Thoughtful, well-prepared approach helps Bellisario alumnus succeed at Citi

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Most people are only responsible for the messaging of their own brand, but one Penn State alumnus whose job protects the reputation of a major Wall Street bank enjoys the challenge of influencing perceptions.

Mikel Jones, vice president of corporate communications at Citi, focuses on branding and sponsorship communications, including the company’s partnerships with the New York Mets at Citi Field, various art and entertainment experiences, and athletes from around the world who compete in the Paralympic Games.

“Our sponsorships are a powerful tool that can be used to build and reinforce Citi as a world-class brand,” Jones said. “We work closely with our global marketing team to raise awareness and showcase how we’re enabling growth and progress for our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve.”

Jones, who earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2015, was recently promoted to his role as vice president. He has been with Citi since September 2020, joining the company just before its Action for Racial Equity announcement — a $1 billion strategic initiative to help close the racial wealth gap and increase economic mobility in the United States.

Jones and his broader team are responsible for internal and external communications for the leading global bank while also supporting executive communications and social media campaigns. In addition to publicizing Citi’s initiatives, their goal is to highlight the impact the financial services company is having in areas such as the environment and governance as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

One goal of the company’s Action for Racial Equity initiative is to expand banking and access to credit in communities of color. Jones led an Instagram campaign last year to show how Citi is collaborating with Black-owned banks and other “minority depository institutions” to provide equity investments and curated engagement.

“For me, the best part of my job is connecting our brand and sponsorships to how we are making a societal impact as well as leading conversations on diversity and inclusion. Citi is a leader when it comes to pioneering all these practices,” Jones said.

In the past year, Jones has traveled to both Tokyo and Beijing for the Paralympic Games to help drive owned and earned media opportunities with Citi’s para athletes, more affectionately known as Team Citi.

While social media provides an abundance of daily challenges, Citi finds success with campaigns that require action, not just words. The company’s Stare at Greatness campaign, which launched in June 2021, highlights the talents and accomplishments of the disability community to help change perceptions of people with disabilities.

“Creating an inclusive environment is not only important, but a priority to Citi,” said Jones. “Disability inclusion enables us to deliver with excellence.”

Jones came to Penn State from southern Florida. Both his parents originally grew up in Philadelphia and they encouraged him to venture outside of the Sunshine State. He embraced the opportunity and committed, but never actually saw the University until his official orientation visit.

“I of course heard so much about Penn State before applying,” Jones said. “It was important for me that my undergraduate experience make me step outside my comfort zone. After arriving in University Park for the first time, I could tell I was about to get my wish.”

Jones was inspired by his initial visit, deciding then to become involved in multiple student activities, and he remembers the start of his first fall semester vividly.

“Although I was far from the place I called home for 18 years, it occurred to me immediately I found a new one,” he said. “From day one I decided I was not only committing to an education, but to an experience.”

In his time at Penn State, Jones was a Lion Ambassador, a captain for the Penn State Dance Marathon, and even held a part-time job as head lifeguard at the McCoy Natatorium.

Monthly meetings with then-Assistant Dean Joseph Selden from the Bellisario College helped Jones navigate his success as a student.

“As a Black male student at Penn State, Dean Selden was a terrific role model for me and many other students of color on campus,” said Jones, who attributes part of his academic success to Selden’s support, as well as that of the advising office led by Assistant Dean Jamey Perry and the internship office led by Assistant Dean Bob Martin.

Plus, Jones’ connections on campus, and his interactions with other students, helped him realize the support was earnest and special.

“Every time I walked into Carnegie Building, I felt the staff was rooting for me to succeed — and I didn’t take that for granted,” he said.

Jones, who completed a sports production internship with WPSU-TV, as well as summer internships with TV stations in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Washington, D.C., worked in the heart of New York City after graduation. He took a retail position at the Apple Store in Times Square.

It was not the career he initially considered, but he said it was a valuable experience and he continues to use many of the skills he learned in that role for his current day-to-day responsibilities.

“Each of us has our own unique path when it comes to our career and I’m proud of the journey I have taken to get where I am today,” Jones said.

He’s proven he was prepared for the move, and his thoughtful approach continues to make an impact on a daily basis.