A Slippery Rock University alumnus is achieving early-career success while being recognized as an emerging leader in her profession.
Jensen Troy, a 2023 graduate with a degree in strategic communication and media, was recently promoted to senior account executive at Mindful Kreative, a marketing and communications agency based in Pittsburgh. She manages a wide range of responsibilities spanning advertising, marketing strategy, public and influencer relations, and social media. The fast-paced environment suits her ambition and curiosity.
“The possibilities are honestly endless,” Troy said. “As someone who is a young PR professional, it is easy for me to be a sponge and soak up all of the available knowledge. I want to get my hands on everything and anything.”
That eagerness to learn, paired with a deep passion for her work, recently led to two major milestones for Troy. She earned her master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University, and she honored with the Rising Star Award from the Public Relations Society of America’s Pittsburgh Chapter. The award recognizes emerging leaders in public relations who display exceptional promise and performance early in their careers.
In addition to her client-facing responsibilities, Troy also manages the internship program at Mindful Kreative. This is a role that carries special meaning for Troy, as she began her journey with the company as a communications intern.
“I was actually hired in March of my senior year at SRU, so this is kind of a full circle moment for me,” Troy said. “I really enjoy getting to speak with students and mentor them in the same ways that many people mentored me. People just poured their love and support into me, and that’s something I try to do for others.”
Troy spoke just as passionately about her time at SRU, which she credits as the foundation to her professional success.
As a student, she was heavily involved in Rock PRSSA, the University’s public relations student organization. At just 19 years old, she took on the responsibility of managing clients, an experience that helped shape her confidence and career direction early on.
“I attribute all my success to my time at Slippery Rock University, it truly was the foundation that I needed,” Troy said. “It was unlike anything I could have dreamed for myself. Since the first day I stepped on campus, I felt supported, and when I got my first taste of account management, I realized that this was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I would not have experienced that if I had not been in Rock PRSSA.”
Her involvement with Rock PRSSA also opened the door to another opportunity: serving as SRU’s social media assistant. In that role, Troy helped manage the University’s social media presence, gaining hands-on experience in digital strategy and content creation.
“It was the greatest job I could have ever asked for,” said Troy, who managed the University’s official Instagram account, among other platforms. “I was devastated to leave it when I graduated. There is nothing like being able to represent your school and create content that resonates with the students”
Now, Troy’s career reflects the same drive and enthusiasm she established as a student. From managing clients to mentoring the next generation of communications professionals, she continues to build on the foundation SRU formed for her. When asked for a piece of advice to give to students, Troy pushed the importance of chasing your dreams, no matter how large.
“Slippery Rock University is a place of many resources and opportunities,” Troy said. “Even if it scares you, no dream is too big for what you are wishing for. Don’t hesitate, just go get it.”
More information about the Strategic Communication and Media department at SRU can be found on the program’s webpage.
