Our Staff Members

Alia Ervin 

Executive for The Swing Agency
Executive for Idea HUb: My College Timeline

Hi! My name is Alia and I am a Junior at Hofstra studying Public Relations and Spanish. I am also treasurer and diversity and inclusion representative for Her Campus Hofstra as well as Vice President of Strictly Steppin, Hofstra’s only step team. This will be my second internship and I am excited to gain more experience with The Swing Agency while collaborating with my classmates. In my free time, I like to write, skate or read, and I hope to work in the hospitality or entertainment industry after graduation.

Bridget Van Well

Account Lead for Caribbean Pearl Caterers 
Associate Lead for QDM Enterprises

Hi everyone, my name is Bridget. I am a senior Public Relations major from Hofstra University. I am also a member of the Delta Gamma Eta Nu chapter, where I have held two positions in my three and a half years of membership. Outside school, I spend most of my time at work. I have been a barista at Starbucks for the past four years where I have grown from barista to trainer to shift supervisor. The Swing Agency is my first internship where I expect to increase my knowledge in the public relations world and learn new tools to advance my career. I hope to work for the hospitality and food industry focusing on social awareness for large corporations.

Liz Valentinetti

Executive for The Swing Agency

Hii! I’m Liz Valentinetti. I am a senior at Hofstra University studying Public Relations and Political Science. Soon, I will be a first generation college graduate!

Professor Semple

Agency Director

Professor Semple has been teaching in the Department of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations since 2005. She is the proud recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Teacher of the Year award. In the spring of 2019, Professor Semple successfully launched the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication's first student-led integrated communication agency, The Swing Agency. The agency operates in collaboration with Hofstra’s Center for Entrepreneurship serving diverse entrepreneurs in the local community.

Stephanie Russo

Executive for The Swing Agency
Executive for Idea HUb: My College Timeline
Executive for QDM Enterprises

Hi!  My name is Stephanie and I’m a junior Public Relations major at Hofstra University. Originally a transfer student from Nassau Community College, I find myself more inspired than ever to pursue PR as a career since enrolling in my program. Although The Swing is my first official internship, I’ve been doing freelance publicity since December 2020 for an environmental non-profit organization in Brookhaven, NY called CEED.  

Alisha Andrews

Associate Lead for The Swing Agency
Executive for Idea HUb: My College Timeline

Hey hey, my name is Alisha Andrews. I am a senior at Hofstra University studying Public Relations and Global Studies. I come from a South Asian background and am a first-generation college student. I am also the Founder of the first ever South Asian Sorority, Delta Phi Omega, at Hofstra University.  

Dary Felix

Account Lead for The Swing Agency
Executive for Caribbean Pearl Caterers

Hi :) My name is Dary Felix. I am a junior at Hofstra University majoring in public relations with a minor in rhetorical studies. I was born and half-raised in the Dominican Republic but I am from Brooklyn, NY. I am a first-generation high school graduate (woohoo!). I am currently the account lead for The Swing agency and an executive for Caribbean Pearl Catering.

Nata Mushkudiani

Account Lead for Idea HUb: My College Timeline
Executive for QDM Enterprises

Hi!! My name is Nata Mushkudiani and I’m a Junior at Hofstra University majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Sociology. I am the Account Lead for My College Timeline and Executive for QDM Enterprise and the Swing Agency. 

Ruth Sobey

Executive for Caribbean Pearl Caterers
Executive for Long Island Advocate

Hi! My name is Ruth Sobey and I’m a senior at Hofstra University. I’m pursuing a major in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. The Swing Agency is my first official internship, and I’m so excited to work with our clients this semester. I am an Executive for Caribbean Pearl Catering, The Long Island Advocate, and The Swing, of course.

Amber Clavette

Account Lead for Long Island Advocate
Associate Lead for Idea HUb: My College Timeline

Hi! My name is Amber Clavette and I’m a senior at Hofstra University, pursuing a Bachelor degree in Public Relations with a minor in Music and Rhetorical Studies. I’ve had a huge passion for music ever since I was a little girl and hope to pursue a career in music publicity after graduating. 

Diana Riegel 

Associate Lead for Long Island Advocate
Executive for Caribbean Pearl Caterers

My name is Diana Riegel and I am currently a senior at Hofstra University majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Music Business & Dance. Music, dance and performing have been passions of mine throughout my whole life. 

Olivia Kearse

Associate Lead for Caribbean Pearl Caterers
Executive for Idea HUb: My College Timeline

Hi, my name is Olivia Zora Kearse and I’m a senior at Hofstra University, pursuing a Bachelor degree in Public Relations and a minor in Rhetorical Studies. I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Dix Hills, Long Island.  After graduation I plan to pursue a career working in the entertainment field. My passions include social media, activism and traveling.   

Samantha Morris

Executive for QDM Enterprises
Executive for Idea HUb: My College Timeline

Hi all! My name is Samantha Morris and I am a second semester senior at Hofstra University. I am pursuing a major in Public Relations as well as a minor in Fine Arts.