by Remani Fogle, Communication Major

Shaela O’Keefe, a graduating senior at Bellarmine University, is an Honors Program student double-majoring in Communications and Design, Arts, and Technology (also known as DAT) with a career goal in advertising and public relations.  

Her passion for mission-driven work fuels her aspiration to work for a non-profit. “Service has always been a big part of my life,” said O’Keefe. “I would really love to continue to help organizations like that.”  

When O’Keefe was a young girl, she was involved in her local Girl Scouts, where mission-driven work and service were the focus. Being involved in this sort of leadership ignited a spark in her.  

Bellarmine became the bridge to growing and connecting that passion to a career through organizations, connections, and internships.  

Since arriving on campus, O’Keefe has been involved in BU Leads, which promotes and grows leadership in students through student-led workshops and events. Through years of service, she has made her way to the president of the organization. 

“One of my favorite parts of college, and going to Bellarmine, is working with other passionate students,” she said. “When we have the opportunity to collaborate, it’s one of my favorite times, because I get to deep dive with other people about anything and everything.” 

O’Keefe credits Bellarmine’s Career Development Center staff with mentoring that she has found valuable asshe considers a career after college. 

“Audrey and Jackie and Chris have been so helpful with offering me opportunities to meet with alumni – to hear from them and learn from their experiences,” she said. “They’ve also helped me look at cover letters and resumes and helped me pursue internships.” 

With the help of her network and Bellarmine’s resources, O’Keefe was able to secure two internships during her time at university – one in human resources and the other at The Dream Factory.  

An internship within human resources was a new experience for O’Keefe, given her art background.   

“It was a little bit different from my design experience, but I loved to learn about organizational communications and that side of things rather than art,” she said. “Having that experience and learning about helping others in a different way, talking about how people could best use their benefits or paid time off, it gave me a different perspective on communications as a mission-based major or career.”  

The Dream Factory, where O’Keefe is wrapping up an internship, is a non-profit focused on granting dreams to chronically ill children from the ages of 3 to 18. The Dream Factory has fulfilled over 23,000 dreams since its founding in 1980.  

“It’s been really impactful to be able to help them,” said O’Keefe. “I assist them with some of their online digital marketing. They’re fantastic – I love being there.” 

Meet more of our Great Grads from the Class of 2026 and get all the details on our 73rd annual Commencement.