Gabby Garcy '21
Social Media Coordinator
Gabby Garcy attributes her success as a young professional to the connections she developed during her undergraduate studies. “My Fisher experience shaped me into the young professional I am today through the relationships I formed as a student. My professors offered me advice and guidance throughout my time at Fisher, helping me to hone my interpersonal skills before I entered the workforce.”
Garcy believes the network at Fisher launched her on her current path. “I was inspired because of my role as the social media coordinator for the Office of Admissions and my involvement in the PRIMA Group when I was a student.”
Now, she works as a social media coordinator at CGI Digital, managing a book of clients by developing and launching paid social media campaigns. Studying media and communication at Fisher equipped Garcy with confidence for this role as she creates and analyzes social media reports and oversees the work of social media specialists.
“My involvement on campus gave me opportunities to apply my classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. I was also able to intern my senior year at a local PR agency, which gave me experience with client relations.”
Garcy encourages current students to take advantage of all the networking opportunities on campus: “By taking advantage of what Fisher offers, you’re able to set yourself up for success come graduation.”
Programs within the Media and Communication Department at Fisher are designed to equip students with lifelong skills as strategic communicators. In the future, Garcy plans to develop an “even wider skill set” through her work, building upon the foundation she gained at Fisher: “My experience at Fisher helped me develop strong time management skills which I plan to use throughout my career.”
LaQuan Hounshell '14
Director of Marketing at First American Equipment Finance
Media and communication graduate LaQuan Hounshell transferred to Fisher after spending two years at Monroe Community College. One of his professors at MCC recommended Fisher, and after a positive visit to campus, he was sold.
LaQuan quickly discovered and took advantage of the many extracurricular activities on campus. He became involved in Cardinal Television, Cardinal Courier, and Fisher Cru—organizations he credits for "lasting personal and professional connections and friendships." His involvement made him feel as if he had been at Fisher all along.
While at Fisher, LaQuan also interned at a local television news station.
His favorite thing about Fisher was the community and how helpful and supportive everyone was. He says his transition from MCC was seamless because he received a lot of help from people who made sure he had what he needed to succeed.
Jack Laino '20
Account Coordinator at Digital Hyve
Upon graduation from Fisher, Jack Laino felt prepared to enter the workforce “running with knowledge from many different classes.” As an account coordinator at Digital Hyve, Laino works closely with account managers on creating content that is measurable and creative.
“I was exposed to a variety of communication classes at Fisher. Everything from PR to traditional marketing, website development, and more. My interest in each of these areas ultimately led me to find enjoyment in my current position. Fisher has helped me gain opportunity and knowledge to find success in my field,” said Laino.
Laino recommends that current students explore their passions through hands-on learning experiences at Fisher: “Getting experience from different types of internships is key to learning what you want and like to do.”
The campus community at Fisher fosters career exploration and growth for budding young professionals, and Laino believes “involvement at Fisher helps you with opportunities and experiences to prepare you for work, gain experience, and expand your network.”
Erin Reilly ’20
MFA Student at Emerson College
When she started at Fisher, Erin Reilly was the student who “sat in the back of the class and did not raise her hand even when she knew the answer.” Now, on the other side of the classroom, she encourages students to take the kinds of risks that transformed her journey. While at Fisher, she landed an internship with a Rochester-based production company called Worldwide Documentaries, where she gained “firsthand experience in the filmmaking industry as well as exposure to urgent and personal storytelling.”
This hands-on experience with storytelling equipped her to publish her first young adult novel, Tossed by the Waves. An independent film adaptation of the book is currently in pre-production. “While I’ve always had a love for telling stories, the media and communication department at Fisher showed me how to take that love and turn it into art. I grew a passion for television and film writing, which still influences the way I write narrative fiction.”
Reilly’s time at Fisher became the foundational inspiration for her pursuit of an MFA in Creative Writing. Now at Emerson College in Boston, she also teaches first-year writing. She credits her leadership roles with The Cardinal Courier and ANGLES as the invaluable editorial experience necessary for her current work. “I am so grateful to Fisher and the professors there who believed in me, for giving me the tools I need to pursue my dreams.”
Mike Thomas ’11
Thomas Media Group Founder
Mike Thomas, a 2011 graduate of Fisher, launched his career in marketing and creative media. He later founded Thomas Media Group (TMG), a full-service marketing and content agency based in Rochester, NY.
During his time at Fisher, Thomas was involved in multiple clubs and took on leadership positions to gain experience working with dynamic teams and managing projects. He explained, “Living on campus and truly integrating myself into the opportunities that Fisher provided really allowed me to grow as a communicator, student, and friend.”
Now, through TMG, Thomas specializes in content creation, brand strategy, video production, social media growth, and marketing partnerships for organizations both local and beyond. Additionally, he launched Content House as a dedicated studio space for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands to help others share their stories without the usual production hurdles.
As a creative entrepreneur and mentor, he encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities before them. He continues to give back to the Fisher community – returning to campus to speak with students about content creation, authenticity, and building sustainable careers in the digital age. “As I look at my career now, I’m grateful not just for the opportunities provided, but the fact that I took them.”