In this episode of The People of Penn State, we're joined by Mikel Jones ('15), Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content at Citi.
Mikel explores the intersection of brand strategy, sponsorships, and social impact. From managing media coverage for Citi’s partnerships in sports, entertainment, and culture to leading PR campaigns that drive meaningful change, Mikel shares insights from his career shaping one of the world’s most recognizable financial brands.
His work with Citi has taken him to major global events like the Paralympic Games in Tokyo and Beijing, The President’s Cup in Charlotte, The Ryder Cup in Rome, and the Miami Grand Prix. Mikel has also led social media campaigns to show Citi’s efforts to help to close the racial wealth gap and has met with HBCU students to provide early career advice. He has also been featured on Citi’s TikTok account, providing consumer fraud prevention tips with over 6 million views.
At Penn State, Mikel was the director of communications for Lion Ambassadors, where he also met his fiancé, Tara Bendler (’15.) He was also a diversity ambassador for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, a communications captain for the Penn State Dance Marathon, and a head lifeguard at the McCoy Natatorium. He graduated in 2015 with a degree in journalism.
Mikel is a 2024 recipient of the Penn State Alumni Achievement Award and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.