Donor Spotlight: Ameerah Palacios ('05)
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Current Town: Louisville, Ky.
Degree and Major(s): B.A. in Mass Communication in 2005
Minor: Asian Studies and Broadcasting
Were you involved in any activities/sports on campus as a student?
“As part of the Broadcasting program, I did a lot of outside work with shooting/editing videos on newscasts – on the PBS station and the campus radio station, and that became my world. I was also able to participate in the study abroad program, where I spent time in Japan and London.”
Did a specific professor, instructor, or course make a special impact on you?
“To name a few—Dale Wicklander, Ph.D., who showed me the critical perspective on media and how it influences us as a culture. Jo-Ann Ryan, who opened my eyes to the structure and operations of how TV stations program. Bart White, who helped me see that the ability to sell is a superpower because we’re all selling something. Jim LeTourneau, a former news director, whom I remember doing live critiques of newscasts -- it was always so riveting.”
Do any special memories stand out from your WKU Experience?
“There are so many. From the start of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, I felt a sense of belonging and that I was part of a bigger Hilltopper community. I was fortunate enough to do some great internships at KSDK-NBC in St Louis, Mo., and KDKA-CBS in Pittsburgh, Pa. During my freshman year in Rodes-Harlin Hall, I was part of a committee for the Honors Program to hire the next director—and it was Dr. Cobane. I have a lot of respect for what he’s done with the program and the legacy he’s built, and I will forever be tied to the Honors College for that. I have consistently pushed him on equity and inclusion, and he has met my challenge with more effort and outcomes.”
How did your WKU Experience prepare you for professional success?
“I still use so much of what I learned to this day. I remember my talks with top anchors, editors and photographers and really learning from that and leaning into it. WKU gave me a platform to jumpstart my career, and I was at the front end of doing really great work in TV and getting great exposure.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies?
“I spend a lot of time giving back to my community. I’m on the Louisville Downtown Residence Association Board, where we’re revitalizing and building a downtown community. I’m also on the Board of Summerbridge Louisville, a program offering a six-week, free summer school for middle school students. I recently became a Certified Tourism Ambassador in Louisville. I fill my time giving back to different community boards and organizations I’m passionate about because when you care about where you live and the people there, you want to leave something behind a little better than you found it. I’m really invested in that.”
Ameerah Palacios (’05), Strategic Communications Lead at HDR and Secretary of the WKU Alumni National Board of Directors, recently made a gift to support the WKU Mahurin Honors College and feels great pride for it. As a student, Palacios was heavily involved in the Broadcasting program and feels it set her up for success in her career as a journalist, entrepreneur and volunteer.
“It doesn’t take much to make a difference, and I don’t think people realize how their individual story and gift can impact the next generation of Hilltoppers,” Palacios said. “The cumulative effect of everyone being part of what’s happening at WKU does matter, and it does have an impact. We need our alumni to come back, reconnect and plug into their places of interest because that next generation of Hilltoppers needs us.”
Why did you decide to make a gift to WKU?
“My giving is very much tied to my sense of gratitude and wanting to be a good steward. So much has been given to me and I want to give back. I give because I want the WKU Experience for the next generation to be as welcoming and bright and wonderful as it was for me. There is a vision for things to be better, and I wanted to be part of that vision. To do the things we want to do for the future of WKU, it takes investment.”
How does supporting your alma mater make you feel?
“It feels good to be able to give back and make a difference. It’s not difficult and I’m not curing cancer, but I’m doing my part and making a difference and I feel a great sense of pride. I feel like I’ve always carried that pride no matter where I’ve gone. I look forward to continuing to be a beacon and advocate for WKU because I care what happens to the Hill for generations to come.”
How does it make you feel that your employer supports your philanthropic efforts?
“HDR has an employee recognition program called the Pathfinder Program. Recently, I won a Pathfinder Award for my community service. It was nice to see my employer recognize what I do in my community, thank me for it, and encourage me to keep doing it.”