Talk Overview

Documenting my journey from an overly anxious teen from the New York suburbs to learning to ‘take up space’ and lean in – learning to advocate and cause ‘good trouble’ in spaces that traditionally exclude marginalised people; from corporate board rooms to video teleconferences with the White House. I will talk about how I learned to leverage best practices from media and public affairs to forge ahead, and now I implore young people to do the same and to remember that our purpose is to leave the door open wider for those who come after us.

About the Speaker

Jamie-Lukas, a New York native now residing in Belfast, is a media and public affairs professional with a deep-rooted commitment to public service. Currently a PhD student at The Queen’s University Belfast School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy, and Politics, he explores the intersectionality of Blackness and queerness. His experience spans across corporate, non-profit, political, and governmental sectors where he has advised on communications and experience. Notably, he has served in myriad roles globally on behalf of organisations such as the Obama White House and Hillary for America, supporting figures like then-Vice President Joe Biden, former first lady Michelle Obama, and Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Jamie-Lukas also served as lead advance to the New York City Council speaker from 2018 to 2021 and was a Hope Institute Fellow at the Democratic National Committee. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from Mercy University, a master of science degree in International Public Policy from Queen’s University Belfast, a Mediation certification from the Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, and a level 7 qualification from the Chartered Management Institute.