MSU Student Brings Authenticity and Purpose to Client Projects at Bellwether PR
Siri Reed applies her coursework to media pitching, client outreach and strategic communication with support from MSU alumni
By: Riley Robertson
Public relations is the art of crafting stories, and for Michigan State University PR senior, Siri Reed, it’s about crafting her own. What started as uncertainty about her career path turned into a passion for purpose-driven communication. Through mentorship, workplace experience and an environment built on collaboration and teamwork, Reed learned that the best kind of PR is rooted in authenticity and heart.
In summer 2025, Reed had the opportunity to become a student practitioner at local PR firm, Bellwether Public Relations.
“As a senior PR major, I wasn’t feeling inspired by what we were learning…I knew I wanted to give back to the community, but I didn’t know how I could pursue that,” said Reed.
Before joining Bellwether, Reed received advice from PR faculty to seek experience in nonprofit or issues-management work, guidance that eventually led her to the Lansing agency. After gaining the class experience she needed, she applied and earned the position. Once she began at Bellwether, she quickly found that the agency mission aligned with her own values.
Angela Minicici, a partner in Bellwether and ADPR alum, has served as a mentor to Reed in her internship.
“Siri has such a natural curiosity and passion for making an impact,” Minicuci said. “It’s been a joy to guide her and see her grow into the kind of communicator who really understands the heart of the work.”
Minicuci and her colleagues modeled leadership, collaboration and integrity, showing Reed how to communicate on behalf of clients with confidence and purpose. By watching them weigh the implications of each message and prioritize authenticity over convenience, she learned what it means to communicate with intention. The opportunity to work in that environment allowed her to ask questions and grow, transforming her initial uncertainty into clarity about her career path.
After receiving an offer to continue work in the fall, Reed quickly found herself immersed in meaningful work that reflects her values. She has had the opportunity to contribute to projects like Protect MI Care Coalition, which focused on issues surrounding Medicare and Medicaid.
“I was able to go to the Senate hearings and even hear personal testimonies from people whose lives would be directly impacted by legislation,” said Reed. “That whole experience was so inspiring.”
Beyond advocacy, she was also able to gain hands-on experience in event planning, media relations and strategy.
Through her work at Bellwether, Reed continues to build practical skills while discovering work that motivates her. From advocacy projects to working directly with clients, she says PR is more than just messaging, it’s about making a real impact. Guided by mentors like Minicuci, Reed has gained confidence and a sense of belonging in her career path.
For students looking for a similar path, MSU’s PRSSA chapter offers oppurtunities to build skills and connect with mentors here.