Page 47 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2017

hopes to become accredited in public relations. In her spare time, she loves to run and kayak the 26 miles of South Mississippi coastline, spend time with her husband, Nick, and two rescues dogs, Barney and Luna, explore new places and listen to true crime podcasts.
Another rising star is Amanda Whitaker, who is a quality manager for Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding. Whitaker, 34, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Alabama, as well as a Master’s degree in Logistics from the University of Southern Mississippi. “I wasn’t familiar with the shipbuilding industry when I
first came to Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding,” said Whitaker, “However, I quickly realized there is a great sense of pride that comes with building ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.”
Each day, Whitaker leads a team
of inspectors that monitors the construction and testing of a ship from start to finish. “Our team
plays a vital role in making sure our military ships are safe for the Sailors and Marines who live and work aboard them,” Whitaker said.
Whitaker hopes to continue her experience in quality management and pursue opportunities to make
a positive impact through leading others. “No matter the position I hold in the future, my desire is to inspire women to look outside of traditional roles in the workforce and to continue to have a direct role in providing quality ships for our military,” she said.
In her spare time, Whitaker enjoys cycling and has completed several 100-mile century rides. She is currently training for the Louisiana Marathon in January.
Mary Cowand, 31, studied Fashion Marketing at the Art Institute of Charlotte, North Carolina. She
currently works as the digital marketing manager for Keesler Federal Credit Union.
“I have always known I would end up in communications and being involved with the public somehow,” said Cowand. “Although I’m not in the industry I originally thought I would pursue as a career, I am where I am supposed to be. Regardless
of what may change in the future, my focus will remain the same: to leave this place better than when I arrived.”
Her day-to-day duties include maintaining and tracking Keesler Federal’s digital presence. “A large part of my job includes creating content to share across all digital platforms such as designing social media posts, writing blogs and attending and photographing events,” she said. “I also work hand-in-hand with advertising and web development to help create advertising campaigns and their web pages and ads.”
As for the future, Cowand loves Keesler Federal Credit Union and plans to stay for a long while. She hopes the next chapter in life will include opening her own storefront
in Bay St. Louis, which would
include an art studio and program for underprivileged children on one side and a small children’s boutique on the other. A portion of the proceeds from her store would benefit CASA and local children in need.
Cowand’s hobbies include co- chairing the new Hancock Young Professionals group and spending time with her husband, Norman, her daughter, Amelie, and two dogs Olive and Wheezy.
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
September 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 47
Mary Cowand
Erin Rosetti
Amanda Whitaker
Public Relations/Media Manager for Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast
Digital Marketing Manager for Keesler Federal Credit Union
Quality Manager for Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding