Lauren Kucerak, vice president of Global Communications for Juicy Couture
 

Lauren Kucerak, B.A.’95

Thinking Outside the Box

By Amy Halloran, B.A.’90

Lauren Kucerak’s time at UAlbany helped make her constantly curious – a quality invaluable in her work as vice president of Global Communications for Juicy Couture. The position “involves everything from large-scale initiatives, such as creating the global PR blueprint; to more acute everyday projects, like editing press releases; to the strategic pinpointing of which celebrities and tastemakers best represent the brand.”

One of her communication classes taught Kucerak the power of independent thinking, while an English course with Associate Professor Mary Valentis taught her to think outside of the box. Valentis “made you want to learn and be a better student,” says Kucerak. “She had an amazing way of making class and assigned readings comparable to modern-day life.”

Juicy Couture bags
Juicy Couture trench coat

As an intern, Kucerak “took advantage of every single learning opportunity.” At the New York State Economic Development Program, where she focused on the “I Love NY” campaign, and later, with Atlantic Records in New York City, “I offered my assistance to every executive.” Interns who “demonstrate skill sets and dedication,” she noted, reap rewards in the form of “recommendations for jobs after graduation.”

Joining Phi Sigma Sigma sophomore year extended Kucerak’s perspective beyond what she had known growing up on Long Island – and gave her lifelong friendships and support. “I still consider my sorority sisters my family and best friends,” she says.