Business Matters

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m currently working with a 3D printing technology startup on the side, and actively pursuing full-time opportunities in brand and digital marketing, especially in the fashion, athletics, agency and entertainment spaces. After passionately pursuing my degree, leading the College of Business social media team, completing my honors thesis on brand perception, and working with brands like KEEN and SOREL, I’m excited to bring that experience into a creative, fast-paced environment where I can keep learning, building and growing my career!

What’s your major and/or minor?

Marketing

What’s one thing you learned during your academic journey that made a big impact?

Time and time again, I learned that you have to ask for help. In college, I often felt that to be the leader I wanted to be, I had to do everything on my own, to prove I could handle it all without leaning on others. But that mindset only held me back. The biggest growth came when I started raising my hand, asking questions, and seeking out guidance from peers, professors, mentors, anyone who might have insight or support to offer. One moment this lesson really clicked was during my time as president of the Marketing Club. I tried to plan a professional trip to Seattle almost entirely on my own, thinking I had to carry the responsibility myself. But eventually, I realized how essential it was to bring in my exec team and collaborate. Asking for help didn’t make me any less capable, it made the experience better for everyone, and it better expressed how much trust I had in my incredible exec team. In a role where I was representing a broader student community, asking for input was critical. I couldn’t lead well without listening first. That lesson came in handy again when I had to lead under unexpected pressure. Three days before my senior year started, I broke both of my ankles in a freak accident. Suddenly, everything changed, but because I was willing to lean on my support system, I didn’t fall behind. I turned to my professors, family and coworkers, and thanks to their help, I was able to maintain my 4.0 GPA, continue managing the social media team remotely, begin my honors thesis, and start my contract with KEEN. It was a humbling reminder that strength often looks like collaboration, not just independence. If I could recommend one thing to incoming students, if I could beg them to do something, it would be this: ask your questions. Ask them in class, in office hours, during networking events or in passing conversations. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know, and don’t hesitate to chase down answers, even if you’re still figuring out the right questions to ask. Be curious. Be bold. You don’t need to have all the answers, just the courage to go find them. That mindset changed not just how I learned, but how I led.

Was there a moment you realized you’d grown during your time at OSU?

There were numerous moments where I saw growth in myself. But some of the most meaningful moments came during my time as a mentor in the College of Business mentorship program over the past three years. Often, my mentees would ask about things like building confidence in their major, improving public speaking or navigating networking. And every time, I’d pause and think, ‘Wow. I used to ask myself these same questions.’ Even with a background in musical theatre, improv and choir, I was terrified to network when I started college. I remember the idea of shaking someone’s hand terrified me because I felt like I’d do it ‘wrong.’ I also remember setting a SMART goal for myself: ask at least one question to every guest speaker who visited class. It seemed like a small step at the time, but it pushed me to grow. Now, I find myself excited to start conversations and energized by the opportunity to connect with others in the industry. The same happened with leadership. I’ve always gravitated toward it, but I was afraid to lead meetings and afraid to fail in front of others. Now, I lead the weekly meetings for the College of Business social media team, excited to try new things and encourage others to do the same, something I would’ve been so nervous to do a few years ago. Lastly, completing my honors thesis was another milestone I never imagined when I started college. I initially planned to focus only on internships, but with the encouragement of a close friend and the support of a great mentor, I ended up completing a full thesis in partnership with KEEN on brand perceptions. It became one of the most fulfilling projects of my college experience. Looking back, the growth didn’t come from one big moment. It came from a hundred small ones where I chose to try, to ask and to show up anyway.

Who or what helped you along the way?

There are so many people who supported me throughout my journey, and I’m endlessly grateful for each of them. Adele Wilson, director of marketing and communications, was the best first boss I could’ve asked for. She welcomed me into the College of Business social media team as a freshman and helped me explore both the creative and analytical sides of marketing. She trusted me to dive into strategy and analytics through tools like Sprout Social, and reminded me to take care of myself, especially when I was sending her project updates at 2 a.m. Samantha Pinkerton has been an incredible manager this year. Her leadership and encouragement have made a huge difference in both my personal growth and the direction of the COB social team. I’ve learned so much from her and feel far more prepared for life after graduation because of her mentorship. The social media team has also been one of the most rewarding groups I’ve been part of. Full of driven, creative students who actively build a positive, collaborative culture. Their energy and passion have made leading the team not only fulfilling, but genuinely fun, and together, we’ve created some of our best, most meaningful content. Jennifer Villalobos always made time for marketing chats that left me energized and inspired. Whether I was asking about the Marketing Club, breaking into entertainment marketing or swapping favorite ad campaigns, her insight and enthusiasm meant so much. Brandon McAlexander, my Honors College thesis mentor, helped bring my capstone project to life. He supported me in developing a qualitative research project in collaboration with KEEN, where I had just finished an internship, focusing on brand perception. His guidance was instrumental in turning a big idea into something impactful and actionable. Amanda Terhes, our Marketing Club advisor, was a steady and supportive guide through every challenge. Whether I was navigating club logistics or looking for encouragement, she always showed up with kindness and clarity. And the Marketing Club itself was where I first felt truly confident in my major, it became a home base for both growth and belonging. To the incredible students and friends I’ve met at OSU, thank you. Your stories, support and passion constantly pushed me to take on new projects and lead with heart. And finally, to my family: thank you for being my foundation. To my grandparents: thank you for every ounce of love and encouragement you’ve shown me. I’m so grateful for the support you’ve given me throughout this journey, and I’ve loved sharing my experiences with you. Your strength and kindness have always been an inspiration, and I hope to continue making you proud. To my brothers: besides the fact that I’m shouting out Mom and Dad, so I should probably mention you both, you mean a lot to me. Growing up with you shaped who I am today, and I’m lucky to have you in my corner! To my mom and dad: thank you for answering every late-night stress call, celebrating even the smallest wins, and constantly reminding me to believe in myself. Your love, integrity and work ethic have taught me more than I can put into words. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Were you involved in any experiences you’d like to highlight?

I’m fortunate to have been involved in several experiences that shaped both my college journey and who I am as a leader. I’ve spent three years on the College of Business social media team, two of those as the social media strategic manager, leading content creation, mentoring peers, and helping tell the stories of our community. I also served as Marketing Club president, a teaching assistant for the Blueprint professional development team, and a three-year mentor in the college’s mentorship program. Outside of campus, I brought my passion for brand storytelling to industry roles at KEEN and SOREL, and completed my honors thesis in partnership with KEEN, researching how different generations perceive brands. Each of these experiences taught me something new about leadership, creativity, and collaboration and I’m so grateful for them.

Anything else you’d like to share?

What makes me uniquely me is that I’m driven by an equal love of creativity and analytics. Growing up as a part of an improv troupe, a robotics team, musical theatre, an a cappella group and the Math Honors Society gave me many skills. Being considered ‘cool’ in high school was not one of them. Instead, I learned how to adapt, stand out and embrace the chaos. I love solving problems, thinking on my feet and connecting with audiences. I’m so thankful for my time at OSU, and I’m so excited for what’s next!