Kelly Howard (’08 journalism and mass communication) is the recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the Iowa State University Alumni Association. Howard was recognized at the 89th Annual Honors & Awards Ceremony, April 7, 2021, which recognized 2020 awardees.
The Iowa State University Alumni Association established this award in 1968 to recognize ISU alumni, age 40 and under, who have excelled in their professions and provided service to their communities.
Howard is the CEO of EigthSixtySouth, a strategic communications agency working with clients across fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries with team members in Los Angeles and New York.
In addition to her work as EightSixtySouth’s CEO, Howard was honored as PR Couture’s “Communicator of the Year” in 2018 and was named an Iowa State University STATEment Maker in 2020. Additionally, Howard has been featured in many acclaimed publications, such as New York Magazine, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider, and has spoken as a panelist for various female entrepreneur organizations, including Simply Stylist, BOSS Talks, Women in Media LA, The XX Project, and NerdyGirl Academy. Howard is also a member of the PR Couture Council and the Forbes Los Angeles Small Business Council.
Howard has not forgotten her roots, volunteering her time to speak to classes and clubs at Iowa State, as well as hiring interns from Iowa State. As an annual member of the Iowa State University Alumni Association, she is the president of the Iowa State University Alumni Club of Los Angeles and actively hosts events, bringing together other southern California Cyclones.
Read more about Howard on the alumni association’s website, and see a recording of the virtual ceremony honoring all 2020 ISUAA and college honorees (delayed due to the pandemic) below.