Joanna Alvarado
Joanna Alvarado
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Round Lake, Illinois
Major(s)
Public Relations
Minor(s)
Data Science
Joanna Alvarado ’27, a recipient of the Henry Queckenstedt Family Scholarship, is pursuing a degree in public relations at Carthage, where she’s already building a strong foundation for a future in the fashion industry — a dream she’s had since childhood. Beyond the classroom, Joanna puts her skills into action as a student administrative assistant for Carthage’s Office of Visual and Performing Arts. In this role, she connects with the Kenosha community, promoting campus events that are open to the public. It’s an opportunity she values deeply. “It has given me a great opportunity to practice some of my writing skills that could help me later on in my career,” Joanna says.
Learn more about public relations
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of the people and the lake. When I first visited campus, everyone was so welcoming and excited to see me there, even though they had never met me before. Many schools put on that welcoming face, but it was different here. When I returned for the Firebird Launch, people remembered my name, and it made me feel like I was in the right place!”
Faculty mentors
“The Carthage faculty have helped me in the biggest ways possible. I came in with one major and decided to go undecided in the first month of my freshman year. The faculty were helpful and encouraging during this really weird time when I had no idea what I wanted to do. I built close connections with Anna Hegland and Professor Colleen Palmer, who helped me tremendously during my first year at Carthage. They are a big reason why I found a passion in public relations and why I am majoring in it today.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class at Carthage so far would have to be Crisis Communication. This class deals so much with handling and preparing for a crisis and how those layers should look. I also really like how present this class is. We talk about what is happening at the moment. That is also my favorite part of public relations in general. I like how every day in this career is different.”
Toughest class
“My toughest class would have to be Intro to Psychology. I am not a person who enjoys or understands science, so this class really challenged me to be better all around. Even though it was the toughest class, it was really enjoyable because of the professors who taught it.”
Campus involvement
“I am a member of Zeta Tau Sigma. It is a local sorority here on campus that helps advocate for mental health awareness. Joining the club is easily one of the best decisions I have made since attending Carthage. I love my new sisters — they are one of the most supportive groups of women I have ever met.”
Favorite spot on campus
“My favorite spot on campus is Starbucks! I’m always there studying and hanging out with friends.”
Favorite memory
“My favorite Carthage memory so far has been anytime there is bingo. I always go with friends, and it is always great seeing everyone there having fun.”
Best tip for making friends
“Join clubs! It is such a cliche to say, but it really does work. I met half of my friends because I decided to rush Zeta.”
Biggest surprise
“The biggest surprise so far is falling in love with public relations. I was always convinced I would be an accountant, and when I decided to switch majors, public relations had completely changed my point of view on what a career could look like.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“My 8-year-old self would be so happy if I decided to major in public relations. When I was younger, I wanted to work in fashion, but I quickly let go of that dream when I got older because others didn’t see it as practical or secure. Now, as a PR major, my end goal is to end up working in fashion!”