Dual-Degree Student Makes Her Voice Heard Across Denver

So How Are You Really? That's what "SHAYR" stands for — an organization founded by DU student Haley Pachelo. The program, which was nominated for the 2018 Pioneer's Award and is in the process of being registered as a non-profit, serves students dealing with severe illness, either their own or that of a family member. Pachelo created SHAYR as part of her minor in Entrepreneurship.

Pachelo, a dual-degree student, is soon to complete both her bachelor's in communications and her master's in social work. She's also wrapping up a second minor in marketing.

You might have heard her hosting 80208, DU's podcast network. Or you might know her as the founding president of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Studies honor society. Pachelo's interests in radio and television broadcasting have opened doors for community work as well as career opportunities.

For the last three years, she's worked as part of the promotions team with DU's Athletic Marketing Department and she got an internship through Denver Arts and Venues at Red Rocks Amphitheater as a promotions staff member.

"At my internship, I was responsible for activation of corporate sponsorship (30 accounts amounting to $2.5 million including Red Bull, MillerCoors, Stranahan's Whiskey, Southwest Airlines, and Chipotle)."

But marketing and communications are not Pachelo's only areas of interest. "I am interested in non-profit development and organizational leadership," she explains, which led her to concurrently pursue her MSW in organizational leadership and policy practice with an Animal Assisted Social Work Certificate.

Pachelo currently interns at Dress for Success Denver, where she has applied for funding to complete research. "If granted, the research will focus on the organization's ability to serve clients in reference to the Self-Sufficiency Standard 2018."

"The mission of Dress for Success," she explains, "is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

When asked what advice she has for undergraduate students, Pachelo emphasizes how her academic pursuits have created larger opportunities for her over the last four years. "I would advise you to take this time in your life to pursue your passions and take advantage of all that DU has to offer. There are thousands of resources that are available to students who are interested in a multitude of things — it is just a matter of seeking them out and keeping an open mind."