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Next-Gen Leader: Bridging Marketing, Brand Strategy & Business Communication to Shape the Future of Media
Teen Vogue Summit
I had the chance to hear panel discussions on fashion and business insights with Kimora Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons, the National Women's Law Center on 'Knowing Your Rights: Ending Sex Discrimination At School' and learning from Robyn DelMonte, the force behind GirlBossTown (GBT) "aka" The Internet's Agent and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, about executing your own brand by creating content across various platforms for digital marketing.
Each moment at the summit has been a stepping stone in my journey, fueling my passion for digital marketing and female empowerment.
Thank you Teen Vogue!
Each moment at the summit has been a stepping stone in my journey, fueling my passion for digital marketing and female empowerment.
Thank you Teen Vogue!
Picture motion "The Real Bug's Life" Premiere
I was able to attend the Picture Motion x National Geographic and Disney+ event for the premiere of 'A Real Bug’s Life.' Held at the Natural History Museum, the evening was a perfect fusion of edutainment and networking.
I had the honor to meet Picturemotion's COO, Juliette Richey who I am pictured with.
I had the honor to meet Picturemotion's COO, Juliette Richey who I am pictured with.
Rare Beauty's "Find Comfort Collection" Creator's Event
Enjoyed a relaxing day at the Rare Beauty Comfort Club as a content creator. As a 16-year-old passionate about mental health and digital marketing it was a delight to experience Rare Beauty’s new Comfort Body Collection.
Snap, Inc. Tour with Portal Learning
Thrilled to share my recent visit to Snap Inc. HQ, the tour - was a deep dive into the heart of innovation and creativity at one of the world's leading tech companies.
USC AYA-Interview with Elex Michaelson, Anchor at FoxLA
Had the opportunity to Interview Mr. Elek Michaelson, Fox 11 News Anchor weeknights with Christine Devine. He co-hosts the "FOX 11 Special Report" with Marla Tellez weeknights . As well hosts and produces the political talk show "The Issue Is", which airs on stations throughout the state of California.
We discussed what it's like in broadcast journalism and his time at USC Annenberg.
We discussed what it's like in broadcast journalism and his time at USC Annenberg.
LMU x LA Times Youth In Journalism Conference with Jovana Lara, Anchor for Eyewitness News ABC7
This day was jam-packed with insightful workshops, including an engaging Podcasting 101 session led by Faith E. Pinho from the LA Times, a deep dive into the art of interviewing with CNN’s Carol Costello and a masterclass in feature writing, all orchestrated by pioneering women in journalism.
One of the standout moments for me was meeting Jovana Lara ABC 7’s leading news anchor. Her wisdom and strength highlighted the influential role women have in shaping the narrative and future of journalism.
One of the standout moments for me was meeting Jovana Lara ABC 7’s leading news anchor. Her wisdom and strength highlighted the influential role women have in shaping the narrative and future of journalism.
USC Women's Youth Leadership Conference
This Women’s History Month, I had the incredible chance to be at the @uscpolfuture Young Women’s Leadership Conference, surrounded by inspiring high school students from LA.
The day was filled with panel discussions and workshops by some of the most influential women, diving deep into leadership, empowerment, and making our mark on the world. We learned practical tools for civic engagement and making a difference in our communities.
The day was filled with panel discussions and workshops by some of the most influential women, diving deep into leadership, empowerment, and making our mark on the world. We learned practical tools for civic engagement and making a difference in our communities.
Belkin Career Spring Fling
This day was filled with hands-on experiences that demonstrated how empowerment, diversity, and innovative thinking are crucial for shaping the future. Belkin’s dedication to these values not only educates but also inspires us, the next generation. Thank you Belkin and to all the inspiring panelists at the Career Fair!
Saatchi and Saatchi Tour with Portal Learning
Last week of April I had the opportunity to tour Saatchi & Saatchi (We Are Saatchi) through Portal Learning. Learned about the creativity of advertising and the diverse roles and company culture.
Girls Inc. of Los Angeles x LA Girls Rise Fundraiser featured with Erin Ross, CEO of Girls Inc. of Los Angeles
What an incredible night at the 3rd Annual LA Girls Rise Benefit with @girlsincLA! Kicking off the evening, I was thrilled to share a moment with the amazing Erin Ross, CEO of Girls Inc. Of Los Angeles, whose leadership continues to inspire us all.
From my early days as a shy girl with a stutter to now, a National Brand Amabassador for Girls Inc. I'm a determined young woman passionate about marketing and journalism, and @girlsincla has been pivotal in my growth. They’ve truly helped me embody being strong, smart, and bold—embracing every opportunity and leadership role with confidence.
From my early days as a shy girl with a stutter to now, a National Brand Amabassador for Girls Inc. I'm a determined young woman passionate about marketing and journalism, and @girlsincla has been pivotal in my growth. They’ve truly helped me embody being strong, smart, and bold—embracing every opportunity and leadership role with confidence.
