Onward: An interview with Eleni Garbrandt
MINOT, N.D. — For Eleni Garbrandt, Minot may not have been where she was born, but it became her hometown after her military family moved to the area when she was in eighth grade.
As a broadcasting and professional communication major, she made the most of her time at Minot State University, diving into the broadcasting department and joining the cheer team.
The 2020 alumna now lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she works as a social media manager for a local company where she has had the opportunity to harness her marketing, graphic design, and voiceover skills. Garbrandt also has found a passion for serving as a board member of the Julian T. Pierce Legacy Foundation, Inc.
When she’s not running around the office, she stays active by hiking, running, and regular gym sessions. University Communications caught up with Garbrandt to learn more about her journey.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to Minot State University?
EG: I was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, but I moved around a lot my entire early childhood because my father was in the Marine Corps. We moved to Minot when I was in the 8th grade, where we lived until I graduated from MSU in 2020. I call Minot home since this is where I spent the most time growing up.
What made you choose your major at Minot State?
EG: I had not originally chosen to major in broadcasting and professional communications; I was actually an art major at first. I personally have always loved art, but I started to realize I did not see a future for myself in this field. One of my professors, Bill Harbort, a Minot State University art professor, actually was the one who suggested I look into broadcasting and professional communications as a major. Harbort’s guidance is a huge reason why I switched my major, and I am very grateful to him for that. Through this decision, I met many great people and discovered talents I never knew I had.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time at MSU?
EG: Some of my favorite memories at MSU happened right in the Broadcasting department, from participating in the KMSU Auction to hosting MSU Inside Out during my senior year and being on the cheer team. I was on the MSU Cheer team from 2017 - 2020. I have a lot of fond memories of being in the studio, meeting great people, learning, and gaining TONS of hands-on experience. It was never a dull moment in the broadcasting department, and I always looked forward to coming to classes.
Do you recall any favorite classes, professors, or mentors?
EG: It is hard to narrow it down, but Neil Roberts, professional communication associate professor, and former MSU professor Christina Paxman are two of my professors who stand out. They both gave me so much guidance, advice, and valuable knowledge over the years. When I joined the broadcasting and professional communications program, I instantly knew I had found where I needed to be, which was a wonderful feeling. I always had a great time and learned so much in every class I took from both Paxman and Roberts. They both took the time to mentor me and get to know me and my personal/career goals. Some of my favorite classes were Audio and Video Production, PR & Media Writing, and Communication Law and Ethics, to name a few.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a social media manager, and how did your time at MSU prepare you for this role?
EG: Initially, I was not sure what career I would pursue after graduating. MSU prepared me for many different jobs, so the possibilities were endless. I took a lot of classes in various subjects like management, writing, public speaking, public relations, and video/audio production. These all helped me develop skills that I use every day and gave me a great base to continue to build my skills off of and improve on the job.
What does an average day look like for you?
EG: My day usually starts out with waking up early, going to the gym, running, and then starting my workday. A typical day of work consists of creating social media content, interacting with people on social media, website management, and working on various projects involving video and audio production.
You mentioned that you also work in marketing, graphic design, and voiceover. How do you balance these different creative areas in your job?
EG: In a lot of ways, all the aspects of my job are intertwined and build off each other. Finding a balance for me mostly has to do with knowing how to manage my time and workload in an efficient manner. I am a huge planner, so making a schedule for myself and laying out my tasks is essential for me to be in a creative state of mind.
Could you tell us more about the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner and why it’s such an important event for you?
EG: The Julian T. Pierce Legacy Foundation, Inc. was created to recognize, honor, and celebrate the life and work of Julian T. Pierce. His work and legacy continue to support education and equality for all people. Over the past 12 years, the Julian T. Pierce Legacy Foundation, Inc. has contributed to Robeson Community College, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and North Carolina Central University. These contributions assist students with tuition and other expenses.
Each year, the JTP Legacy Foundation, Inc. hosts the Julian T. Pierce Memorial Art Dinner. This event provides an opportunity for our organization to give back to the community. Artworks donated by local artists of all backgrounds are auctioned to help raise funds for the Julian T. Pierce Legacy Foundation, Inc. We are able to make a lasting impact on student's lives with the help of generous sponsors and artists.
Mr. Pierce is remembered for his work to inspire great social change in the community. He assisted low-income residents in accessing much-needed health and legal services and helped found Lumbee River Legal Services and Robeson County Health Care Corporation. Since his passing, many people have been inspired by his life to enter professional fields where minorities have been historically underrepresented. The Julian T. Pierce Memorial Scholarships are a means to honor and continue his work.
I was introduced to this organization and cause in 2021 and have been dedicated to helping this event come to fruition each year. This event is important to me because I believe everyone in our community deserves access to quality education, opportunities, and resources to pursue their goals. Every year, our whole organization and I work to make a positive impact on the lives of students in our communities.
What impact has the foundation’s work had on the students at Robeson Community College, UNC Pembroke, and North Carolina Central University?
EG: Each year, we contribute to these schools to help students with tuition, books, rent, basic necessities, and other expenses they may have. Providing opportunities to students to continue their education, access to resources, and pursue their goals in the field of their choice. This year, we are contributing $28,000 to each institution. Over the last 12 years, we have contributed about $490,000 to these institutions.
What role does staying active play in your life, and how does it influence your work and personal growth?
EG: Staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle has helped me in all aspects of my life. I find going to the gym, running, and doing outdoor activities, such as hiking, has made a huge impact on my life as a whole. It has allowed me to improve my physical health, which in turn helps me keep a positive mindset in my personal life as well as at work.
What are your future goals, both in your career and with the Julian T. Pierce Legacy Foundation?
EG: As of now in my career, the main goal I have is to keep improving upon my skills and expanding my knowledge in my field. I think continued learning is important for career and personal growth. As far as the JTP Legacy Foundation, I want to help our organization reach more people and communities. We hope to make next year’s event even bigger and raise more money for scholarships.
What advice would you give to current MSU students or recent graduates looking to make an impact in their community like you have?
EG: My advice would be to explore what you are passionate about and what issues resonate with you. Research local organizations, clubs, or charities that align with your interests, whether they are in art, education, health and wellness, social issues, animal welfare, or the environment. A great way to start getting involved is by attending community events and volunteering your time or skills.
What do you like to do outside of work: family, hobbies, or other areas of interest?
EG: Outside of work, I spend a lot of my free time being active, being with my family, and traveling. Often, on the weekends, we drive to different parts of NC to spend time at either the beach or in the mountains.
What are we missing from your story?
EG: A little fun fact: I am a licensed Esthetician. After high school in 2016, I went to Esthetics school and got my license in 2017. Eventually, I figured out I wanted to do something else, so that is when I enrolled at MSU! From 2021 to 2023, I was a committee member of the Julian T. Pierce Legacy Foundation, and in 2024, I became a Board Member, a position I am very proud to hold, where I also sit on the events committee.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 10/30/24
