109. A Fact-Based P.R. Veteran Counsels Courage to Speak Up

An early love for writing, especially humor, Judy majored in English at Stetson University and taught high school five years, always knowing a business career was in her future. A master’s degree in advertising from University of Florida led her to a job with Young & Rubicam and a career in public relations.

Learning about the psychology of consumer behavior change, paired with her writer’s knack for finding words to trigger actions, she crafted strategies of using key influencers to shape change. Her campaigns helped reach early adopters of technology in finance, office operations, and even influenced sexual behaviors.

As a pioneer of the movement for women in the workplace, Judy learned the value of courage and speaking up, and enjoyed “a really wonderful career path” as a result. “Sometimes you have to summon courage and say this is the ethical way to go. If you don’t, nobody else will.”

“I use the INTERNET in so many ways. Years ago, to do competitive research, we had to go to the library, find the books. We used couriers to rush documents to clients and the media. It was very difficult to find out about a company. The internet has transformed all of that.”