Girls Inc. of Los Angeles x LA Girls Rise Fundraiser featured with Tatyana Ali
What an incredible night at the 3rd Annual LA Girls Rise Benefit with @girlsincLA!
As a National Brand Ambassador, I had the honor of interviewing the talented @tatyanaali who was also the emcee for the evening!
Tonight was not just a celebration but a reminder of how each event and program contributes to the success of another girl’s future. Let’s keep empowering our future leaders
As a National Brand Ambassador, I had the honor of interviewing the talented @tatyanaali who was also the emcee for the evening!
Tonight was not just a celebration but a reminder of how each event and program contributes to the success of another girl’s future. Let’s keep empowering our future leaders
Fabletics HQ with Mentor Ashley Snyder, Director of Retail Activations
I had the opportunity to meet my mentor, Ashley Snyder, the Director of Retail Activations at Fabletics. For the past few weeks, she has been working with me on creating a portfolio that best reflects my work in business, marketing, and journalism. She reviewed my portfolio from Portal Learning and was impressed by how I showcased my future aspirations and work experience so far. With her feedback I was able to tweak my website right before our presentations. Thank you, Ashley x Portal Learning, for this amazing mentorship opportunity!
Interviewing Senator Portantino: A Remarkable Experience at the California State Capitol
Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to meet and interview California Senator Anthony Portantino as part of my participation in the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) x JCalMatters Journalism Program. As someone selected for this prestigious program, collaborating with Senator Portantino and sitting at the senator’s table inside the California State Capitol was a defining moment in my journey as a young journalist.
Through this program, I had the chance to research and write an article for LA Times High School Insider and JCalMatters titled "Unveiling Bias: College Programs and the Workforce." Interviewing Senator Portantino offered me a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges and policies surrounding higher education and the workforce, which I was able to integrate into my article. His insight into how legislation impacts opportunities for students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, was invaluable.
This experience not only strengthened my journalistic skills but also reaffirmed the importance of youth voices in addressing crucial societal issues. I’m deeply grateful to the AAJA and CalMatters for selecting me to be part of this program. It’s experiences like these that remind me why journalism matters—it's about connecting with influential leaders, amplifying important issues, and telling stories that can inspire change.
Through this program, I had the chance to research and write an article for LA Times High School Insider and JCalMatters titled "Unveiling Bias: College Programs and the Workforce." Interviewing Senator Portantino offered me a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges and policies surrounding higher education and the workforce, which I was able to integrate into my article. His insight into how legislation impacts opportunities for students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, was invaluable.
This experience not only strengthened my journalistic skills but also reaffirmed the importance of youth voices in addressing crucial societal issues. I’m deeply grateful to the AAJA and CalMatters for selecting me to be part of this program. It’s experiences like these that remind me why journalism matters—it's about connecting with influential leaders, amplifying important issues, and telling stories that can inspire change.
Mentorship with Seema Mehta, LA Times Political Correspondent
During my time in the AAJA x JCalMatters Journalism Program, I had the privilege of being mentored by Seema Mehta, a seasoned Political Correspondent for the Los Angeles Times with over two decades of experience covering elections, politics, and everything in between.
As I worked on my article, "Unveiling Bias: College Programs and the Workforce," for LA Times High School Insider and JCalMatters, Seema’s mentorship was instrumental. She guided me in getting down to the real issue, pushing me to ask the tough questions and dive deeper into my investigative process. She taught me how to look beyond the surface and truly understand the story. Her insights helped me craft an article that not only informs but challenges perspectives.
I'm beyond grateful for her mentorship throughout this program. Seema is a role model in every sense, and her guidance has left a lasting impact on how I approach journalism. Thank you, Seema, for showing me what it means to be a thoughtful, relentless, and compassionate journalist!
As I worked on my article, "Unveiling Bias: College Programs and the Workforce," for LA Times High School Insider and JCalMatters, Seema’s mentorship was instrumental. She guided me in getting down to the real issue, pushing me to ask the tough questions and dive deeper into my investigative process. She taught me how to look beyond the surface and truly understand the story. Her insights helped me craft an article that not only informs but challenges perspectives.
I'm beyond grateful for her mentorship throughout this program. Seema is a role model in every sense, and her guidance has left a lasting impact on how I approach journalism. Thank you, Seema, for showing me what it means to be a thoughtful, relentless, and compassionate journalist!
Behind the Scenes at ABC10: A Day of Mentorship and Inspiration
Had the amazing opportunity to tour ABC10 and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a top-tier news station! From the control room to the studio, we saw it all. Even more incredible was the chance to receive hands-on mentorship from Emmy Award-winning journalists Alex Bell and Becca Habegger, and Emmy Award-winning producer Samantha Spinaci. They shared invaluable advice on storytelling, production, and the ins and outs of the newsroom. It was an inspiring day, learning directly from some of the best in the industry and connecting with fellow AAJA/JCal students. This experience has definitely fueled my passion for journalism!
