Each year, The School of Business proudly recognizes a select group of undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves throughout their academic journey. Nominated by faculty, staff, and Academic Directors, these students demonstrate outstanding commitment both in and beyond the classroom. Through academic achievement, professional development, leadership, and community engagement, they embody the values and spirit of Portland State. As they approach graduation, these honorees represent what it means to be ambitious, driven, and ready to make a meaningful impact.
Can you share a little about your background and what led you to study HR Management at PSU?
My interest in HR began during my first management role at a retirement community, where I was responsible for hiring, onboarding, and employee relations. Working alongside the HR team, I saw firsthand how the department functions as both a strategic business partner and a vital advocate for employees. This experience, combined with the mentorship of my professors at PSU, inspired me to pivot from English to Business Administration. I’m drawn to the field’s versatility and the opportunity to impact organizational success through its people.
What made you choose Portland State University for your degree?
I was born and raised in Portland and I have always loved this city. PSU was the perfect option for me because I could stay close to friends and family, save money by living at home, and stay in the city I love. I was also so drawn to the beautiful campus and all the fantastic services PSU offers their students.
As Vice President of External Relations for the PSU HR Management Association, you’ve helped strengthen the chapter’s relationship with the Portland HR Management Association and expanded its community presence. What inspired you to take on that role?
My inspiration to take on the role of VP of External Relations came from a desire to challenge myself as a leader while giving back to a community I’m passionate about. I was also inspired by the idea of closing the gap between students and professionals and I was excited to be the one to help build that bridge. Strengthening that relationship hasn’t just been about networking, it's created an environment where our officers and members feel ready to step into the professional world with confidence and a community already behind them. Seeing our relationship with PHRMA flourish has been an incredibly rewarding validation of the work I’ve done.
You’ve helped lead and organize several community-focused efforts, including mock interviews, Dress for Success events, and support for the Portland Workforce Alliance. What has been the most meaningful part of that work for you?
While every volunteer effort has been rewarding, our work with the Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA) always stands out to me because we get to work one-on-one with high school students. The PWA hosts mock interviews for local students both in schools and at their annual Career Expo. During these mock interviews, we get to interview the students to prepare them for their real job interviews. I am always in awe of these incredible students and their career aspirations. Being able to support them in this way has been so meaningful to me and my fellow officers.
How has your involvement with the HR Management Association shaped your understanding of the HR field and your career goals?
Before I was first elected as the VP of External Relations I lacked a community that shared my passions. I was unsure which role of HR interested me most, which certifications to invest my time in, and how to get myself into the field. Through our HRMA hosted panels, PHRMA events, and various HR conferences, I have a new understanding of the field and how I will fit into it. Now I have a clear path forward after graduation, I plan to get my SHRM-CP in the next year, I have a large network of HR professionals, and I know which roles of HR interest me most. My fellow officers have given me the confidence I needed to be my most successful self and I feel so lucky to work with such an inspiring group of people.
Can you share a little about your background and what led you to pursue advertising at Portland State University?
I kind of stumbled into Portland State's doors. I came in as a photographer/videographer who loved to do creative stuff with my friends... and was just beginning to make some good money doing it. I wanted to be able to use that creative spark that was given to me and turn it into something I can live off of. Looking back, I also recognize that I had a fascination with human truths - which would prove to be deeply important to my success at PSU. All good advertising takes a human truth and delivers connection for both the human and the brand. I remember in my Intro to Advertising course, watching spots like P&G's "Thank You, Mom" and Apple's "Welcome Home" and realizing it didn't have to be a boring infomercial or AI slop. When I started at PSU, I viewed advertising as glorified lipstick on the pig of capitalism. I think the future of advertising taps into more than just selling products, but leveraging it as one of the most impactful mediums humans have - it can touch lives, shift culture and even influence policy for good.
How did I choose PSU?
After studying my first two years at a community college, I began researching what would be the best fit for me. PSU bubbled to the top for a lot of reasons. The coursework blends hands-on creative development with strategic thinking, while teaching business skills. PSU's ad program is well respected by the best of the best on the ad scene both locally and globally. There's input and connection from the best ad agencies in the world. If you put in good work and are involved on campus, you WILL graduate well-connected to some of the best to ever do it. There are mentors and professors alike (looking at you LTA, Marc Moran, Chris Fedorczak Andrew Schafer, and the list goes on) that put their heart and soul into the program and actively advocate for you in the real world. These guys have worked with the dream clients on the dream projects and want you to too. I am someone who wants to make meaningful work AND understand why it works - and this program was the perfect medley.
