Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school?

I’m from Huntington Beach in Southern California. Before joining the Master of Public Diplomacy program, I completed my undergraduate degree at USC in international relations global business with a minor in Spanish. During my undergraduate years, I studied abroad in France and Spain and worked internationally in marketing and strategic communications, including an internship in Bangkok focused on integrating artificial intelligence into marketing strategy. I was also deeply involved on campus in leadership and service-oriented roles that combined communication, culture, and large-scale event coordination.

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg?

I learned about the MPD while completing my undergraduate studies at USC and through my International Relations Global Business advisor. I chose USC Annenberg because the program was so unique with its strong focus on soft power, different applications of diplomacy from cultural to sports, as well as the strong and diverse expertise of the faculty. The opportunity to engage at a prestigious school with real-world case studies, practitioners, and global programming, especially through practicum and Maymester courses, made Annenberg the perfect fit for my academic and professional careers.

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program?

What I’ve enjoyed most about the MPD program is the opportunity to explore different elements of public diplomacy in areas of interest and through abroad experiences. The coursework encourages students to connect theory to practice as well as personal interests while working with peers and professors with diverse academic and professional backgrounds to develop these ideas into more complete deliverables. I’ve especially valued the program’s emphasis on experiential learning and its exploration of public diplomacy across sectors, from global events like experiencing the World Expo in Osaka to the Society of Public Diplomats speaker series. This program has expanded my understanding of public diplomacy from sports diplomacy to digital campaigns and international advocacy, and helped me develop the skills to translate ideas into impactful initiatives.