About Julia Mertes

Executive Board Position: Communications Director Intern

Past Lion’s Pantry Experience: Communications Coordinator Intern (Spring 2022-Spring 2023)

Majors:

English with a concentration in Literary and Cultural Studies in the College of Liberal Art
Digital and Print Journal in the Bellisario College of Communications

Minors: Technical Writing

Other 2023-2024 Involvement:

Donor Relations Overall Chair, Relay For Life at Penn State
News Literacy Ambassador, PEN America x Penn State’s News Literacy Ambassadors Program
Fellow, Penn State’s Public Humanities Institute
General Member, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Paterno Fellow, Penn State’s College of Liberal Arts Honors Program

A Q&A with Julia

1) What are you most excited about The Lion’s Pantry this year?

I most look forward to upcoming communication initiatives that will be completed during the 2023-24 academic year. Over the last year and a half of working communications for The Lion’s Pantry, I’ve enjoyed sharing important updates with the community and expanding our reach. The Pantry Pal recipe book remains one of the most exciting and fulfilling projects that I led during the 2022-23 academic year. I look forward to growing this initiative as a resource for Penn State Students.

2) What initiatives, campaigns, or goals would you like to see during the 2023-24 academic year?

I would love to see The Pantry Pal recipe book continue to grow with new resources! Moreover, I look forward to creating relevant communication campaigns that continue to spark interest in the Pantry’s work!

3) Why should new students join The Lion’s Pantry?

Students should join The Lion’s Pantry in tackling food insecurity on the Penn State University Park campus. Working with The Lion’s Pantry creates tangible change within the local community and for those who live within it. The work you complete with The Lion’s Pantry directly impacts the student body — whether you are stocking shelves, helping with a promotional campaign, or making a donation to keep our shelves stocked.

4) What does food insecurity mean to you?

Food insecurity refers to the state of being without stable and nutritious food resources. Impacting people from all walks of life and in diverse circumstances, food insecurity also pervades life in Happy Valley. Everyone deserves to eat nutritiously without stress and anxiety about where their next meal is coming from. The Lion’s Pantry works to reduce these apprehensions and uncertainties, so students’ main priority remains what’s important: family, friends, education, life, and more.

5) What excites you most about the position you hold for The Lion’s Pantry during the 2023-24 year?

I enjoy using my communication skills to help spread The Lion’s Pantry’s mission to those who need our resource. My position as Communications Director allows me to use my knowledge and background, applying it to a good cause! Having served as Communications Coordinator during the 2022-23 academic year, I look forward to growing last year’s work and bringing new ideas to the table.

6) Please share one of your favorite memories from The Lion’s Pantry.

Canstruction 2022 remains one of my favorite memories from my time with The Lion’s Pantry. I attended the event immediately after starting the position of Communications Coordinator Intern, and it was the first event I completed communication tasks for, including photography, interviews, article writing and more. The publication of The Pantry Pal acts as another favorite memory from my time at The Lion’s Pantry. Creating the Pantry’s first recipe book proved to be a semester-long feat that allowed me to learn and grow, while also creating a resource that Penn State students (and others) could use in the future.

Favorite Comfort Book: Anything by Cassandra Clare!

Favorite Way to Unwind After a Long Day: Reading, spending time with family, and being creative!

“Go-To” Fun Fact: I have donated a gallon of blood (and counting) through the American Red Cross!