Established in 2020, the PRISM Alumni Advisory Council (PRAAC) serves as the bridge between PRISM's global alumni network of industry professionals and current members.
PRAAC has played a critical role in supporting PRISM’s mission through student and career development opportunities. The council has strengthened PRISM's foundation and future by connecting over 15 graduating classes of alumni, sharing internship and full-time job opportunities, establishing a scholarship fund, and supporting Giving Day initiatives.
We are excited to welcome PRAAC's newest members: Julia Rhodes, Michael Harnisch, Lauren LeHanka, and Justin Sottile. Together, they bring diverse expertise across account management, creative direction, and product strategy, truly reflecting the interdisciplinary spirit of PRISM.
Meet PRAAC’s Newest Members
Julia Rhodes, Class of 2022
Julia Rhodes is an advertising professional currently working at AMP Agency, where she supports national and global multi-channel campaigns for BFGoodrich. With a foundation in both creative strategy and data-driven marketing, she brings a well-rounded approach to executing impactful campaigns.
Julia's advertising journey began at PRISM, where she was a member for three years and progressed from data analyst to Account Manager before ultimately serving as Chief Marketing Officer during her senior year. This progression through multiple roles gave her a comprehensive understanding of agency operations and prepared her to navigate the complexities of modern advertising.
Since graduating from Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business in 2022 with a major in Business Information Technology and a minor in Digital Marketing Strategy, Julia has continued building her career in advertising. She began at The Martin Agency, where she contributed to campaigns for major clients such as TIAA, Penske Truck Leasing, and J.P. Morgan Wealth Management over three years before joining AMP Agency.
Now based in Richmond with her husband and their dog, Laney, Julia enjoys running, baking, and spending quality time with friends and family outside of work.
Michael Harnisch, Class of 2016
Michael Harnisch is a senior product and strategy leader focused on digital transformation. He is dedicated to helping companies create exceptional digital experiences that connect customer needs with measurable business outcomes. He currently serves as a Senior Strategist at Caylent, a premier AWS partner known for its influential work across cloud, technology, and AI.
Michael's strategic foundation was built at PRISM, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, he guided marketing strategies and agency operations, developing the cross-functional leadership skills and customer-centered thinking that would define his career in product strategy and innovation.
Since graduating from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in Marketing and Business Information Technology, Michael has built a distinguished career spanning automotive, mobility, and financial services. He spent eight years at Publicis Sapient, holding multiple leadership roles across product strategy and innovation, where he led cross-functional teams, partnered with global brands, and contributed to thought leadership in emerging technologies such as Web3 and decentralized finance.
Outside of work, he is passionate about photography and videography, traveling and exploring new cultures, and staying active through football, fitness, and weightlifting. He remains excited to give back to PRISM and support the next generation of strategic thinkers.
Lauren LeHanka, Class of 2019
Lauren LeHanka is an experienced account leader with a passion for building meaningful brand relationships and driving breakthrough creativity. As Vice President, Account Group Supervisor at Havas Life, she leads integrated teams and oversees strategic client relationships in the health and wellness space.
Lauren's journey in account management began at PRISM, where she served as an Account Manager for two years. This experience laid the foundation for her client-focused approach and taught her how to translate complex business challenges into strong partnerships and impactful brand storytelling.
Since graduating from Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business in 2019 with dual degrees in Marketing and Business Information Technology, Lauren has built an impressive career spanning beauty, pharma, tech, sports, CPG, B2B, and retail. She spent several years at BBDO Worldwide and Area 23, progressing from Account Executive to Account Director, working with notable clients such as Neutrogena, Home Depot, and OGX Beauty across U.S. and global markets.
Lauren believes in the power of strategic client relationships to drive meaningful creative work. She remains passionate about giving back to PRISM and supporting the next generation of agency professionals as they develop their own client management expertise.
Justin Sottile, Class of 2014
Justin Sottile is a seasoned creative professional with over a decade of experience in film, motion, and design, bringing brands to life through his multidisciplinary expertise. He currently serves as Creative Director of CGI and Motion at Pearlfisher, where he leads motion and computer-generated imagery across brand identities, campaigns, and immersive experiences for global audiences.
Justin’s creative journey began here at PRISM, where he discovered the power of blending multidisciplinary talent with strategic planning. Starting on the multimedia team, Justin eventually rose to become the Chief Creative Officer, a formative experience that laid the foundation for his career in creativity.
Since graduating, Justin has built a distinguished career in motion design, visual effects, and film, holding roles at Jones Knowles Ritchie and Spring Design Partners, as well as working as a freelance animator. His work has been recognized by D&AD, Cannes Lions, and The One Club.
At the core of Justin’s beliefs is that technical craft exists to serve emotional storytelling, a philosophy rooted in his earliest experiences at PRISM. He remains excited to give back to the organization and support PRISMites as they explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and strategy.
Looking Ahead
PRISM is ecstatic to welcome these four industry leaders to PRAAC, where they will support PRISMites to build meaningful careers in marketing and drive innovation. Through mentorship and sharing their wisdom, these alumni leaders will empower our PRISMites to think bigger, create braver, and navigate their careers with confidence. As PRISM and PRAAC evolve, we look forward to empowering the next generation of marketing leaders and strengthening our global alumni network.