In February, I participated in the inaugural HAPPO, a Twitter-based initiative that stands for “Help A PR Pro Out.” It’s time for Round 2, which features the collegiate class of 2010 and recent grads. During the first HAPPO, I attempted to attract employers by creatively summarizing my professional experience.  And that didn’t work. So,  I asked a few of my friends and colleagues for help.

I had the pleasure of working with Andre for eight months while he was a contractor in the Marketing Department at FreeLife International. His enthusiasm and follow-through made him an asset to the marketing team and we were sad to see him go when his project was completed. Any company would benefit from his social media experience and willingness to learn skills on the fly.
-Jessica Fielding, Marketing Professional in Phoenix.

As someone who’s known Andre since our freshman year of college, I’ve seen Andre progress as a scholar, marketing professional, and creative community builder, organizer, and collaborator. Andre has a passion for learning, especially within the ever evolving digital marketing arena. As a digital marketing professional at a Fortune 1000 company myself, Andre’s skills and knowledge base are well developed and very apparent. I know he will make a lasting impact wherever he ends up.
-Alex Schutte, eMarketing Associate at Cintas in Cincinnati.

Andre will be a great fit for any company. His diverse experience so young in his career will lead him to bring a unique standpoint to his future employers. Andre is proactive, wise and insightful.
-Brian Camen, Account Executive at Weber Shandwick in Chicago.

You know that saying: “It’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know”? Well, you have to know Andre Willis.

Andre has tenacity, perseverance, and smarts that make him endearing to his colleagues. I first met him at a social media networking event where he immediately established himself as a team player and a go-getter. He has shown his support in various networking events that benefit different causes (Haiti, Crisis Nursery) by helping promote the event itself. And even when he was in and out of jobs–not because of inefficiency, mind you, but because of the poor economy—he did not hesitate to donate. The best thing about Andre is his sense of humor. In a networking setting, he lights up a room, but not too much that it will blind you. His professionalism absolutely shines through but he injects it with a smile or a laugh that can put anyone at ease. He is always a pleasure to have a professional and friendly conversation with.

I’m so glad I know him.
-Yvette Roeder, Public Information Officer for the City of Phoenix.

I like working with people who are passionate. People who are clever, intelligent, driven. People who don’t know the meaning of the word “no,” and when they hear it, which we all do from time to time, can turn it into a “yes.” Somebody who’s a “go-getter,” who knows how to make things happen. Someone like Andre Willis.

When I first met and connected with Andre, it was on a professional level. But in his conversation, his way of approaching and connecting, I saw something special. He’s genuine. He’s interested. He CARES. A rarity in my industry. I’ve come to learn that Andre is a talented writer, PR strategist, social media user, and true engager. But I can also tell you that Andre is an all around great guy, willing to lend a hand to help out, share a laugh, a story, a smile. His personality is absolutely infectious; you can’t help but smile back! There are a lot of talented people in our industry, in this market, in the dawn of a new and challenging career in public relations and copywriting. But a brief conversation with Andre, and you’ll see how he sets himself apart from the rest.

He’s gonna be a huge success, carving his niche in the PR world, of that I have no doubt. And when that day comes, I’ll smile too.
-Jeff Hecht, Public Relations Consultant in Phoenix.

I love my Phoenix network, but I’m also open to relocating. Please visit my LinkedIn profile and Portfolio page to learn more, and connect with me by clicking on the email icon in the sidebar. Thanks again to HAPPO co-founders Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon, and local HAPPO champion Abbie Fink!