Communication program alumna Ashley (Hassett) Hirtzel ’12 works as the communications coordinator at Cantalician Center for Learning, a nonprofit organization that provides services for hundreds of children and adults with disabilities across Western New York. Prior to her current position, she served as the community relations and development coordinator for Deaf Access Services, Inc., and also spent time working as a reporter at WBFO and WBEN.

Here, the 2017 Buffalo Business First “30 Under 30” honoree explains what drew her to the communication program at Medaille, and how the experience led her down a rewarding career path.

What led to your decision to enroll in the communication program at Medaille College?

On an initial tour of the Medaille campus, the faculty showed me that its communication program allowed its students to get the best college education possible. They weren’t kidding. The College gave me real-life experience in media and communications, and proved that I made the right choice.