Hello Faithful Reader, I am in the process of sharing some of my older interviews and spotlights. Meet Odesssa Hines:
The problem with the thought process behind becoming a professional artist is the fact that many people limit their view of what being a professional artist is. Some see being a professional artist as a means to stand before the masses and deliver whatever message they believe they are destined to share with the world. Others see being a professional artist as lights, cameras, and action. The need to be on the lips of many is what drives this type of artist. History has shown that black artists come in spurts. There are millions of artists waiting on the sideline to get noticed or land in a position that proves to be a lucky break. While we wait, I suggest putting our craft to better use. This month I want everyone to learn about an artist for the People in the midst. She is the epitome of how use to our craft outside of all the bells and whistles attached to the typical artist dream. Sit back and dive into this telling Q & A with the Director of Public Relations at Shaw University, Mrs. Odessa Hines.
Odessa is a writer, and has been since she was a child. She was the editor of her high school newspaper. It was that experience that opened her mind to the passion that drove her to decide she would pursue a career in broadcasting. Being a native of Brooklyn NY, placed her in the perfect place of opportunity…..After all most people go to places like NY, CA or GA to follow their dreams. …I guess it was one of those things where if it’s all you have ever known, you are less impressed. Odessa decided that she wanted to experience life outside of Brooklyn and college was the perfect opportunity to begin that journey. Odessa’s first mind has always been independent. She credits her independent nature and work ethics to her Grand Parents, who were immigrants from Panama. Her Grandmother made an impact by merely doing what strong women do. Odessa watched the elders in her life work multiple jobs in an effort to sustain their household. That, coupled with the fact that she was born into a family that instilled a love for education and an understanding of what higher learning can potentially provide made it easy for her to take a leap of faith and do something she had always longed to do.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill would be home to Odessa while she studied Journalism and Mass Communication. She was alone in a place she had never been on purpose. She wasn’t afraid because she knew what she was doing. Odessa is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Q.
When did you discover your passion for writing?
A.
I have always had a passion for words and conveying messages through them. In high School I was the editor of our News Paper. My initial plan was to study journalism and go on to become an on air broadcaster. My long term goal is to write a book entitled “ Those Who Hear Must Feel” about fiction accounts of a non-fiction family. My Grand Mother was an immigrant from Panama and is a huge influence in my life and I feel that hers is a story of perseverance. My memories are vivid with the things she did to make a better life for her children.
Q.
What are your thoughts on being the Director of PR at Shaw University?
A.
I have more than 12 years of experience working in the field of strategic communications and public relations.
• WRAL-TV, the CBS affiliate in Raleigh, NC
• Clear Channel Communications.
• Assistant to the Chancellor for Communications at North Carolina State University (served as the chancellor’s speechwriter, crafting position statements, talking points and opinion editorials on behalf of the chancellor.)
• Media and Communications Manager for Surgical Review Corporation
• Public relations consultant for technology companies and small businesses.
Shaw University afforded me the opportunity to use PR in higher education. It was a chance to work within a smaller community to affect change. I am honored to publicize the achievements of both Shaw University and its students. My department works hand in hand with the Communication Department at Shaw by allowing the students to get hands on training with PR.
Q.
What growth have you seen, as it relates to the PR Department at Shaw University, since your arrival?
A.
I am so proud of our achievements thus far and look forward to our continued growth on campus and throughout the community. It is a little known fact that the PR Department at Shaw University is a two person department. We have published 5 publication within the last year and a half, three Alumni “The Shaw Gazette” magazines, 2 President Reports, and received one award for our Alumni Magazine
Q.
What are you long term goals for your position at Shaw University?
A.
My goal is to expand and grow the department to become a true marketing machine. We are currently in the process of redesigning the Shaw University website. I want to take this opportunity to make the public aware of the fact that Shaw University will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. Visit our website to learn of events that will take place on campus from October-January 2015.
Q.
What traits do you feel are needed to be successful in your field?
A.
The ability to write and tell a good story is essential to this position. You must be flexible, detailed oriented, and able to meet deadlines. Of course, you must be a good communicator.
Q.
If you were placed in a position where you could bestow three Jewels upon the masses, three things that would better mankind….what three things would you share?
A.
• I would share the importance of eliminating homelessness.
• I would share the importance of eradicating hunger
• I would share the importance of free education to all. Higher education is not free and therefore impeded opportunities.
This concludes our Q and A with the talented Odessa Hines, who represents a true non starving artist making a difference in the Raleigh North Carolina. Our HBCU’s are a pathway for us to gain higher education. As long as inequalities exist in education there is a need for Historical Black Colleges and Universities.
LINKS
www. http://www.shawu.edu/
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