Rachael Hagerstrom

Director of Issues Management
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Rachael Hagerstrom, the director for issues management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was formerly the social media manager for Smith College, where she served as the in-house social media expert for departments and groups across campus and an advisory board member at the National Institute for Social Media. She has produced multiple award-winning social media campaigns for colleges and independent schools. At UMass, she works on helping the university team future forecast by staying on top of trends and news in the social media landscape.

Rachael Hagerstrom’s Session

8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. PT — Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Proactive Social: Diffusing Issues Before They Become a Crisis

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, social media has become more than a tool for engagement—it’s an early warning system. What happens when you figure out how to listen closely enough? You start to identify future issues that might impact your institution’s reputation. This session will explore how to leverage both listening and monitoring to pinpoint those challenges before they escalate.

We’ll explore how to filter through the digital noise, frame insights in a way that resonates with leadership, and shape proactive messaging strategies. In the session, we will also discuss tactics for ensuring messaging is durable and effective, even in high-pressure situations.  Finally, we’ll go through how social teams can utilize these insights to serve as strategic thought partners to top leadership. Walk away with the tools and strategies needed to transform your social media approach from reactive to proactive, ensuring your team is always one step ahead.

Check out our early bird ticket prices!
Copyright © 2025 by Global Strategic Management Institute | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct