Meet the Team

Lauren wayburn I ceo

Lauren is a senior majoring in Advertising & Public Relations (PR Emphasis) with additional credentials in Social Media & Data Analytics. Now in her third year with GrandPR, she serves as the firm's CEO, following previous roles as the Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Media Coordinator, and an Account Associate. Beyond GrandPR, Lauren further develops her professional development and leadership experience through GVPRSSA and The Plank Center's EMERGE Leadership Academy. She was also recently awarded 2026 West Michigan Public Relations Student of the Year. After graduation, she plans to launch a career in corporate communications, then potentially advance her education in a specialized field and pursue an executive leadership role.

sophie lehner | coo

Sophie is a senior majoring in Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Psychology, an emphasis in Public Relations, and a badge in Social Media Analytics. She is also a student in the Frederik Meijer Honors College. This is her third year in GrandPR having previously been both an Account Associate and Account Executive and now is serving as the firms Chief Operations Officer. She also formally served a year as the GVPRSSA President and Programming Director simultaneously. Outside of GrandPR, Sophie works for GVSU’s Office of Student Life as the Campus Activities Board (CAB) Activities Team President. After graduation, Sophie hopes to pursue a career in event planning and coordination.

emma thornton | cxo

Emma is a junior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. After one semester of GrandPR as an Account Associate, Emma now serves as the Chief Experience Officer. She is very excited to step into this new role. Outside of GrandPR, Emma is a member of GVPRSSA, she works for the Grand Valley Lanthorn as the Advertising Assistant Manager, as well as the Events and Social Media for the Campus View Apartments on campus. After graduation, Emma hopes to move to a big city and pursue a career in Entertainment PR.

olivia goodwin i Cco

Olivia is a senior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. This is Olivia's second semester in GrandPR, initially serving as an Account Executive, and now serving as the firm's Chief Communications Officer. Outside of GrandPR, Olivia has served as Podcast Director for GVPRSSA's show, PR Hangover, since August 2025, and will continue to host the show throughout the 2026-27 year. She also works for the Office of Student Life at Grand Valley as the Student Marketing Manager. After graduation, Olivia hopes to pursue a J.D. and continue her work in Corporate Law.

benjamin sanko | cdo

Ben is a senior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Business, an emphasis in PR and a badge in Social Media. This is his second semester involved with GrandPR, but was previously a Account Associate. He was formally the Social Media Director of GVPRSSA. Outside of GrandPR, Ben is the Social Media Manager for GVSU's Momentum Dance Club. After graducation, Ben hopes to pursue a career in Fashion/Entertainment PR.

victoria biadala | gvprssa president

Victoria is a senior majoring in Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. She currently serves as an Account Executive for GrandPR. Outside of GrandPR, Victoria is the President of GVPRSSA and the Event Manager for Tri Sigma Sorority, where she enjoys leading initiatives and creating meaningful experiences for members. After graduation, Victoria aspires to pursue a career in public relations or event management.

Dr. Adrienne Wallace | Faculty Advisor

Dr. Wallace is the associate director for the School of Communications and an associate professor of advertising and public relations at GVSU with a passion for student-to-professional development. In addition to advising GrandPR, she advises the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at GVSU, is past-president of West Michigan PRSA, and a past chair of the East Central District (PRSA). She also serves as the Digital Marketing Competition coach, Page Case Study Competition coach, and our Bateman faculty advisor. Dr. Wallace is a prolific author and conference presenter. She is also the mother of rescue beagles, Rosie and Wilbur.

Click the images below to read more about our team.