As the spring semester comes to close, every PRISMite is left with the bittersweet task of saying goodbye to our Chief Marketing Officer Kelsey Stoner and Chief Strategy Officer Andrew Luo. It is difficult to envision the future of PRISM without them in it, but their hard work, determination and passion will no doubt have a lasting impact on our organization.
With graduation just days away, we want to celebrate all their hard work and congratulate them for their successes.
Kelsey had her sights set on becoming a member of PRISM early on in her college career. She initially discovered PRISM during her senior year of high school at a Pamplin recruiting event. As soon as she learned about PRISM’s work, she instantly knew that this was something she wanted to be a part of.
Fueled by her strong sense of determination, Kelsey joined PRISM during her freshman year at Virginia Tech. Reminiscing on the day she was accepted into PRISM, Kelsey explains the excitement she felt when she opened that fateful email:
“Thrilled! I can still remember sitting in my freshman dorm room and getting the email that I was accepted and immediately calling both of my parents to tell them,” she said.
Kelsey reflected on her experience as a PRISMite and what it has taught her:
“I learned that passion really is the true key to success. It sounds cheesy, but if you look at any PRISMite, they are passionate about what they do and passionate about PRISM as a whole,” Kelsey explained. “That's why the organization is so strong. If someone doesn't have that passion in them, they usually aren't very successful in our organization. I also learned so many hard and soft skills that have helped me grow immensely as a young professional.”
After graduation, Kelsey will begin her role as a brand analyst at Altria on the Marlboro Non-Menthol team in Richmond, Virginia.
Andrew’s PRISM journey did not go without its fair share of challenges. He found out about PRISM through one of his good friends, Anna Pope, and applied his freshman year. Sadly, he did not receive that exciting acceptance email, but this did not stop Andrew in his tracks. Guided by persistence, passion, and the encouragement of his friend Hannah Largen, Andrew applied for a second time in his sophomore year and made it in.
Recalling the moment he was accepted, Andrew elaborated on how his initial rejection motivated him to work even harder:
“I felt enlightened. After not getting in the first time, I knew that I was at some sort of 'disadvantage' going into the application process the second time around,” Andrew said. “As soon as I was accepted, I knew that I had a chip on my shoulder and immediately got straight to work. I started networking with as many people as I could and innovated as best I could to show others the type of value I bring to the table.”
While looking back on the three years he has spent in PRISM, Andrew claims that the greatest lesson he learned was the importance of teamwork.
“I have learned a multitude of things, but most importantly I learned how valuable members are on your team and in your organization. If the members are not motivated or are not satisfied with the work, then the quality will be significantly lower. The people will only work with those whom they love, and the culture that is created in the office is vital to the success of the organization. I’m grateful to learn this now because in the future, when I become a manager or some type of team leader, I will have a head start on leadership styles and insights into motivating the team.”
After graduation, Andrew will be working for KPMG in Tysons Corner, Virginia as a Cyber Security Associate.
As they prepare to enter the workforce, Kelsey and Andrew have pondered what they will miss most about PRISM; both coming to the consensus that it's their fellow PRISMites they’ll miss the most. Kelsey emphasized this, stating:
“'I'll definitely miss the people the most. It breaks my heart that I didn't get to say a formal, in-person goodbye to so many members. Every member of PRISM is so incredibly unique, talented and strong; and I hope that the relationships I have made will continue on throughout my whole life!”
Their years of dedication have improved the organization in immeasurable ways, and they have left PRISM prepared to propel itself even further in the future.
From everyone in PRISM: Thank you, Kelsey and Andrew! We are certain that you will be nothing but successful in this exciting new chapter of your lives.