As Managing Director of Student Work @ PSU, what was the most valuable lesson you learned about leadership and creative collaboration?
The big idea only works if everyone actually believes in it. My leadership style is uniting everyone on a shared vision, and then collectively working towards reaching it together. Early on, I was too focused on timelines and scopes (important stuff!), but I was snuffing the oxygen out of the creative process without realizing it. Trust needed to be built both ways, and I learned when to give space to breath - when to step in versus when to let people figure it out themselves. Some of my best professional relationships and friendships alike from the program came from that process.
Is there a specific project or campaign from your time at PSU that you’re especially proud of, and why?
A few stand out, but they all have one thing in common. Clients who are willing to hand their brand to a group of students and genuinely trust the process. I never took that lightly. Working on creative direction for a new Brew Dr. product was a blast, hard not to love a client you already drink. They gave us a wide open creative field. I also loved the expedited process of Portfolio Workshop, particularly when Chipotle was our client. Developing strategy, a creative campaign, and pitching to a group of creative directors and a client as big as Chipotle, all within one weekend was unreal. Taking home gold was the cherry on top. I have to say, I'm just as proud of what we built for Olio E Osso, Pickathon, Powell's Books, and We Must Mustard during my time leading Student/Work. These are real businesses, who believed in the vision and now have work that lives in the world, created by us. I'm very proud of that.
After graduating in December, you joined SGK and now support Nike World Cup activations and retail campaigns through Plastic Sunshine. What has that transition into the professional world been like?
Smoother than I expected, because the skills that matter transfer directly. The thing I use every single day is what I'd call being the Ultimate Advocate... advocating for the client to make sure we're always shipping the best work, and advocating for the creative team to make sure the big idea actually gets the approval it needs to see the light of day. Getting to do that on Nike World Cup activations and retail campaigns is not something I take lightly. One skillset I've learned at PSU is being able to speak about creative work in a way that's actionable, not just gut reaction. The people I work alongside make it all worth it too.
What advice would you give to current PSU students hoping to build a career in advertising, branding, or creative project management?
Grades don't matter as much as experience. The confidence it takes to succeed in a real creative environment doesn't come from acing the final. It comes from building things, exercising your creativity and critical thinking, messing up, and showing up again. Get involved in what actually excites you, not what looks good on paper. You're paying for this ...make it something you want. Sign up for the pickleball intramural (you might just win). Take the classes that make you a little nervous. Make sure you're pursuing what is exciting to you, not your parents or your friends. And don't underestimate the relationships you build - the industry is smaller than it looks, and the trust you build now is valuable for the rest of your professional career.
Can you share a little about your background and what led you to transfer to PSU and pursue accounting?
I originally began my college journey at Portland Community College while balancing work and family responsibilities. As an immigrant and non-traditional student with a family of four, higher education was never a simple path for me. I realized that, for my family, I need to have a stable future by earning a degree that would stimulate my academic growth and ensure long-term professional success. This is how I finally chose accounting. I have lived and studied in India, the UK, and the USA, and learned about different cultures. This experience taught me adaptability and diversity in classrooms and workplaces, shaping who I am today. I come from an entrepreneurial household, and I have seen the struggles of doing business up close. Being part of their day-to-day success and failures made me very passionate about accounting. It did not take me long to understand how important financial expertise, efficiency, and sound decision-making were to a company's success. The appeal was in the special combination of structure, decision-making, and influence inherent in accounting. It is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding the business world and helping companies make informed decisions with accountability. PSU appealed to me for its strong accounting department, supportive staff, and closeness to home. The link between PSU and the Portland business sector was another factor that made PSU appealing to me, along with flexible work-study options. From the first moment I set foot at PSU, I felt like I belonged in a community that really wanted to help students achieve their goals. My ability to network with faculty members, employers, and peers has proven to be an important part of my academic and professional development.
As an immigrant and non-traditional student balancing school, work, and family, what motivated you to keep pushing toward your degree?
My motivation has always come from a combination of responsibility, resilience, and purpose. Being an immigrant and a mother shaped the way I view education and opportunity. I understood early on that success would require persistence, sacrifice, and consistency, especially while balancing school, work, and family obligations. The workload became overwhelming on many occasions, but I had learned the value of time management through all my challenges. Balancing work, family, and education while maintaining leadership and internship positions was never easy. However, the more I struggled, the more it reminded me why I chose to pursue this degree. I wanted to show myself that no matter how challenging things got, I could still fulfill all my dreams and become someone my family could be proud of. Looking back on my journey, I have learned that life rarely follows our plans. There were tough moments when success felt more about pushing through exhaustion than celebrating wins. Each experience taught me the importance of adapting, seeking support, and trusting the process, even when the future seemed unclear. What kept me going was the realization that every class, internship, networking event, and late-night study session was a step toward a better future. This mindset turned my sacrifices into meaningful gains. Most importantly, I wanted to show my children that success comes from hard work and dedication. I hope they recognize that, despite the challenges, every effort is worthwhile in the end.
