In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Andrés Orozco, actor, producer, writer, director, and longtime Screen Arts and Communications instructor at Pepperdine University to discuss the power of authentic storytelling and culturally relevant marketing in higher education.

As the co-founder of the award-winning production company Novelas Educativas, Andrés has spent years creating digital content that resonates with diverse audiences. He shares how colleges can move beyond generic messaging and develop campaigns that genuinely reflect the communities they serve. Together, they explore why traditional messages centered on prestige are becoming less effective, particularly as prospective students increasingly question the value of higher education. Instead, Andrés advocates for messaging that emphasizes opportunity, self-determination, and the ability education provides to shape one's own future.

The conversation also examines the importance of understanding Latino communities beyond broad demographics, recognizing the richness of Latino subcultures, and creating culturally authentic communications that build trust and connection. Filled with practical insights and engaging stories, this episode offers valuable guidance for higher education marketers looking to strengthen their storytelling and connect with diverse audiences in meaningful ways.

Thanks for listening!

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Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Nancy Marshall, founder of Marshall Communications, to discuss the evolving world of public relations and the strategies that have fueled her agency's success for more than three decades.

Known for her passion for public relations and her ability to build lasting relationships with journalists, Nancy shares practical advice for earning media coverage, navigating crisis communications, and adapting to today's rapidly changing communications landscape. She discusses techniques such as "newsjacking," leveraging social media platforms like Twitter, and embracing the reality that organizations now have the ability to become their own media channels. Throughout the conversation, Nancy also reveals the timeless relationship-building practices that continue to make a difference in an increasingly digital world.

Together, they explore how higher education professionals can strengthen their public relations efforts through authentic storytelling, strategic communications, and meaningful media relationships. This episode offers valuable insights for marketers, communicators, and institutional leaders looking to elevate their communications strategy.

What You'll Learn:

• How to build strong relationships with reporters and earn meaningful media coverage.
• Strategies for using "newsjacking" to increase visibility and relevance.
• Best practices for managing crisis communications with confidence.
• Why organizations must embrace the idea that they can become their own media.
• Timeless public relations techniques that remain effective in today's digital communications environment.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
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Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this special anniversary episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom celebrates one year of Graduate Communications as an agency by sitting down with members of the GradComm team to reflect on the projects, challenges, and successes that have shaped the company's first year.

From developing innovative TikTok strategies and managing large-scale media buys to refreshing marketing campaigns and creating career education toolkits, the team shares behind-the-scenes insights into the work that has helped community colleges and higher education institutions better connect with their audiences. Each team member reflects on lessons learned, creative problem-solving, and the strategies that have delivered meaningful results for clients across a variety of initiatives.

Together, they offer a candid look at the evolving world of higher education marketing and communications while highlighting the collaboration, innovation, and passion that drive successful campaigns. This episode is packed with practical ideas for marketers, communicators, and higher education leaders looking to stay ahead in an ever-changing digital landscape.

What You'll Learn:

Behind-the-scenes insights into successful higher education marketing campaigns.
How innovative platforms like TikTok can help institutions reach new audiences.
Best practices for managing media buys and integrated marketing campaigns.
Lessons learned from campaign refreshes, career education initiatives, and audience engagement projects.
Why collaboration and creativity are essential to delivering impactful marketing results.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Andy Goodman, co-founder of The Goodman Center and a former Hollywood writer, to explore what separates an ordinary story from one that truly captures attention and inspires action.

Drawing on decades of experience helping organizations including MIT, USC, Michigan State, and numerous nonprofits tell more compelling stories, Andy explains why audiences connect with authenticity, vulnerability, and the unexpected. He shares why predictable success stories often fail to resonate and how moments of struggle, uncertainty, and resilience create the emotional connections that make storytelling memorable. The conversation also dives into interview techniques that help uncover meaningful details and emotions, enabling higher education professionals to tell stories that engage prospective students, alumni, donors, and community members.

Together, they explore the power of authentic storytelling and how colleges can use it to strengthen marketing, fundraising, and communications efforts. Andy also shares a simple productivity habit that can make a meaningful difference in everyday work.

What You'll Learn:

Why the most effective stories include vulnerability, conflict, and unexpected moments.
How to uncover compelling details during interviews with students, alumni, and employees.
Storytelling techniques that create stronger emotional connections with audiences.
How authentic storytelling can enhance higher education marketing, communications, and fundraising.
A simple productivity tip that can improve the way you approach your work.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Margo Turner, CEO of Power Minds and a seasoned entrepreneur and higher education communications professional, to discuss how shifting perspectives can lead to stronger leadership, more effective communication, and meaningful partnerships. 

Margo shares why understanding the priorities of senior leaders is essential for influencing decisions and advancing new ideas within an institution. She also explores how colleges can rethink their relationships with employers by moving beyond traditional requests for support and instead demonstrating how students can help solve real business challenges. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of speaking the language of your audience and finding common ground to create lasting partnerships.

Together, they discuss practical strategies for communicating with executives, building stronger industry relationships, and creating career opportunities that benefit both students and employers. This episode offers valuable insights for higher education leaders, marketers, workforce development professionals, and anyone looking to become a more effective communicator.

