Starting with this post, we will frequently feature updates of our alumni’s progress in their own words.

From our very first graduating class here is Mary Swenson:

“I am the Creative Director over the Popular portfolio of wines at the Earnest and Julio Gallo Winery. We are the largest privately owned winery in the world. I manage over 35 of our 100 brands, such classics as Bartles & Jaymes, André Champagne, Turning Leaf, The Naked Grape, and Barefoot to name a few. I am also helping the company revive older brands, giving them a completely new brand voice, as well as create completely new brands for some of our newest products such as lightly effervescent wine, and infused wine. One of the key initiatives I am striving for is to make wine more relevant for the younger millennial consumer through the use of integrated marketing, social media, video, and interactive apps.”