Donna Kaudel

Donna Kaudel is an independent scholar, fan culture researcher, and author with a background in communication studies, marketing, and politics. She studied at prestigious institutions such as Northwestern University and Hult International Business School, where she earned a PhD in Communication Studies, an MA in Communication Studies, and an MBA, respectively. With over a decade of experience studying media fan culture and audience engagement, Donna's goal is to connect conversations about fandom from multiple perspectives: academic, business, and personal. Her aim is to use her expertise in fan culture and marketing to help media companies engage with fans in mutually beneficial ways. Donna is also the former CMO of K&K Sound Systems and has experience in politics, having formerly served as the Voter Outreach Coordinator for the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division and an Intern for Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).