From the Anchor Desk at ABC 10 News
An amazing day sitting at the Anchor desk and receiving help from my mentor for the day from ABC10 News Anchor, Alex Bell! This experience meant so much to me as an aspiring journalist—being able to sit at the anchor desk, read from a teleprompter, and work with a team of Emmy Award-winning professionals was a dream come true. It gave me a true sense of what it's like to be in a newsroom and reinforced my passion for journalism.
Huge thanks to ABC10 for giving our JCal 2024 Cohort students the incredible opportunity to create a mock news report using real news segments. We gained hands-on experience reading off teleprompters, sitting at a real news desk, and learning the ropes of broadcast journalism. This behind-the-scenes look at how news is made was inspiring, and I'm so grateful for the valuable mentorship from Alex Bell and the entire ABC10 team.
Huge thanks to ABC10 for giving our JCal 2024 Cohort students the incredible opportunity to create a mock news report using real news segments. We gained hands-on experience reading off teleprompters, sitting at a real news desk, and learning the ropes of broadcast journalism. This behind-the-scenes look at how news is made was inspiring, and I'm so grateful for the valuable mentorship from Alex Bell and the entire ABC10 team.
The Fabletics Voices of Leadership Panel: Women of Color Navigating Corporate America
Being in conversation with Jen Wei, Belkin’s VP of Communications and Corporate Development, set the tone for the evening. Her approach to leadership, branding, and growth challenged me to think bigger about the career I’m building.
Jackson Dowell, President of USC’s BSA and our moderator, opened the space with intention. Hearing how he began shaping his brand back in high school made me reflect on how I’ve been building mine through every club, program, and opportunity.
Lisi Manriquez (VP at Fabletics Scrubs) reframed personal branding in a way that stayed with me. She explained that it is not bragging, it is showing your best self until you do something even better. Confidence and growth can coexist.
Vanessa Wallace (CMO at Savage X Fenty) reminded us that nontraditional paths are completely valid. Trusting the process, staying open, and embracing the unknown are all part of building a meaningful career.
After the panel, I connected with members of CSUF’s PRSSA, which felt like a full circle moment. I have recently been accepted into CSUF’s Pre Business Program with Marketing and a PR minor, so meeting students who are already networking and working in their field was incredibly inspiring.
I am grateful to Kat Kouot, Portal at Connect Program Director, and Evelyn Hernandez Rosas, Real World Learning Coordinator, for making experiences like this possible through Portal x DV Schools. Their guidance continues to shape my purpose and growth in marketing.
Jackson Dowell, President of USC’s BSA and our moderator, opened the space with intention. Hearing how he began shaping his brand back in high school made me reflect on how I’ve been building mine through every club, program, and opportunity.
Lisi Manriquez (VP at Fabletics Scrubs) reframed personal branding in a way that stayed with me. She explained that it is not bragging, it is showing your best self until you do something even better. Confidence and growth can coexist.
Vanessa Wallace (CMO at Savage X Fenty) reminded us that nontraditional paths are completely valid. Trusting the process, staying open, and embracing the unknown are all part of building a meaningful career.
After the panel, I connected with members of CSUF’s PRSSA, which felt like a full circle moment. I have recently been accepted into CSUF’s Pre Business Program with Marketing and a PR minor, so meeting students who are already networking and working in their field was incredibly inspiring.
I am grateful to Kat Kouot, Portal at Connect Program Director, and Evelyn Hernandez Rosas, Real World Learning Coordinator, for making experiences like this possible through Portal x DV Schools. Their guidance continues to shape my purpose and growth in marketing.
Recognized as a Top 5 Competitor in California for FBLA Social Media Strategies
This is the legacy we leave behind as graduating seniors c/o 2025.
Our team @dvconnectfbla took home 5th place at the FBLA State Leadership Conference for Social Media Strategies! We built a full campaign for our sustainable clothing brand, Green Tee, inspired by how Goli Nutrition blew up on TikTok. We wanted to show how social media can drive real impact and get people behind businesses that make a difference.
From TikToks to IG content, we brought our vision to life. And for our first time competing, I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished.
I’m excited to keep building on this as I head into my future career in marketing and brand management. I want to continue helping brands grow while making an impact.
Our team @dvconnectfbla took home 5th place at the FBLA State Leadership Conference for Social Media Strategies! We built a full campaign for our sustainable clothing brand, Green Tee, inspired by how Goli Nutrition blew up on TikTok. We wanted to show how social media can drive real impact and get people behind businesses that make a difference.
From TikToks to IG content, we brought our vision to life. And for our first time competing, I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished.
