Meet Our Diversity-in-Marketing Cannabis PR Intern, Andre Hascall
Grasslands’ Diversity-in-Marketing (DiM) program deepens our commitment to attract, develop and retain high-potential talent through internship opportunities for students and recent graduates who identify as being a part of historically underrepresented groups in the marcom industry.
This program was inspired by our founder Ricardo Baca’s own diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)-focused internship at the Rocky Mountain News in 1995, which provided him with not only real-world journalism experience but a life-changing opportunity to develop a professional network.
Because getting one’s foot in the door for a chosen vocation is challenging, this unique program offers a chance for young professionals to gain invaluable experience working in a fast-paced agency while building new relationships in the marcom space. Now, our first two DiM interns are settling in at Grasslands’ new Denver office, learning what it means to excel at both marketing and PR. Let’s get to know our new Cannabis PR intern, Andre Hascall.
Tell us about yourself—where you grew up, where you went to school and how you landed here at Grasslands HQ?
I grew up in Southern California and lived in San Diego and Corona. After high school, I went as far north in the state as I could and earned a B.A. in Journalism Mass Communications at Humboldt State University. Learning about the region’s cannabis legacy was as interesting as the classes. I also liked how different the hiking and beaches were, compared to SoCal. What inspires you about a career in marketing?
There are so many aspects of marketing to love. But I just find it interesting, overall. Whether it be the impact we can make or never having a dull moment.
We work via Aristotle’s Modes of Persuasion (Ethos, Pathos and Logos) at Grasslands. Which mode speaks to you in a unique way?
They're all great, but personally I prefer logos. More often than not, I find that logic is a great way to get a message across.
Tell us about one modern marketing campaign that resonated with you.
At my college campus, someone running for mayor was passing out hemp materials with his face and name attached. And based on the area, I felt like that was a great way to reach out to those that weren't as involved in politics.
Grasslands is a journalism-minded agency™. What does that descriptor mean to you?
A deadline-based, fact-checked, writing-heavy environment.
What do you hope to gain from this internship?
I’m ready to gain skills that will make me a more well-rounded PR professional.
What do you hope to give via this internship?
I hope to contribute in noticeable ways by becoming an expert at creative pitches and creating media lists for the entire team to utilize.
Let’s think five years in the future: Where are you and what are you doing?
I would like to say I'm still in Denver. But I'll definitely be in a city, working as a PR professional with the goals of starting my own business.
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