About Me

Hi. My name is Samantha Leon.

 

Did you know that the brain processes stories in the same way that it processes lived experiences? That's why I love public relations. Because I believe that meaningful stories are at the heart of every successful relationship.

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I have a strong background in public relations. I’m a proud Double Gator, with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Florida. If I could have stayed at UF forever, I probably would have. Go Gators! These days, though, I’ve traded the Sunshine State for the Rainbow State (if you can't tell, I'm a sixth-generation Florida girl who can’t handle the cold).

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At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, I’m pursuing my Ph.D. in the Communication and Information Sciences program. My research focuses on invisible disabilities in the workplace, examining how communication, leadership and organizational culture shape whether employees feel safe disclosing conditions that others cannot see.

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Before returning to academia, I worked in both agency and institutional communication settings, experiences that still shape how I approach my research. I’ve always been an advocate at heart, and that perspective naturally led me to my work on invisible disabilities in the workplace, ultimately bringing me back to graduate school.

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In my free time, I test new recipes, reorganize drawers that probably don’t need reorganizing, listen to podcasts, brush my Shih Tzu and plan imaginary vacations. 

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Want to talk PR? I'd love to connect or collaborate! Hit the "Get in Touch" button, or email leonsamc@gmail.com.