Alizza Punzalan Hall

August 2 , 2007

Company:Eckerd College
I’ve Been a BPW Member since: 2002
Title / Postion: Director of Community and Media Relations
During my real job I: Develop relationships and maximize connections that build Eckerd College's reputation – through the media, within its higher education peer group, and in our local and national communities. I enjoy the occasional brush with influential folks - Elie Wiesel, Anderson Cooper, Juan Williams, Wynton Marsalis.
Experience/background: BA in music, 1997, Rhodes College (Memphis, Tennessee); I worked in piano retail and served as the Director of Public Relations for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Since moving to St. Pete, I've worked in corporate underwriting at WUSF Public Broadcasting, as Director of Resources for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and have been employed at Eckerd for almost 4 years.
Community activities: Currently serve on the board of directors for Creative Clay; served 4 years on the YWCA USA National Coordinating Board, served as NCB vice-chair during my last year; served 6 years on the board of directors for the YWCA of Tampa Bay; chaired the 2nd annual March 21 U.N. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; chaired the YWCA's 1st annual Purses & Passion weekend
I’ve Lived in Florida for 7 years.
Birthplace: Royal Oak, Michigan; Grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee
Most notable accomplishment: Traveling to Africa 2 years in a row: 1st trip was to summit Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 19,340 feet, in January 2006 despite my asthma; 2nd trip was to attend the World YWCA World Conference in Nairobi, Kenya that focused on women's leadership and HIV/AIDS
Something you may not know about me: Growing up, I used to tour with the Philippine-American Association of East Tennessee performing traditional Filipino dances; and 2) The only time I watch ESPN is to watch the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee.
Professional goals: At the end of each fiscal year, I want to be able to evaluate my job performance with a discerning eye and determine how I can work more efficiently, more effectively and more happily the next year.
Personal goals: Having accomplished my fair share by the age of 30, I'm content to slim down my activities and memberships so my husband and I can focus on starting a family very soon.
Why I joined BPW: Tami Simms encouraged me to participate in the 2001-2002 Young Careerist program. I represented the State of Florida at the 2002 national conference in New Orleans.
Why I remain in BPW: It's comforting to be a part of a professional membership group where everyone isn't perfect and doesn't try to be.
My words of wisdom: Give yourself something to accomplish after you turn 30. The only person keeping score is you.