You've been active in the PSU Accounting Club, the SB Career Center, and the Dean's Circle. How have those experiences shaped your time at PSU?
My involvement outside the classroom became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at PSU. Joining the Accounting Club allowed me to build connections with other students, faculty, and professionals in the accounting industry. It helped me become more confident in networking, asking questions, and stepping outside my comfort zone. Through recruiting events and conversations with professionals, I gained valuable insight into various accounting career paths and developed relationships that opened doors to internships and other professional opportunities. Reflecting on my time at the School of Business, the Career Center played a significant role in my growth. Their support with resume review and interview preparation was invaluable. I particularly enjoyed the career fairs and networking events, which helped me connect with potential employers. Balancing my studies was a challenge, but their resources boosted my confidence for the job market.
Being part of the Dean's Circle allowed me to engage with the School of Business community and collaborate with peers across various fields. This experience enriched my time at PSU beyond just earning a degree, helping shape my professional identity and build a lasting support network.
You've also completed internships with accounting firms in the Portland area while working full time as an accountant. What have been some of the most valuable lessons from those experiences?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my internships and professional experiences is that technical knowledge alone is not enough to succeed in accounting. Attention to detail, communication, professionalism, and adaptability are just as important as understanding accounting principles. Balancing academic and professional life showed me how classroom concepts come to life in the real world. I gained valuable experience in client communication, teamwork, and meeting deadlines, while learning to manage pressure and prioritize my tasks. Juggling work, internships, school, and family taught me that growth often comes from uncomfortable situations, boosting my confidence and improving my communication skills. Mentorship played a key role as well, deepening my understanding of the accounting profession and motivating me to continue growing personally and professionally.
What are your goals as you work toward CPA eligibility, and what kind of impact do you hope to make in your accounting career?
As I pursue CPA eligibility, my goal is to develop the technical skills and leadership qualities necessary to become a trusted accounting professional. Earning the CPA designation reflects my persistence and dedication. I aspire to build a career in tax services, where I can make a meaningful impact and mentor individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Having balanced school, work, and personal responsibilities, I understand the value of support in helping others reach their potential. I aim to grow in the accounting field by combining technical excellence with integrity and empathy, ensuring my work reflects professionalism and accountability. Lastly, I want my career to be defined not only by professional success but also by the positive impact I have on the people and communities around me by building a chain of kindness.
Can you share a little about your background, including your current role as a Human Resource Assistant at Oregon State University, and what led you to pursue HR Management and Management & Leadership at PSU?
I transferred to PSU from Portland Community College with a business transfer degree. My interest in HR started while I was still at PCC, after an informational interview with a family friend who worked as a benefits professional. Her passion for her work and the way she described the career opportunities in HR really attracted me to the field. I decided to pursue it with the mindset that I could always change paths if it wasn't a good fit, but everything I learned made me feel more encouraged to stick with it..
I currently work as an HR Assistant at the OSU Portland Center, where I'm designing a training system for their operations assistant role. I actually started as an operations assistant myself and was given HR project work after the staff there recognized my interest in this area. It's been so rewarding to have the opportunity to put what I've learned in my classes to practice.
What made you choose Portland State University for your degree?
I chose PSU because it has the most HR-focused degree program in the state, and I preferred to stay close to home. I had also heard great things from family and friends who are PSU alumni.
You serve as President of the PSU HR Management Association, where you’ve helped grow the chapter significantly and expand its events and partnerships. What inspired you to take on that leadership role?
I discovered HRMA after meeting with my School of Business career advisor, Ashley Storey. I wasn't connecting with many HR students in my classes, and when I mentioned to Ashley that I was looking for a sense of HR community, she pointed me toward HRMA. I can't thank her enough for putting it on my radar! I also met a friend who was already an officer and, after attending an event, I applied and was selected as Vice President of External Relations.
Moving into the president role a few months later was intimidating, but my time with HRMA had already done so much for my confidence, professional development, and sense of community. I was able to move past my hesitation and fully commit because I wanted to make sure HRMA continued to be a resource for as many students as possible.
