College of Arts and Humanities

Alumni Spotlight: Felicia Finney ’19

Felicia Finney works in New York as a Vice President in the Global Communications and Marketing team at Lazard, a financial services firm. After graduating from Clemson she initially worked in Washington D.C., including service as a congressional staffer in the Executive Office of the Speaker of the House.

At Clemson, Felicia majored in Philosophy with an emphasis in Law, Liberty, and Justice, and was awarded the South Carolina Supreme Court Pre-Law Summer Internship that the Department offers for its majors. She was very active on campus, serving as a first year student welcome leader and working in student government, and was a member of the Clemson Model United Nations team. She also studied abroad in Florence, Italy.

Felicia sees a direct connection between the skills that she developed as a Philosophy major and her success after graduation. She reflects: “Philosophy provided a forum for me to foster my intellectual curiosity while honing the analytical skills that are essential for pursuing a career in public affairs. The coursework challenged me to evaluate my convictions, construct well-reasoned arguments, and develop a deeper understanding of the ethical, logical, and moral frameworks that shape public discourse. As I began my professional journey in Congress, I relied on this foundation to assess complex policy issues and communicate their implications. Moreover, as a strategic communicator, I continue to leverage these critical thinking skills to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences and enhance integrated brand campaigns.”

Felicia Finney speaks at her graduation ceremony in 2019.