Written by Chelsea Stern ‘22
Jaclyn Grosso has turned her passion for communications into a career right here at Syracuse University’s Division of Marketing and Communications.
As its Executive Director of Operations and Special Initiatives, she has enjoyed working closely with the students, whether that be through developing an internship program or having the opportunity to teach SEM 100, the newly introduced first-year seminar.
Growing up in Central New York, Grosso began her path of communications with an internship as a DJ at the Z89 radio station while still in high school.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in television and radio from Ithaca College, Grosso went into mega event management. Her career led her to Atlanta for 1996 Olympic Games, and she worked other major events, including the World Series, divisional playoff sporting events, and concerts.
While earning her master’s degree at Le Moyne College, Grosso took classes at night and worked part-time during the day in a corporate communications role.
In 2005, a friend directed Grosso to the Syracuse University College of Law, where Grosso since worked on fundraising, admissions, web design, media relations, speechwriting and even Dineen Hall’s construction.
During her nine years at the law school, Grosso developed skills that she said were transferable to various positions in the communications field. “Newswriting will always serve you well,” said Grosso.
Currently working in a central communications role at SU, Grosso said that the Division of Marketing and Communications has seven or eight women on the leadership team, making up a majority of the divisional team.
“This is a university that embraces change and social progress,” Grosso said. “We have more women on our leadership team than I’ve ever seen.”
With working in such a large institution, Grosso has faced challenges in making change happen quickly. However, she is confident that women, especially those who work in higher education, are making progress.
“We are at a very special moment in time that women are harnessing their power, and they’re starting to understand how to advocate for themselves better,” said Grosso. She noted the progressiveness of women in the workforce, especially in fields of higher education and communications.
Grosso feels that SU fosters an environment that makes a powerful movement for women possible. “It’s especially important here at Syracuse because… down the road in Seneca Falls was… the cradle for the Woman [Suffrage] Movement,” said Grosso.
Beyond The Hill, Grosso also pushes for women’s achievement in the community. On Oct. 16, she helped coordinate a women empowerment event, Spirit of American Women, with YWCA Syracuse and Onondaga County, where they celebrated the accomplishments of young women.
“[I enjoy] showing young professional women how to professionally network, how to professionally build those lifelong relationships with people in industries… and holding yourself to a very high ethical standard, particularly in communications.”