First Class of Marquette University Student Team Members Joins Carl Collective

Apr 20, 2022

Carl Collective has its first team of Marquette University students, and it is an impressive group of future stars in the industry.

The communications, marketing, advertising and public relations agency, launched in March as a partnership with Marquette’s Diederich College of Communication, announced its first round of hires on Monday.

The two seniors and three juniors will begin work immediately serving clients while also gaining real-world experiences as part of a first-of-its-kind partnership.

The group is led by Patrick Leahy, the firm’s first-ever student general manager. Hired as student associates were Isabelle (Izzy) Osbourne, James (J.K.) Rees, Veronica Rosado, and Gabriella (Gabi) Santamaria.

The new employees come from a variety of academic disciplines, including advertising, public relations, political science, corporate communication, and communication studies. They were the best of the best of about 20 Marquette student applicants.

“It was very tough to pick only five,” said Carl Collective Regional Director Erik Brooks, a 1997 Diederich College graduate. “I’ve spent weeks promoting this opportunity around the Diederich College, and I’ve met some amazing young professionals. This group of students in particular is really impressive, and I can’t wait to get to work with them. Let’s go!”

The new team members will soon be assigned to clients, strategically and tactically supporting them while helping with efforts to launch, grow, and sustain the agency. They will be guided and mentored along the way by Brooks; Marquette Professor Dave Wilcox, the firm’s faculty advisor; and a team of professionals from the agency’s parent company, the Trozzolo Communications Group in Kansas City.

“I can’t wait to work with these students to extend the work we’re doing in the classroom into the real world,” Wilcox said. “I have taught many of these students, and it’s a really talented group – a great start for the new agency.”

“I’m excited to see Marquette continue to produce talent like this. Carl Collective is the beneficiary of that – and will help make these students even stronger as they enter the professional world,” said Angelo Trozzolo, President of Trozzolo Communications Group and a 1997 Diederich College graduate. “We hope to hire at least some of these students ourselves once they graduate.”

Carl Collective continues to accept applications for student workers, as the firm eyes future growth. To apply, visit the Careers page of its website.

 

Student General Manager

 

Patrick Leahy

Senior, Advertising and Marketing
Patrick graduates in May. In his previous role he worked as a social media marketing and content intern for the Milwaukee Power Hockey Team. Patrick’s dream job would be to work for a big advertising firm as an account director. He is from Lombard, Illinois, and in his free time enjoys thrift shopping, trying new foods, and spending time with his roommates.

“As everything is coming together it is a very exciting time to be a part of Carl Collective,” Leahy said. “It is a great opportunity for me and all of my colleagues.”

Student Associates

 

Verónica Rosado

Junior, Communication Studies, Advertising and Psychology
At age 17, Verónica moved from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Milwaukee to pursue her dreams of working in the field of advertising. And she is doing that through work with organizations like Community. Books. YOU., a nonprofit that provides first-year Marquette students with free college textbook rentals; and Marquette University Student Government. Verónica is passionate about helping others, staying active, reading, learning new skills, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Gabriella (Gabi) Santamaria

Junior, Advertising and Public Relations
Coming from West Bend, Wisconsin, Gabi looks forward to planting roots in the Milwaukee creative community to grow in knowledge, understanding and ingenuity. Her recent experience includes work as a brand-building intern at the Marquette Institute for Women’s Leadership, as well as Meta House. She finds inspiration in the rich ecosystem of Milwaukee art and culture, and thus feels thrilled by the opportunity to work among some of Marquette’s finest creatives.

 

Isabella (Izzy) Osbourne

Junior, Public Relations, Political Science
Izzy Osbourne is originally from Grand Rapids and is very passionate about building community relationships through multimedia communication strategies. She displays this passion in her role at the Marquette Service Learning Program. Outside of school Izzy enjoys high adventure outdoor recreation such as rock climbing, camping and kayaking.

 

 

James (J.K.) Rees

Junior, Advertising and Economics
J.K. has a passion for brand and client communication strategy, especially with experiential and emerging media. J.K. is a Leadership Program intern with the Marquette Office of Inclusion and Engagement and actively supports Special Olympics. His hobbies include playing the drums, listening to podcasts, and shopping for clothes he’ll probably never buy.

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