In a media landscape where anyone with a smartphone can publish to a global audience, the true power of digital storytelling lies not just in what we create, but how we choose to share it. In her current roles at Gwynedd Mercy University and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Dr. Rakus guides students to produce ethical digital content that balances creative expression with social responsibility and connects with audiences. Before transitioning fully into academia, Dr. Rakus established expertise in the corporate and non-profit sectors. Her early career featured leadership roles such as Vice President of Marketing and strategic positions where she drove branding, public relations, and communications initiatives. As a founding board member and Director of Finance & Strategic Planning for the non-profit Unite for HER, she developed a comprehensive four-pillar growth strategy and spearheaded early branding and logo development.