What You'll Learn:

How to communicate ideas in ways that resonate with institutional leaders.
Why understanding your audience's priorities leads to more effective advocacy.
Strategies for building stronger partnerships between colleges and employers.
How reframing conversations can create new internship and workforce opportunities for students.
The importance of speaking your audience's language to build trust and achieve shared goals.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Steve Johnson, Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations at Dixie State University, to discuss the powerful role athletics play in building campus pride, strengthening community connections, and supporting institutional marketing.

As colleges emerged from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, athletics became an important way to reconnect students, alumni, and local communities. Steve shares his extensive experience in sports communications, offering practical strategies for promoting athletic programs, increasing community engagement, and using sports as a platform to elevate an institution's brand. Together, they explore how effective storytelling around athletics can create excitement, foster school spirit, and benefit students both on and off the field.

Whether your institution has a nationally recognized athletics program or a growing campus sports community, this conversation provides valuable insights into leveraging athletics as a powerful communications and marketing tool.

What You'll Learn:

How athletics can strengthen institutional branding and community engagement.
Strategies for promoting college sports programs through effective communications.
Why storytelling is essential to building excitement around student-athletes and campus events.
How athletics can help reconnect campuses and communities following times of disruption.
Practical ways to leverage sports to enhance student recruitment, engagement, and school pride.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with acclaimed speaker, author, and former college administrator Sarita Maybin to discuss how higher education professionals can navigate difficult conversations with confidence, empathy, and positivity.

Drawing on her years of experience as a communications expert and keynote speaker including a TEDx presentation Sarita shares practical strategies for delivering constructive feedback, handling conflict, and communicating in ways that strengthen relationships rather than damage them. She also offers valuable advice on accepting criticism, writing emails that people actually read, and the simple yet powerful communication habits that can improve every interaction.

Together, they explore how effective communication is essential to leadership, teamwork, and student success. Whether you're managing employees, collaborating with colleagues, or working with students, this conversation provides actionable tools for making challenging conversations more productive and meaningful.

What You'll Learn:

Strategies for handling difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism.
How positivity and empathy can improve workplace communication.
Tips for accepting constructive criticism and using it for personal growth.
Best practices for writing emails that capture attention and encourage responses.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Aubrey Kuan Roderick, Program Manager for International Students at College of San Mateo, to discuss the unique role community colleges play in serving international students and preparing them for success.

Drawing from her own experience as an international student, Aubrey shares the opportunities and challenges of recruiting students to the community college system—an educational pathway that is often unfamiliar to students and families around the world. She also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic affected international student enrollment and support services, and how institutions adapted to continue serving this important student population.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, College of San Mateo provides a unique perspective on the value community colleges offer international students seeking affordable, high-quality education and transfer opportunities. Together, they explore how colleges can better communicate these benefits while creating welcoming environments that help students thrive both academically and personally.

What You'll Learn:

How community colleges recruit and support international students.
Why the community college pathway is often unfamiliar to prospective international students.
How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted international student enrollment and services.
Strategies for creating a welcoming and supportive experience for students from around the world.
The important role community colleges play in expanding access to global education opportunities.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
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Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom is joined by Dr. Nora Kenney, Coordinator of Palomar College's Transition Program, and Santos Rosado, a student who began his journey from incarceration to higher education in 2020, to discuss the transformative impact of "Corrections to College" programs.

Together, they explore how Palomar College's Transition Program helps formerly incarcerated individuals successfully navigate the transition from prison to college by providing guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. Dr. Kenney shares the program's approach to helping students overcome barriers to education, while Santos offers his personal perspective on the challenges, opportunities, and resilience required to pursue higher education after incarceration.

The conversation also examines how colleges can share these powerful student stories in ways that reduce stigma, foster understanding, and build more inclusive campus communities. By recognizing the strengths and lived experiences formerly incarcerated students bring to higher education, institutions can create environments where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
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LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.

In this episode of Higher Ed Conversations, host Cheryl Broom sits down with Dr. Dilcie Perez to discuss how innovative student support services can transform lives and improve student success at community colleges.

Drawing on her leadership at Cerritos College, Dr. Perez shares how the college has become a national leader in equity-focused student support by developing programs that address the real-life challenges students face. She highlights the creation of The Village, a program that provides safe and secure housing along with comprehensive support services for students experiencing housing insecurity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Perez emphasizes the importance of serving students with dignity, compassion, and respect while creating systems that remove barriers to achievement.

Together, they explore how colleges can build a culture of care, expand access to essential resources, and implement equity-driven initiatives that lead to stronger student outcomes. This conversation offers valuable insights for higher education leaders, student services professionals, and marketers seeking to better communicate the impact of holistic student support.

Thanks for listening!

Connect with GradComm:
Instagram: @gradcommunications
Facebook: @GradCommunications
LinkedIn: @gradcomm
Send us a message: GradComm.com

Higher Ed Conversations is hosted by Cheryl Broom, CEO of GradComm, a marketing and branding agency specializing in community colleges and public education.