I’m excited to keep building on this as I head into my future career in marketing and brand management. I want to continue helping brands grow while making an impact.
Leading Engagement and Marketing Strategy at Belkin’s Career Spring Fling 2025
As part of my marketing micro-internship with Belkin, I created targeted marketing materials and promotional content to increase student awareness and attendance for Belkin’s annual Career Spring Fling 2025. I developed outreach strategies that helped boost participation through digital communication and community engagement. During the event, I supported on-site logistics and marketing efforts to enhance the attendee experience and strengthen overall coordination.
I also had the opportunity to speak as a host, briefly introducing the event, welcoming attendees, and building excitement before presenting the panelists. This role helped me strengthen my confidence in public speaking and event engagement, and it allowed me to contribute directly to the energy and atmosphere of the experience.
Throughout the internship, I collaborated with Belkin’s marketing and events team in biweekly check-ins, gaining firsthand insight into brand strategy, campaign development, and event planning.
Another highlight was interviewing panelists during Career Spring Fling 2025. Speaking with leaders such as Mady Maio (founder of Camber), Grace Chornekyo (Director of Talent Partnerships, Fashion Division at Jabberhaus), and creators @taannr and @stevenfingar gave me a deeper understanding of the real work behind media, marketing, and content creation. Our conversations explored storytelling, brand partnerships, creator management, and the importance of building authentic connections beyond trends.
This experience reinforced why I am passionate about marketing and content creation. It broadened my perspective on how brands can use authentic storytelling to connect with communities in meaningful and impactful ways.
I also had the opportunity to speak as a host, briefly introducing the event, welcoming attendees, and building excitement before presenting the panelists. This role helped me strengthen my confidence in public speaking and event engagement, and it allowed me to contribute directly to the energy and atmosphere of the experience.
Throughout the internship, I collaborated with Belkin’s marketing and events team in biweekly check-ins, gaining firsthand insight into brand strategy, campaign development, and event planning.
Another highlight was interviewing panelists during Career Spring Fling 2025. Speaking with leaders such as Mady Maio (founder of Camber), Grace Chornekyo (Director of Talent Partnerships, Fashion Division at Jabberhaus), and creators @taannr and @stevenfingar gave me a deeper understanding of the real work behind media, marketing, and content creation. Our conversations explored storytelling, brand partnerships, creator management, and the importance of building authentic connections beyond trends.
This experience reinforced why I am passionate about marketing and content creation. It broadened my perspective on how brands can use authentic storytelling to connect with communities in meaningful and impactful ways.
Honors in Leadership, Media, and Community Impact
These recognitions reminded me of the power of using media and storytelling to uplift community voices and create meaningful change.
Before graduation, I received a California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition from Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and was honored by the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees for my work at DV Connect High School. These acknowledgments reflected the years I spent amplifying student perspectives, mentoring peers, and speaking up about issues that mattered to our community.
I also received a Commendation from LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell for my role as Editor in Chief of DV Connect Lit. Building that publication from the ground up created a space where students could share honest stories about mental health, identity, and advocacy. It taught me how impactful thoughtful communication and collaborative media can be.
At our Senior Awards Ceremony, I earned Honor Roll, the Heart and Mind Award for Agency, and placed 5th in California at the FBLA State Leadership Conference for Social Media Strategies. These experiences strengthened my passion for using media and marketing to elevate meaningful stories and create genuine impact.
I am proud of these accomplishments not because of the titles, but because of the intention and care behind the work. As young women, we are often encouraged to downplay our achievements or make ourselves smaller. I am learning to embrace the opposite.
It is important to take up space, to acknowledge your growth, and to celebrate the work you have done. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate your friends. Support the people around you who are building, dreaming, and creating their own path forward.
Before graduation, I received a California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition from Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and was honored by the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees for my work at DV Connect High School. These acknowledgments reflected the years I spent amplifying student perspectives, mentoring peers, and speaking up about issues that mattered to our community.
I also received a Commendation from LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell for my role as Editor in Chief of DV Connect Lit. Building that publication from the ground up created a space where students could share honest stories about mental health, identity, and advocacy. It taught me how impactful thoughtful communication and collaborative media can be.
At our Senior Awards Ceremony, I earned Honor Roll, the Heart and Mind Award for Agency, and placed 5th in California at the FBLA State Leadership Conference for Social Media Strategies. These experiences strengthened my passion for using media and marketing to elevate meaningful stories and create genuine impact.
I am proud of these accomplishments not because of the titles, but because of the intention and care behind the work. As young women, we are often encouraged to downplay our achievements or make ourselves smaller. I am learning to embrace the opposite.
It is important to take up space, to acknowledge your growth, and to celebrate the work you have done. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate your friends. Support the people around you who are building, dreaming, and creating their own path forward.
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