videos and collaborates closely with his team to ensure the station’s digital presence is as dynamic as its broadcasts. His passion extends to his work as a radio DJ, where he combines his love for music with his flair for engaging audiences. Noah has additionally worked as a Summer Welcome peer advisor for the J-School, where he connected effortlessly with incoming freshmen and transfer students, helping them navigate the start of their journeys at MU. Whether he’s behind the camera, editing at his laptop or heading to the courts for a pickup basketball game, Noah’s enthusiasm is always on display.
His love for video production was sparked in an unexpected place — his high school’s green screen studio. Tasked with a creative project, he and his partner reimagined themselves as dance instructors from the popular “Just Dance” video game series. That fun, creative exercise marked the beginning of his passion for visual storytelling.
LILYANN HAMES
Art Director
Coming from Dallas, Lilyann Hames is a creative force who knows how to make a statement. Outspoken, ingenious and compassionate, she provides the artistic flair and impactful visuals as Art Director for our team, always pushing the envelope in everything she creates.
Lilyann has worn many hats in her professional work, all of which showcase her versatile talents in design and strategy. As a publishing assistant at Mizzou Publishing, she collaborated with professors to design, compile and produce educational materials for students across several campuses, ensuring each project is visually engaging (if you’re a student, you might just have a book designed by her!). As co-communications director for KCOU, Lilyann is at the helm of the station’s brand identity. She oversees the creation of promotional materials, ranging from T-shirts and concert posters to social media content. Her role doesn’t stop at design, either; she’s the first point of contact for musicians, students and venue owners, using her outgoing nature to strengthen relationships and promote the station. Lilyann additionally serves as the photography lab manager at the MU Photo Lab, where she empowers students to bring their creative visions to life. She expertly guides them through film development, darkroom techniques and digital editing using Adobe software.
When not watching video essays on fashion history, designing freelance logos for local businesses, missing 3-pointers at the Rec, scouring Hitt Records for a new vinyl or breaking in her new shoes at CoMo Rocks, Lilyann is compiling new music and art to feature on her KCOU radio show, “The Gallery.” Not to mention her other favorite pastimes of drawing tattoo ideas for friends and dreaming about owning her own vintage resale business (just imagine the logo possibilities!). With Lilyann, creativity is always in full swing — just try to keep up!
STA OMAR
Graphic Designer
Sta Omar, born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, is our Graphic Designer and shining star. Quick to adapt and always up for a creative challenge, Sta brings energy and originality to every design, ensuring our team’s visuals are as vibrant as her ideas.
Sta’s talents are backed by a range of experiences. Sta lived and studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, for five months this past spring. She interned at Frank Stein Studios— a casting studio that works on casting advertisements for major brands like EON, Samsung and Ketel One. Sta got the opportunity to observe and contribute to high-profile projects, assisting with self-tape scripts, organizing audition lists and interacting with the crew during castings.
As Homecoming Director for Kappa Alpha Theta, Sta led 13 different committees and managed over 50 people to execute several large-scale creative projects. From developing design concepts to constructing and painting sets, she ensured everything ran smoothly and within budget. Also a member of the Matchbook Marketing Social Task Force and a graphic designer for Allter, a Matchbook client, Sta is clearly well-versed in creating captivating content for digital spaces.
When she’s not in the zone designing, Sta is constantly seeking inspiration from the world around her. You can probably find her outside painting, flipping through the latest fashion magazine, brainstorming ‘what if’ hypothetical campaigns or researching Banksy’s latest surprise. If you’re ever in a creative rut– she’s the girl to call. Her keen eye for trends, extensive knowledge of design principles and passion for storytelling make her a standout in any creative endeavor.