HBCU’s are known throughout America for developing gifted African American men and women that are ready to take on challenges and obstacles that life has in store for them. HBCU’s have produced prominent individuals such as Civil Rights activist Jesse Jackson, talk show host Oprah Winfrey, actor Samuel Jackson, filmmaker Spike Lee, and Chairman to the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Herman Cain, just to name a few. Each one of these individuals has their own story on how their HBCU experience has prepared them for the daily challenges they face.
A unique story that you probably are unaware of however is that of Leelannee K. Malin, PhD, a true product of the HBCU experience. Dr. Malin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Communications from Bowie State University. After working in corporate communications and the non-profit sector, Malin attained a doctoral degree in Mass Communications Media Studies at Howard University at the age of 30.
Dr.Malin, used the knowledge, skills, and life lessons learned to launch Malin PR, a boutique public relations firm, specializing in sports and entertainment, corporate communications and non-profit industries. Malin PR provides a comprehensive range of communications and public relations programs that assist its clients in increasing visibility and building relationships with prospects, members of the press, and the greater community. Malin Pr creates and executes innovative, targeted exposure and communications packages promoting their clients interest to the market, the media, and the public. The Malin PR client roster includes, model Gia Nichole, international motivational speaker, Mark “The Speakerman” Wiggins and her most recognizable client, New Orleans Saints Defensive Back Usama Young, and the Usama Young Youth Foundation.
Malin’s experience working in the sports agency began at 16 years old, recording football statistics, which ultimately leading to a sports information internship at Morehouse College. Malin has worked for semi-professional and professional athletes and organizations including the National Football League Players Association and Retired Super Bowl Champion, Cliff Crosby of the Indianapolis Colts. Continuing to make her mark on the industry, Malin’s latest endeavor includes serving as the official public relations provider for Usama Young’s 3rd Annual Stay Focused Weekend slated for June 23-25, 2011 in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. The weekend, which Malin PR serves as the sole source of planning and coordination is highlighted by appearances by high profile athletes and celebrities , a football and cheer camp for youth, a community service project, bowling fundraiser event ,and annual foundation reception.
Community spirit is the name of Malin PR’s game as a “Culture for Service” was instilled in Malin as a freshman at Clark Atlanta. Therefore, since the launch of Malin PR, Dr. Malin a teacher by trade has mentored, developed, and trained local high school students interested in careers in the Communications industry. Making it a point to pay it forward, Malin offers seasonal internships each year to students from all three of her alma maters.
The Stay Focused Weekend 2011 will encompass a slew of events that include a food drive at Largo High School,a visit to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, DC, a “Celebrity Scoop” event at Rita’s, “Rock-n-Bowl” at Lucky Strikes which is also in Washington, DC, and the highlight of the weekend which is the football and cheer camp. All proceeds will benefit the Usama Young Youth Foundation.
For more information about the Usama Young Youth Foundation and Stay Focused Weekend 2011 log on to www.usamayoung28.com. To learn more about Dr.Malin and Malin PR, visit www.malinpr.com.
-Dior Ginyard
