Moderator
Rachel Grant
Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism
Dr. Rachel Grant joined CJC in 2019 as an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism.
Prior to joining the College in 2019, Rachel served as an assistant professor in Xavier University of Louisiana’s Mass Communication Department teaching classes in strategic communication, social media management and media law.
Her academic research looks at media studies of race, gender and class and she has conducted extensive research with social movements, social justice, and Black feminism.
She has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Celebrity Studies, Visual Communication Quarterly, American Journalism and Southwest Education Council for Journalism and Mass Communication Journal.
Dr. Grant has worked professionally as a news reporter for local daily newspapers and statewide magazines and has worked in corporate advertising as a digital copywriter.
Panelists
Amy Climenhage
Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Sachs Media
Amy Climenhage is a skilled public affairs professional with extensive experience spanning health care, energy, finance, technology, and education. She excels in building positive relationships and delivering award-winning campaigns that drive meaningful results for clients. Since joining Sachs Media’s public affairs team in 2019, Amy has played a pivotal role in crafting compelling narratives and leading initiatives that engage policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. Named a “Rising Star in Communications” by Ragan PR and a “Rising Star in Florida Politics” by INFLUENCE Magazine, her work has earned both statewide and national recognition. Amy previously held communications roles at the University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital, where she refined her skills in strategic communications and media relations. In 2023, she earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), underscoring her dedication to excellence in the field. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Florida, Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a specialization in business. She also earned a certification in international communications from Florence University of the Arts in Italy.
Heather McPherson
Public Relations & Media Manager, Millennium Management Group
Heather McPherson is the Public Relations & Media Manager for the Millennium Management Group, which owns and operates restaurants and entertainment complexes across the United States. The portfolio includes Disney Springs in Orlando; Downtown Disney in Anaheim, Calif.; Sparkman Wharf in Tampa; as well as Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
From 1978-2016, she was an award-winning multi-media journalist for the Orlando Sentinel, covering news and features, and serving as the newspaper’s food editor for almost three decades.
In 2014 the Agriculture Institute of Florida honored her work in telling the story of Florida farms, ranches, and fisheries.
The author of four cookbooks, she has co-written five others and edited three cookbooks. Her latest works are “Field to Feast: Recipes Celebrating Florida’s Farmers, Chefs, and Artisans” and “Good Catch: Recipes & Stories Celebrating the Best of Florida’s Waters” both with Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand (University Press of Florida).
In 2019, she was awarded the 2019 Beacon Award by the Foodservice Council for Women and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. The honor recognizes female leaders whose careers have exemplified leadership and inspiration.
A two-time past president of the Association of Food Journalists, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the College of Journalism and Communication at the University of Florida and was honored with the college’s Emig Award, given to the student the faculty believes will contribute the most to the state of Florida through journalistic pursuits.
Born in Indianapolis, she lives in Mount Dora, Fla., and serves on the Lake Cares Food Pantry Board of Directors. In 2016 she was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society, and she is an Honorary Member American Culinary Federation.
Auriel Rolle-Polk
Associate Director at Code for America
With a journalism degree in hand, Auriel has transformed her ability to tell stories into a tool for radical change—and she’s done it across a wide range of sectors: from education and law to policy and systems change.
As an Associate Directorat Code for America, Auriel is leading the charge in leveraging technology and community partnerships to dismantle systemic barriers, promote economic mobility, and close gaps for residents across the nation. She’s not just influencing public policy; she’s fundamentally shifting how local governments work for communities that have been historically left behind.
While at University of Florida, Auriel learned a journalism degree isn’t just about writing stories—it’s about learning how to tell stories that move people, inspire action, and create change. That skillset became foundational when she realized that, regardless of the industry or role, women of influence connect deeply, persuade boldly, and fuel transformation and innovation. She’s experienced firsthand that theability to craft and deliver compelling stories and arguments can help you influence and mobilize a wide variety of audiences. Auriel continues to prove that there’s no one better equipped to tackle society’s toughest challenges than someone who knows how to communicate with power, precision, and purpose.
She’s a lawyer. She’s a civic technologist. She’s a systems change maker. And she’s also a proud alumna of the College of Journalism and Communications—graduating with a degree in Telecommunications in 2013. Auriel has dedicated her career to using the power of influence and advocacy to shift the future for generations to come.