In your time at PSU, you’ve helped build connections between students, alumni, and HR professionals in the Portland area. What has been the most meaningful part of that experience for you?
It's hard to pick just one thing! and I think that's the point. Getting involved in HRMA and engaging with communities on and off campus has opened so many doors and introduced me to so many amazing people. All of these experiences work together as a constant affirmation that choosing to get involved and make the most of my time at PSU was absolutely the right decision.
What are your goals after graduation, and what kind of impact do you hope to make in the HR field?
My goal is to step into the HR field as soon as I find the right position in an organization whose values align with mine. I've gotten a lot of advice around how to approach the beginning stages of an HR career but what has resonated most with me is to think of your career as a journey, to stay curious and find value in every experience, because it all builds you up to where you want to be.
PSU has definitely primed me to understand the strategic aspect of HRM, and I would love to bring that perspective into organizations. So many of an organization's problems or their untapped potential, can come back to how their employees are being supported, developed, and led. I’m so excited at the prospect of working to get the people side right and then seeing the ripple effect that can have on an entire organization.
Can you share a little about your background and what led you to pursue advertising at Portland State University?
I began my post-high school life with a relatively clear roadmap in mind: Political Science at the University of Oregon, law school, then a career in politics. Naturally, I took a summer internship with the DNC. The experience didn’t make me apathetic, but actively cynical toward contemporary channels for social change, including academic articulations of political and policy levers. So, I dropped out. For about five years, I lived a life of small checks and many hours of non-creative, labor-forward positions. Around 2022, I was given a chance by my dear friend and mentor Jean-Philippe Chevalier to help run Westside Market on Salmon and 14th, where I was exposed to true business acumen in an environment that felt fruitful, not exploitative. Coming back to school, I synthesized all of the above: a want for cultural and political change, a cynicism toward large corporations and economic disparity, and my newfound understanding of market forces and self-motivation. Marketing and Advertising was the clear path for me. In essence, it is the tool that the elites use to rig our elections and legislative systems via messaging channels – developing it as a trade is my way of confronting that reality.
You joined Student Work during the Fall term and quickly stepped into a leadership role. What was that experience like for you, and what did you learn from it?
Working at Student Work has been the most rewarding and practical experience of my academic career. My first term was a two-fold role as Project Manager and Copywriter for a single account (Powell’s Books), and in hindsight, this was perfect. As PM, I could sharpen skills relating to organization, delegation, time management, and client-facing communications. As a part of the creative team, I had an active hand in developing our creative direction, from moodboards to on-set photo and video production. It was a great balance that prepped me for my current Managing Director position.
You helped lead the work created for Powell's Books and contributed to social content promoting their new merch line. What was it like working on a campaign for such an iconic Portland brand?
I have a mantra for working with big clients: don’t let the stars in your eyes block your view of the work. My first term’s ask was “increase merch sales”. The second term was “increase social media engagement”. Starting from that given simplicity allowed our team to distill what makes Powell’s the icon it is, not just as a business, but as a cultural figure. With the insight we gathered after hours of strategizing and ideating, we developed actionable, creative plans. The “oh my god, we just launched a campaign with Powell’s” moment occurred shortly after the term ended.
Your peers and mentors describe you as dependable and someone who pushes others to do their best work. How would you describe your leadership and creative approach when working with a team?
Thanks, peers and mentors! Good ideas can come from anywhere. Some of our best work has come from passing the talking stick to the quietest person in the room. Leading creative sessions is more about filtering and facilitating ideas than it is about being the “best” in the room (having good taste helps, of course). Designers know more than I do about art theory – why would I not embolden them to trust their instincts? Balancing this philosophy with what the client wants (which takes priority, obviously) has been an effective approach so far. Organizational skills don’t hurt.
As you look ahead to the next stage of your career, what kinds of opportunities or creative work are you most excited to pursue?
Prospective entry-level positions in marketing and advertising often necessitate starting at an absurdly low wage (less than I make as a bartender), with responsibilities that give little room for growth while providing minimal job security. In my view, accepting one of these jobs would undercut the value of my (and my fellow graduates') labor and cultural insights. I’m opting instead to create my own creative marketing and advertising agency. Since creative work is the most difficult for AI to replace, I plan on leaning into this side of the industry as much as possible. Once more experience has been gained, my goal is to transition wholeheartedly into political marketing, focusing on agendas, policies, and social platforms, as opposed to an individual candidate or political party. Of course, this is a rough outline. Anything could happen, especially in this field.