Adriana Lacy

Adriana Lacy is a professional in residence at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State. She is the founder of Adriana Lacy Consulting, where she specializes in digital audience growth strategies. Her professional interests are twofold: (1) digital media strategy and audience development, and (2) early career journalism development and mentorship.

As the founder of Journalism Mentors, she advances opportunities for emerging journalists through structured mentorship programs and paid opportunities. Her work through her Media Minds newsletter examines the intersections of journalism, technology, and product development. In industry, Lacy has held positions at major news organizations including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Axios, where she contributed to digital strategy and audience growth initiatives.

Lacy holds a master's degree in digital audience strategy from Arizona State University and dual bachelor's degrees in African American studies and journalism from Penn State. Her work in creating pathways for early-career journalists has been recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

Through her consulting practice and academic work, Lacy contributes to advancing digital media strategy while developing frameworks for sustainable journalism careers. She specializes in helping media organizations optimize their digital presence and build sustainable audience engagement strategies.