Challey Spotlight: Leila Pust

Communications Specialist

Leila Pust took an unusual path to her career in communications. She started college studying finance, but quickly realized her true passion was in marketing and communications. What began as a creative hobby grew into a professional career. Now, as the Communications Specialist at the Challey Institute, she manages the newsletter, runs the website, and handles social media.

Background and Path to Communications

Her first real job in communications was at her dad's company. He asked her to help with branding because he knew she was creative. She ended up creating the entire brand identity and managing marketing and communications for the business. Although she was a finance major still exploring her path, her dad suggested she try marketing. Her advisor also recommended that she add a minor in strategic communications.

"That turned out to be the best decision I ever made," she said.

The shift stuck. The more she worked at her dad's company, the more she fell in love with telling brand stories, and her communications coursework only deepened that pull.

Role and What Drives the Work

Leila graduated from the College of Business at NDSU, so she was already familiar with the Challey Institute. Her deeper connection developed after graduation when she learned more about the institute's mission and recognized an opportunity to contribute through storytelling.

She was captivated by storytelling, viewing it as a means to foster community and enhance the impact of research. "I was thrilled by the prospect of using my passion for storytelling at Challey to help widen their reach and influence," she explained.

She enjoys making research feel approachable.

"One of the things I've come to appreciate about the Challey Institute is that it truly is for everyone. You don't need a PhD to engage with the work or be part of the mission," she said. "I love being able to meet people where they are, especially through social media, and translating complex research into something accessible and meaningful to them."

The most effective communication, in her view, does not just inform. It connects. Facts and data matter, but tying them to real policy issues and human experiences is what makes a message resonate.

"That's the power of storytelling. It turns information into something that engages people and makes them want to become part of your community," she said.

Communications and the Challey Community

Research is the first step in making meaningful change. Communicating it is the next step. Without strong communications, even the most important findings risk going unheard. Leila's job is to craft messages that reach the right audiences, policymakers, community leaders, and students in a way that moves them to act.

The most rewarding part of the role so far has been the people.

"I love getting to hear people's stories of why the mission matters to them personally and how the institute has impacted their lives," she said. "Seeing people from completely different backgrounds and disciplines come together around the same purpose is truly inspiring."

Her favorite projects are the ones that put people in front: a researcher, a student, a faculty fellow, a community member.

"I'm passionate about community building, and authentically showcasing your existing community is one of the most powerful ways to grow it," she said. This highlights her commitment to connection and encourages readers to value community stories.

If she had to name one thing she hopes her work makes clearer, it is this: the Challey Institute is for everyone, regardless of major, background, age, or career path. The more diverse the community becomes, the greater its capacity to drive real change.

A Day in Communications

Leila is also quick to point out that communications work is broader than most people assume.

"On any given day, you might shift between being a social media manager, graphic designer, copywriter, data analyst, researcher, and photographer, sometimes all before lunch," she said. This showcases the versatility of her role, inspiring curiosity and appreciation for her adaptability.

Outside of Work

Leila spends her free time with friends and family, exploring Fargo through new coffee shops, restaurants, and community events, and digging through thrift and antique stores for finds. She is also a musician. She plays piano and guitar and is currently learning banjo and mandolin.