Heather (Hargadine) Lewis
May 19, 2020
Heather (Hargadine) Lewis (2020)
Heather (Hargadine) Lewis is a Business Development Associate where she develops and executes multi-channel marketing programs, including digital marketing, business development, public relations, and event planning for WILsquare Capital. Previously, Heather served as the Senior Marketing Associate for UHY LLP, a national accounting firm, managing all aspects of marketing to lower-middle market clients and service providers in the Midwest. Prior to joining UHY, Heather was the Director of Volleyball Operations at the University of Northern Colorado, where she developed marketing campaigns, organized fundraising efforts, and oversaw team operations.
What year did you graduate and what was your concentration?
I graduated in 2014 with a BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Communication.
What extra-/co-curricular activities did you do?
I was a member of the varsity Volleyball team, where I was a four-year letter winner, while also coaching middle schoolers on a local club team, KAVA. In my free time, I participated in CCF.
Heather top (right) and her Truman Volleyball teammates in a promotional photo shoot (2011).
Did you go to grad school? If so, where? Was it immediately after you left Truman, or did you wait? Why?
Three years after graduating from Truman, I pursued a master’s degree at Western Governors University in Management and Leadership. I waited because I wanted to get experience under my belt before jumping into another degree. I felt confident that I could obtain a graduate degree while working full-time and that is what I did.
What was your first job after graduation?
During the week of graduation, I accepted the position of Director of Volleyball Operations at the University of Northern Colorado. It was a great transition for me out of college because I was still around the sport of volleyball while gaining experience in event planning, marketing, and operations.
Heather (spiking the ball) bring the pain to Fort Hays State during a match (2012).
What work do you do/What are you doing now?
Currently, I am the Business Development Associate for WILsquare Capital, a St. Louis based Private Equity Firm. My responsibilities include marketing, event planning, and deal sourcing. One of my passions is relationship building and that is a large part of my day.
How has your Liberal Arts/COMM education helped you?
My liberal arts/communication education has helped me a ton professionally. I have been asked to wear many hats in each position I have held. Some of which include public relations, graphic design, videography, script writing, event planning, and relationship building. I was very fortunate to graduate from Truman with experience in all those areas. This gave me the confidence to excel in each position that I have been given.
Heather (2nd fr left) leaving her “mark” in the locker-room before Senior Night (2013).
Which class did you dislike at the time you took it, but now you’re grateful you took it?
Experimental Methods. The course forced me out of my comfort zone and made me realize how to be truly detailed orientated, and this course turned out to be one of the more valuable ones.
What was your greatest accomplishment at Truman?
My greatest accomplishment is what I was able to do with my degree after Truman. I did not have the professional experience or the qualifications for the position I took right out of college, but the skills I gained through my course work, time management while playing volleyball, and drive to succeed allowed me to lay the groundwork to continue to excel and grow professionally.
My greatest professional accomplishment thus far was organizing a half day women’s conference in 2019 – WISE Women Conference: WISER, BETTER, BOLDER. I organized all aspects of marketing and orchestrated the operational aspects of the conference. The tickets were sold out two weeks prior to the event with 250 tickets sold. The conference consisted of 5 professional speakers and 1 professional CFO panel appropriately titled, “Women in Charge.”
Heather at the WISE Women Conference she organized (2019).
Why is Truman a good place for a student to study?
Truman is not only an institution where you will get an amazing education, but it is a community that will last well after you leave. I have held three positions since I have graduated and each one has had another Truman alumni either on staff or on the hiring committee. I was told early on in my career that you are only as successful as the network you surround yourself with. I am thankful to have started out with Truman as my network foundation.
Heather’s “1st day of school” pic from her senior year (2013).
What do you miss most about campus/Kirksville?
I miss the friends and relationships I built at Truman. All my teammates and friends are spread out from coast to coast. They are amazing people who I would love to see regularly. I am thankful for FaceTime and phone calls.
What would you say a COMM student should absolutely do while at Truman?
I think a communication student needs to take at least one marketing class while at Truman. Communication and marketing work hand in hand, and I believe that it is good to be a true generalist and have a background in multiple areas.
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the same line of work as you?
Start building a network of professionals right out of college. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to a professional you admire and find a mentor you can learn from. It is also OK to have multiple mentors that are diverse in nature. Find others who are rock stars in their area of expertise or their industry. You can learn a lot from those around you.
What tag line would you create for the COMM department at Truman?
How about “Stay COMM and Study On?”
If you could come back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, what would be its title and what would it be about?
Event Planning – This class would encompass all aspects of planning and executing an event even with follow up after the event. There is a lot that goes into an event within all industries.
What did we not ask that you think is important for people to know?
When one door closes another one opens. Keep pushing and being innovative in your industry and don’t be afraid to grow.
Heather, her husband Weston (who she met at Truman), and her growing family (2019).
If you would like to learn more of Heather’s story, you can follow her on LinkedIn.