2019 18 of the Last 9 honoree
Washington, D.C.
B.A. in Speech Communication and A.B. in International Studies
Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
Courtney Cochran serves as deputy chief of staff for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, managing communications and outreach, and supporting the policy agenda for one of the most progressive members of Congress.
Her current tenure is a return to Congress after nearly two years as senior manager of media relations at the American Diabetes Association, one of the nation’s largest health-focused nonprofit organizations. She’s spent nearly seven years supporting the work of several members of Congress, including Adam Smith (WA-09), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Elijah Cummings (MD-07), chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Courtney is a member of Washington Women in Public Relations and is a current member, and previous executive officer, of the Congressional Black Associates, an official Congressional Staff Organization. She received her bachelor’s degrees in communications and in international studies, and still claims the Cleveland suburb of Solon as her hometown.
Fun facts about Courtney
First year residence hall: McBride
Did you live off campus? If so, what was your house name? It didn’t have a name, but for us it’ll be forever known as 7 West.
Favorite place to eat on campus: Bell Tower pasta station was a frequent visit.
Favorite place to eat uptown: Bagel & Deli
Favorite thing to order at Bagel & Deli: It had turkey on it. ... I feel like it was called a Wam-O.
Were you involved with student organizations? If so, which ones? Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Associated Student Government, Residence Hall Association and Student Court.
How would you summarize your Miami broomball career? I never played, and I regret it.
Favorite place to study: I kept it simple with King Library, our sorority suite in Richard Hall or the Office of Diversity Affairs Multicultural Center when it moved to Shriver Center and when Shriver was the student center.
Has a Miami alum opened any doors for you? Working on Capitol Hill, it was incredible to be able to look up to a Miamian who was already senior staff, LaDavia Drane ’04, as a role model.
Favorite quote: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
Memorable Miami concert, guest lecturer, etc.: Being able to see the Dalai Lama on campus was really special.
Favorite Miami tradition: Black Student Action Association Homecoming.
What advice would you give to the incoming first-year students of the Class of 2023? Try everything, and meet everyone – don’t try to keep ony the friends you might come to school with and definitely don’t make assumptions about who you won’t like or don’t want to be associated with. Live in every single moment, because it’ll be over before you know it. Oh, and avoid 8 a.m. labs at all costs.