SA Advisory Council Spotlight - Leahmarie Gottlieb

For Leahmarie Gottlieb, helping individuals and families change their lives is a true pursuit. She studied sociology and psychology in college, which helped her bring a multifaceted perspective to the Student Affairs Advisory Council.

Throughout her career, Leahmarie has worked across a dynamic range of corporate and non-profit settings, as well as television and film environments. Today, she channels her passion for helping others into roles as a certified image consultant and a licensed financial representative. She also partners with a global health and wellness company. Her career spans multiple generations from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, and she views today’s shifting workforce dynamics with a sense of hope and excitement.

Leahmarie graduated from Virginia Tech and Virginia Wesleyan University, but her connection to East Carolina University began through the eyes of a parent. She first recognized ECU as a hidden gem during a Pirate Aboard visit with her son Philip. She highly appreciated the university’s commitment to student support and infrastructure. However, it was Philip’s reaction that officially sealed their family’s alignment with the Pirate community. Philip turned to her during the visit and said he could see himself there, which was all she needed to hear.

While Philip graduated in 2022, Leahmarie’s dedication to the university has only deepened. Her journey with campus leadership began when she served on the Parent’s Council during Philip’s freshman year. Now on the Student Affairs Advisory Council, she serves as a vital bridge for the university. She continually advocates for today’s students by offering a unique perspective as a past parent and non-graduate. Leahmarie saw firsthand how critical the Division of Student Affairs is to the student experience, highlighting their constant communication and support during the pandemic.

When explaining the Council to outsiders, Leahmarie emphasizes the value of external career expertise and diverse life experiences in shaping forward-thinking programs. Her absolute favorite moments include engaging directly with incoming families during on-campus orientations, Pirate Set Sail Events, and Family Weekend. She easily empathizes with the mix of excitement and fear that first-time college parents feel.

Looking ahead, she is particularly passionate about Career Readiness initiatives to ensure ECU graduates enter the workforce with absolute confidence. Her household has officially been taken over by the Purple and Gold, and council visits always include dinner at Starlight Cafe. Her primary advice for new Pirate parents is to utilize resources like Parent and Family Programs, sign up for newsletters, and volunteer.