Chelsie Ouellette

Chelsie is one of those rare students who makes a big difference in whatever project she's involved in.

For her first co-op, Chelsie received numerous offers from co-op employers. She chose the press assistant position in the Governor's Press Office at the Massachusetts State House and was enthusiastic to build on her previous public relations experience in the realm of public service. Chelsie managed the day-to-day operations of a busy office and supervised a team of 10 interns. She was extremely dedicated to the Governor's Office and went above and beyond the duties of a typical Co-op student by spending additional time at the office at night and on the weekends. She helped organize and assist the press secretaries at press conferences, speeches, town hall meetings, and events. She performed all her duties with a passion and commitment to serving Governor Patrick and the people of the Commonwealth.

For her second co-op, Chelsie was selected from a large pool of applicants as one of the interns for the White House program under President Obama's administration. Chelsie's supervisor wrote "Chelsie is a rock star". Chelsie exceeded expectations. She always took initiative, was a self-starter and did excellent work. As a result of her hard work she was offered a slot to travel abroad as a member of the press advance team for the President."

Greg Goodale, a Communication Studies professor, stated that "Chelsea used her experience at the White House as a launch pad to playing a critical role in Deval Patrick's successful gubernatorial campaign, and then she used that experience as a launch pad for lobbying on behalf of foster children in The Advocacy Workshop,a Service-Learning course at Northeastern University.

In addition, Chelsie worked for the Sherman group, a Public Relations agency in Westport Connecticut for a year and a half. Stacy Sherman, the president of the Sherman group, stated that "Chelsea's experience has inspired her to expand her horizons. For example, on a recent trip to South Africa, she worked with the team to start an NGO, to help eradicate the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in the local community. Chelsea served as the public affairs officer working with the South African media, writing press materials and serving as a spokesperson at a press conference to announce a new radio program that the NGO would be producing to help educate the community. And, when time allows, she gracefully volunteers her public relations services to our pro bono clients."

Chelsie also finds time to important activities on campus. She currently serves as Director of Outreach and Publicity for The Great White Way musical theater group where she manages the advertising and public relations and delegates tasks to a committee. In addition, Chelsie serves as Vice President for the student group Acting Out which uses interactive theater to address critical issues that college students face. Chelsie is also a leader in the Resident Student Association where she is an advocate for the residents and works part time.

Chelsie is a bright, talented professional with a strong work ethic and great communication skills who has taken full advantage of what Northeastern has offered, and has given back 100%. We wish her well in her future endeavors!