The University of Alabama National Alumni Association hosted their 18 under 31 Young Alumni Awards for the Class of 2026. 18 alumni, 30 years-old or younger, were celebrated for their impact on their respective fields and communities. Three Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) alumni were named to this year’s class.
Chandler Shields Helton (17’) – A Monrovia, Alabama native, Helton holds a degree in public relations, which she earned in 2017. She’s currently a public servant who joined H&R Block’s government affairs team in 2025. She was active in campus leadership and founded her university’s Young Women for America chapter. Helton continues to serve her community by working with the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Eryn Cooper (19’) – Eryn Cooper is a Nashville-based broadcaster, producer, and live event host that has transferred her skills learned at UA to big stages like The Opry Warm-Up Show, and The Nashup on CountryLine Radio in the UK. She has interviewed well-known country music stars like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and Blake Shelton. Cooper has helped raise over one million dollars for causes including cancer research, homelessness advocacy and youth music education by emceeing more than 50 benefit concerts.
Gabriela (Bella) Thoren Taylor (19’) – Bella Thoren Taylor graduated with her BA in telecommunications and film in 2019 before earning her Juris Doctor at UA in 2022. Taylor now is an attorney at Gardner Skelton, PLLC in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she advises a major global social media platform. Taylor is actively involved in her community, as she is the secretary of the BamaCharlotte chapter of the National Alumni Association and as vice president of membership for the Hospitality House Young Professionals Board.
