Alum Earns Success in Publicity at Atlantic Records

Ariana White named a ‘40 Under 40’ recipient by PRWeek for work in press relations

Hard work, commitment to clients and professionalism earned Sacred Heart University alum Ariana White MA ’13 a place among PRWeek magazine’s “40 Under 40” award winners.

Currently the senior director of publicity at Atlantic Records in New York City, White is expected to advance in her role after putting in eight years of hard work. The record label is known for representing powerhouse clients such as the late Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, and modern artists including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Lizzo.

The 32-year-old from Middletown said she didn’t know right away that a career in that field was right for her, though she knew she loved working with people. She credits her graduate education and experiences at SHU for helping her get started in the music industry and preparing her to achieve career milestones.

“While I was growing up and attending college, I knew I needed to pursue a career that was people-facing,” White said. “I didn’t want a 9-to-5 job. I wanted to be in a fast-paced, creative environment.”

After earning her undergraduate degree at Eastern Connecticut State University, White yearned for real-life experience in public relations. She did some research and learned about SHU’s strategic communications & public relations (SCPR) program. She was intrigued, especially when she found she could earn her degree in one year while also participating in internships.

“I loved that half the program involved field studies,” she said. “I also loved that I took new courses every eight weeks. I couldn’t get bored.”

Through the SCPR program, White explored every aspect of public relations. She learned what she liked and what she didn’t. She also enjoyed working with her professors, including James Castonguay and Lori Bindig Yousman.

“I remember Lori was really nice and helpful,” White said. “I also remember having really great conversations with Jim Castonguay.”

She said the professors always encouraged her to try new things and push the limits. “That really stood out to me,” she said. “They were really hands-on, and I appreciated that. They had students’ best interests in mind.”

Besides forming relationships with faculty, White formed close friendships with two students in the program who also found great success: Venithda Sourignamath, a senior client success specialist at Indeed, an employment website; and Caroline Healey, director of media relations and external communications for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We see each other all the time,” White said.

Career after SHU

While at SHU, White interned for RCA Records, as well as a small, boutique press relations firm. She made connections at RCA and, while the company had no open positions, her networking led her to an interview at Atlantic Records. The position went to an internal candidate, but White received a call from Atlantic a few months later. “They told me the internal hire didn’t work out, and they asked if I still wanted the job. Timing. It’s all about timing,” she said.

White works with various artists, including YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Rico Nasty and Pink Sweat$, among others. She spends her days following what her artists are up to and pitching stories to the press about their events, music videos, upcoming releases and concerts. “I’m trying to give my artists opportunities to talk about their projects,” White said.

Recently, White and her colleagues gathered in the company’s conference room and watched the Grammy Award nominations live. Atlantic Records’ artists Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, Mary J. Blige and Jack Harlow were nominated for multiple awards.

“It never gets old,” White said about the nominations. “It’s so exciting. We’re such a close-knit team, and we all cheer on one another.”

White is pleased to reach the level of success she worked so hard to achieve, and she has advice for students looking for similar careers or positions in publicity. “You have to be the hardest-working person in the room. Working from 9 to 5 is not enough,” she said. “You can’t be lazy; you have to want to work and you have to be flexible and creative. There’s so much competition around you, so if you want the job, you have to stand out.”

White said she is honored that PRWeek named her as one of 40 outstanding public relations professionals out of hundreds of other press relations experts, and she was thrilled to receive the award. “It feels really good to recognized,” she said

Visit the SCPR webpage to learn more about the program.