We’re in Minneapolis: Daniel Collazo

Daniel Collazo is a proud alum of the Chicago Scholars program. He went on to attend Loyola University Chicago, where he earned his B.A. in Multimedia Journalism in the spring of 2020 and an M.S. in Global Strategic Communications in the spring of 2022. Daniel is passionate about telling engaging and impactful stories, which he gets to do through his work in public relations. He is currently a Senior Account Executive at Phaedon, an independent, integrated communications agency. He works with some of the most iconic consumer brands. His role requires him to cultivate and foster relationships with clients as well as the media to garner earned media coverage for his clients. When Daniel isn’t in the office, he can be found at the movie theater or going for a run with his local run club.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

I am a Senior Account Executive at Phaedon, an independent, integrated communications I work in public relations, and my role is to work with clients to maintain a positive public perception of their brand. This requires me to foster relationships with my clients to maintain trust as we conduct campaigns. My role is to not only engage with my clients on a daily basis but also foster relationships with members of the media and influencers to keep my clients’ brands top of mind. I have secured media coverage for clients in media outlets such as AdWeek, The Denver Business Journal, and iHeart Radio, to name a few. I have also managed influencer programs for clients, which involves sourcing talent, negotiating and contracting talent, and reviewing content for client approval.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My Chicago Scholars experience was Being involved in Chicago Scholars helped me navigate my senior year of high school and prepared me for college and beyond.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Chicago Scholars boosted my confidence to seek out opportunities that I didn’t even know Just being involved with Chicago Scholars helped expand my network, allowing me to grow by meeting new and interesting people.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?

The advice I would give myself just after being accepted into the program is to enjoy the experience and utilize all of the resources that are available through Chicago Scholars. I was a bit hazy mentally during my senior year of high school, and at the time I didn’t realize what was available to me as a Chicago Scholar until I became an alum of the program. My hope for current and future Scholars is to be appreciative of this opportunity to be involved in such a program and remain active and engaged with the program by utilizing the resources that are available.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

Being from Chicago means everything to I am someone who has made being from Chicago my personality. But in all seriousness, having been born and raised in Chicago made me the person I am today. It made me resilient and open-minded. Being from Chicago means being strong-willed.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

I wish people knew that the students involved in Chicago Scholars are some of the most resilient young adults. They juggle multiple extracurriculars, often have a part-time job, and sometimes take on college-level courses, all with the goal of obtaining a college degree to make a better life for They have big aspirations and will work hard to achieve their goals. That’s what I wish people knew about Chicago Scholars and Chicago as a city; we work hard every day to reach our full potential.