Neiman Marcus public relations manager Cheresse Pentella, and founder of the public relations and event planning firm CheresseINK, will conclude the 2014-2015 Missouri Baptist University Media Talk Series on Thursday, Feb. 19.

The conversation will take place in the Recital Hall of MBU’s Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center from noon to 1 p.m.

Amanda Staggenborg, an assistant professor of public relations and communications at MBU, coordinates the free communications speaker series.

Two communications students will interview Pentella followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Pentella is currently the Public Relations Manager for Neiman Marcus operations in St. Louis. She was involved with the holiday collaboration with Target, leading the store to rank #1 in the Midwest market with the most attendees and social media coverage. She has been acknowledged for several PR “Best Practices” including partnering with celebrity chef, Todd English. She is also involved with several charity boards and oversees the local community giving.

The industry veteran also founded the public relations firm, CheresseINK. She conceptualized and created the St. Louis Rams’ first-ever rookie event and Downtown’s Food Rave created with “Football Hall of Famer” Marshall Faulk and his Katrina Relief Fund to name just two. She directed branding campaigns/large concept rollouts for high profile brands including DELL and Saks Fifth Avenue. Pentella is a notable professional throughout the communications industry for her success in branding, marketing, public relations and special event planning.

“Pentella embraces the essence of public relations. She is a leader in all areas and an example of a hardworking, yet approachable professional,” said Staggenborg. “It’s always inspirational for all students to see the achievements of those who’ve been determined to follow their dream, especially in fields that are so interdisciplinary. Our communications division offers degree programs that allow students to explore their creativity and communication in the PR, Journalism and the Broadcasting careers. The Media Talk gives students professional examples of this.”

Previous Media Talk guests include: sportscasters Frank Cusumano and Ron Jacober; St. Louis Post-Dispatch veteran Bill McClellan; and Mark Abel, executive vice-president of Weber Shandwick.