Throughout my professional and academic journey, I have noticed the importance of strategic communication. How menu items were communicated during waitressing shifts directly impacted the tips I collected at the night’s end, and how I interacted with my peers during school projects was reflected in our final grade. My sales for my online clothing reselling shop doubled when I learned about SEO marketing. My interest blossomed as I saw this prevalence in my personal and professional life. I enrolled in the University of Southern California as a Communications major but quickly realized my interests lay in the intersection of strategy and business as I furthered my engagement in Reach, USC's social media club. There, I saw how influencer marketing was disrupting the digital marketing space. I internally transferred to the Marshall School of Business, where I will continue to expand my knowledge of business analytics and communication.Outside of strategic communication, I have a strong interest in leadership. Growing up Filipino in a 97% white community, I relied on role models within my extended family for a sense of community. I hope to be able to build spaces for connection and growth as a trip lead for SC Outfitters and Peaks and Professors, as well as being a mentor to children from underprivileged communities close to USC.