On November 18, students had the opportunity to hear from a dynamic trio of Delta Air Lines communications professionals, each offering insights on careers, confidence, and carving a path as a public relations professional. The panel, hosted by former Delta Global Communications Intern and PRSSA’s Vice President Riley Mason, featured Kristyn Hicks, Samuel Peraza, and Michelle Li.
PRSSA executives pose with Delta professionals.
Kristyn Hicks
Kristyn Hicks began by sharing about her time as a student at UGA as a PR major with concentrations in in political science and new media. She formerly served as the president of PRSSA, participated in local politics, Creative Consultants (now Talking Dog Agency), and contributed to TEDxUGA. She emphasized the importance of skills from retail work.
Her reflections on executive presence resonated deeply. Kristyn shared that she never allowed people to underestimate her age; instead, she embodied self-assuredness and authenticity. “What’s the point of having a seat at the table if you forfeit it?” she asked, reminding students to confidently occupy the spaces they’ve earned.
At Delta, Kristyn has enjoyed meeting a vast cross-section of employees, from frontline workers to corporate leaders. She loves the scale and structure of a large, global institution and finds meaning in the way Delta connects the world.
One of her biggest career highlights was spearheading Delta’s influencer marketing efforts. She began as a corporate communications intern, moved into employee engagement, and ultimately helped shift influencer marketing from a “paid media billboard” to a relationship-driven program rooted in storytelling. She personally spoke with every influencer, aligning Delta’s goals with their creative visions, making collaboration sustainable, authentic, and mutually beneficial.
Kristyn also shared that transitions are challenging, humility is essential, and sometimes you simply need to get your foot in the door. “If you aren’t humbled, you aren’t growing,” she said. She encouraged students to balance ambition with life, master financial literacy, negotiate confidently, and always get promises in writing.
Samuel Peraza
Samuel Peraza, a PR major and Public Affairs Communications certificate graduate, immersed himself in the Arch Society and marketing communications campaigns, eventually leading brand marketing at Delta after working in corporate communications.
He reminded students that their strongest relationships shouldn’t necessarily be with leaders, but with peers, the people you collaborate with every day. Writing, he said, is still one of the most crucial skills in communications. AI is a helpful tool, but it cannot replace the nuance, emotional intelligence, and contextual understanding humans bring to strategy and storytelling.
Samuel’s path at Delta evolved from PR into PR-led product strategy. Embedded with business teams, he helped evaluate which onboard products were marketable, partnering with small businesses and diverse chefs to tell meaningful stories.
His biggest message emphasized humility and purpose: “Who am I? What do I want to do?” Embrace side quests, stay curious, ask simple questions, and let your unique perspective guide your career.
Samuel also encouraged students to seek travel experiences outside typical tourist spots. Traveling through flight benefits, he gained global perspective and saw how different cultures value balance, community, and curiosity.
Michelle Li
Michelle Li graduated from UGA with a degree in advertising, a communication studies minor, and a New Media Certificate. After spending a summer at the Creative Circus, she learned firsthand the value of relationships and trust, skills that shaped her agency and corporate experiences.
She believes strongly in Delta’s mission of putting the customer first and maintaining core values through changing times. Her agency background prepared her well for corporate life. She learned to wear multiple hats, work under pressure, problem-solve in real time, and jump into client meetings before she felt ready. While transitioning to in-house brought a culture shock, she says it also taught her the importance of embracing diverse perspectives.
Michelle also encouraged students, especially young women entering the workforce, to know their worth. The first job offer may feel exciting, but understanding the market, talking to people, and negotiating thoughtfully can make a major difference. Even without leverage, you can ask about bonuses, vacation days, job titles, or relocation packages.
She emphasized that you belong in the room. You have a unique lens on culture, and companies want your point of view. Be bold, be brave, and trust that your voice adds value.
