VCAN NEWSLETTER
The Newsletter of the Villanova Communication Alumni Network
Summer 2019 Edition
alumni spotlight
Reaching a Consensus
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Katarina Mayers ‘11 CLAS shares how work in political communication made her a
successful communicator.
By Molly Reff, ’19 CLAS, and Julia Shelley, ’21 CLAS
Left: Mayers ‘11 CLAS and her husband, Robert, traveled to San Antonio to watch Villanova play in the National Championship in 2018.
Even over the phone, Katarina Mayers ’11 CLAS enthusiastic spirit is apparent. An interview originally focused on her professional experiences after Villanova quickly grew into a conversation with an alumna whose work ethic and passion are contagious. Speaking before an a cappella performance, she reflected on organizations she was once involved in at Villanova, such
as singing with her former a cappella group, Nothing But Treble, and giving tours as a member of Blue Key Society.
Mayers’ work in politics and communication, however, is nothing short of impressive. Her previous titles include presidential political appointee in the Obama Administration, deputy press secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce and press secretary and director of digital media for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. The interesting part?
“I don’t consider myself a political person,” says Mayers. “I’m trained as a facts person and then confirming those facts with three or four sources.” Mayers graduated as a Communication major specializing in journalism in 2011. After working in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and even Chile, she earned her master’s degree in Urban Policy and Management from Columbia
University in 2018.
Mayers ‘11 CLAS posed with former Mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter, her Columbia University professor and mentor, at graduation in May 2018. She delivered remarks as student body president.
Lauren Puig ‘11 VSB (L), Mayers ’11 CLAS and Juliana Studer ‘11 CLAS (R) were all members of Villanova a cappella group Nothing But Treble, and have remained great friends since graduation.
“This work is a great way to combine my communication skills from Villanova with policy,”
Her work in the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment included digital media, journalism, advertising and newer concepts like virtual reality. She found her work with the Obama Administration translated well to the mayor’s office, utilizing skills she learned at Villanova, including writing concisely and adapting communication methods for different audiences.
On Jan. 1, Former Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Julie Menin asked Mayers to join her at the Office of the Census for New York City, a new office with the mission of counting every New Yorker as part of the national Census 2020. As the office and position continue to develop, Mayers has found herself at the forefront, lining up interviews, drafting speeches and joining Menin at the decision-making table. Mayers will likely continue in a lead strategic communications role to increase awareness of the 2020 census.
In an environment as hectic and fast-paced as political communication, Mayers credits Villanova for its emphasis on listening and examining situations from differing perspectives. “There are multiple ways of communicating, and listening is such a huge part of my work to be a successful communicator,” says Mayers. She believes that those who take the time to listen, work together and get a message across are the most successful communicators.
Mayers fondly remembers her Multicultural Leadership class at Villanova with Terry Nance, PhD, associate vice provost for Diversity and Inclusion, as having challenged her to think from someone else’s perspective and understand how differences among people are advantageous. This has been helpful to Mayers, who has collaborated with community leaders, political leaders and state officials. “This work is a great way to combine my communication skills from Villanova with policy,” says Mayers. “It’s an amazing learning experience to see an operation grow from literally nothing to a potential success.”
From a singer and tour guide studying communication at Villanova to a woman spearheading new campaigns in urban politics, Mayers manages a busy schedule with grace and ease. Her passion for her work and outside activities, including that upcoming a cappella performance, reinforces Villanova’s role in forming well-rounded, successful and driven individuals.
“There are multiple ways of communicating, and listening is such a huge part of my work to be a successful communicator.”
Mayers ’11 CLAS has worked with incredible individuals, like Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, and Julie Menin, Census Director of New York City and former Commissioner of Media and Entertainment.
Mayers ‘11 CLAS began her career in government in 2013 when she interned at the White House. Here she’s posed with First Lady Michelle Obama and the other Communications Office interns.
Villanova University President, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, flew out to Los Angeles to officiate Mayers’ wedding in Los Angeles in July 2018.