Erica Colaianne is the Director of Social Media at the University of Michigan where she leads the social communications team that creates dynamic content every day for audiences of more than 2.3 million. Representing a world-class institution known for academic excellence, innovative research, competitive athletics, and a vast global alumni network, she strategizes informational, inclusive and inventive content to educate, engage and enthrall U-M audiences across all social platforms. Driving the coordination of cohesive strategies, she brings social communicators throughout the institution together to cultivate collaborations for creative content that demonstrates the immense impact of the institution and encapsulates the Wolverine experience. 

Erica previously worked in communications and marketing at Wayne State University and prior to joining the higher education community she led communications and marketing efforts for a range of organizations including healthcare, media companies and nonprofits. She graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and received a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Eastern Michigan University.

As Associate Director of Communications and Project Management for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Grant leverages his multimedia storytelling skills to champion forward the incredible stories found on a university campus. With over nine years of experience in public relations, social media, and photography, Grant has a passion for inspiring change and showcasing the stories of the U of A community.

In his previous roles in higher education, Grant has been a full-time social media manager for the Sam M. Walton College of Business, also at the U of A, worked as the full-time campus photographer for the University of Central Arkansas, and directed a study abroad campus in Italy for his undergraduate alma mater, Harding University.

Additionally, he has worked as a project manager and story producer for a corporate video production team and has his own creative consultation and freelance photography business. He has won multiple awards for his work in breaking news and sports photography, and published work in yearbooks, newspapers, art shows, and other digital and print materials. Grant holds a B.A. in public relations and is continuing his education at the U of A in the M.A in communication program. He is always eager to learn new skills, explore new perspectives, and collaborate with others to deliver high-quality, meaningful, and impactful stories.

Alissa Hoffman is the Digital Marketing Manager at Cheshire Academy whose love for graphic design and branding is a driving force behind institutional marketing efforts at the oldest boarding school in Connecticut. 

Alissa earned her MBA and B.S.B.A at University of Hartford. Her passion for learning is continually challenged by the ever-changing social media landscape and energized by the interactions and collaborations with the on-campus marketing interns and campus partners.

Outside of work, Alissa continues her creative passions through freelance photography and web design work. Her artful inspiration is powered through her love to travel and discover new music!

Mariana serves as the associate director for strategic communications at the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She develops creative media strategies and amplifies stories through print and online channels that highlight the impact and visibility of the college, its units, and the individual artists, designers, researchers, and practitioners within. Mariana works collaboratively to strengthen connections across academic and engagement units, community and state partners, and other stakeholders. Mariana also served on the U of I Web Conference planning committee for five years, with two years as co-chair, and spent several years as the director of marketing and events for a family vineyard and winery in northern California. With 20 years of experience in professional, community, and academic arts, Mariana is also a performer, director, and dramaturg, and runs a great box office.

Noelle Seybert is a higher education marketing career professional. With a career spanning more than 15 years and including four different institutions ranging from religiously affiliated private universities to R1 publics, she enjoys the rewards and challenges that comes with the ever-changing landscape of social media marketing. In her current role at The University of Texas at Austin, Texas' flagship institution, she is charged with managing the strategy and engagement on the main UT Austin social media channels along with the President and Provost accounts. She is happiest in a spreadsheet and while brainstorming new ways to communicate with various audiences. 

Noelle earned her doctorate in business with an emphasis in quantitative marketing from George Fox University, her Master of Business Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University, and her Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Point Loma Nazarene University. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her orange cat, Kevin, and can often be found at wineries or reading poolside on a sunny day.