Gustavus Alumna Named Michelle Obama’s Deputy Press Secretary

Semonti Mustaphi, a 2003 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, was recently named Deputy Press Secretary for first lady in waiting, Michelle Obama.

During the presidential campaign, Mustaphi served as Mrs. Obama’s deputy communications director. Prior to her work on the campaign, Mustaphi held communications positions for Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mark Dayton, as well as Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and New York Senator Charles Schumer.

At Gustavus, Mustaphi earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and political science. She was also a member of the Gustavus Dance Company and a recipient of an Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarship.