Alumni in Action: Kaitlyn McCoach

Spotlight on Kaitlyn McCoach ('14) for "Alumni in Action!"

Kaitlyn McCoach earned a B.A. in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations (PR) and a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland in 2014. 

On October 8, 2024, Kaitlyn was a guest speaker at the University of Maryland Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (UMD PRSSA). She generously shared many insights with our students, including her professional work at Weber Shandwhick, cases she’s worked on, how she got hired, and advice for new graduates. She answered many student questions about working at a PR agency. 

At the PRSSA meeting, Kaitlyn shared her best piece of advice for new graduates early in their careers: “Not only look for opportunities and challenges, but come prepared with solutions. Even if your answer isn't the correct one, you will have had the chance to think creatively and tactically and can continue building those skills." 

Kaitlyn also reflected on how UMD COMM prepared her for her career: "UMD taught me to approach problem-solving with curiosity, intersectionality, and intentionality. My COMM experience encouraged me to think proactively and critically with the expectation of delivering client-ready work for every ask." 

Read more about Kaitlyn’s background and incredible achievements: 

Kaitlyn works with Weber Shandwick's Social Impact Practice and leads their North America reporting work. She specializes in ESG, CSR and Sustainability reports, data frameworks, and launch communications. Kaitlyn has worked across a variety of industries including finance, food & beverage, healthcare, media services, and technology. In addition to social impact work, she is responsible for the day-to-day and strategic management of Weber Shandwick’s local and regional clients. 

Her client portfolio spans across multiple practice areas including energy, finance, healthcare, internet services and travel. Among her clients are Ancestry, AstraZeneca, Constellation Energy, Entegris, Fortive, Mars, Norfolk Southern, USAA, Takeda, and T. Rowe Price. 

As part of her education from the University of Maryland, Kaitlyn received a minor in Women’s Studies. Her passion is amplifying the intersectional needs and perspectives of underrepresented communities and exploring ways to move diversity, equity and inclusion forward in her work. Upon starting work at Weber Shandwick in 2016, Kaitlyn led the Baltimore office’s “Make an Impact” project with the nonprofit partner Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM). Kaitlyn and her team developed the Weber Shandwick Engagement Academy – a five-session intensive exploration of career opportunities within the communications industry aligning with the girls’ skills and interests. 

She led a three-year partnership between the Baltimore office and Happy Helpers for the Homeless, donating over 100 bagged breakfasts each month to those in need. Among her activities in the community, she is a member of the Junior League of Baltimore – an organization dedication to training women leaders and volunteers – where she chaired the league’s largest and longest-running community impact initiative and fundraiser. She also supports the Maryland SPCA by working with rescued animals. In 2019, she received the Ulman Foundation’s GameChanger Award, which honors young adults who have demonstrated excellence in their profession, shown a commitment to the betterment of their community, and displayed leadership among their peers. 

We are proud of you, Kaitlyn, and thanks for sharing your expertise and experience with PRSSA!