Karsh Conversations is an ongoing event series that brings together Duke students and alumni in a casual, conversational setting in-person over dinner featuring alumni in conversation with small groups of students. These conversations are generally focused on navigating life and careers post-graduation. 

The next Karsh Conversation event is scheduled for Sept 18 from 6:00-7:30pm and is focused on “Careers in Marketing”. We have invited alumni working in a wide range of industries and spaces related to marketing, communications, and promotion to come and connect with students and share their stories and advice. Students from all areas of study and backgrounds are welcome to attend. 

September Speakers

Ericka Wilcher
Current role: Senior Director, Marketing and Customer Experience at Xylem (xylem.com)

In her role as Senior Director, Marketing and Digital Customer Experience, Ericka leads a talented team of digital marketing professionals, data analysts and CX strategists working to improve the overall experience of Xylem customers. She is a career marketer with wide-ranging skills from strategic, data-driven marketing to content creation and marketing communications. Combining a background in software and SaaS platforms, plus a commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, Ericka specializes in leading digital, organizational and social transformation. That transformational energy extends to her personal life as a busy wife, mother and perpetual seeker of home improvements. Ericka holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s degree from the UNC-CH School of Journalism – both with concentrations on multicultural representation in advertising.

Roderick Blaylock

Roderick Blaylock is a marketing executive with 20+ years of experience delivering results and serving consumers in Fortune 500 Companies.

Roderick is the former Vice President and General Manager of Nike NY. As head of one of Nike, Inc.'s key cities, Roderick leads a cross-functional team in New York focused on Consumer Insights, Brand and Digital Marketing and Marketplace execution. In his six years at the company, he has held leadership roles across the North American business, helping drive annual sales in key markets and creating strategic partnerships. Roderick has also led brand efforts at Diageo, the Madison Square Garden Company, and Pepsi, specializing in product launches, partnerships, and creative consumer engagement. 

Roderick earned an Executive MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business and holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Howard University.

Melissa Carrico 

Melissa Carrico graduated from Duke University's Trinity School in 2018 with a major in Visual Media Studies, a minor in Theater, and a Documentary Studies Certificate. A Durham native, she attended Durham School of the Arts and chose Duke for its strong academic, athletic, and arts programs, applying Early Decision.
 
At Duke, Melissa was deeply involved in the arts community, participating in Duke University Improv all four years, where she served as Treasurer and then President. She was an executive member of Duke Student Broadcasting, duARTS, and proudly helped develop the Project Arts Pre-Orientation Program.
 
Early in her career, Melissa worked for several start-ups, focusing on team development, brand growth, and communications, gaining expertise in corporate infrastructure and operations. Since 2022, she has been the Marketing Manager at SportsMEDIA Technology (SMT), an international company with an extensive presence in sports technology, data acquisition, and broadcasting. SMT has been honored with 38 Emmys and is best known for one of its first technologies, the “yellow first-down line".  Melissa manages client-facing marketing materials, new product branding, and corporate events, merging her diverse passions and skills.

Tom Dominick

Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Alumni Engagement and Development, Duke University

Tom Dominick ‘87 is Executive Director of Marketing and Communications in Duke’s Office of Alumni Engagement and Development (AED). In his role, Tom holds responsibility for multiple areas within Marketing and Communications (MCS). He oversees the fundraising communications team, which raises over $10 million annually for The Duke Annual Fund, drives legacy gift marketing for the Office of Gift Planning, and supports various other university-wide fundraising efforts. He also manages and oversees several core AED websites, including the Duke Alumni Network, Giving to Duke, DukeMag, and Foundation Relations, to name a few. Additionally, Tom supervises the MCS marketing metrics and analytics team, manages the MCS e-communications team, which sends over 17 million emails annually to Duke’s alumni and friends, and guides the Assistant Director of Communications for Trinity College and The Graduate School.

Tom began his Duke career in 2000 at The Fuqua School of Business where he served as the Director of Web Strategy, before moving to Alumni & Development Communications, and finally to University Development in 2007, where he has served in a number of communications roles.

He is a member of the DukeFirst Board and has served on the Class of ‘87 reunion committee, and the Nasher Museum/Duke Museum of Art Friends Board. He is a member of the Duke Alumni Network Steering Committee, the Duke Web Governance Committee, and past member of the Duke Communicators Programming Committee. Tom arrived in North Carolina as a new Duke student from Connecticut. He and his wife Sarah live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Tyseer Khaled