Education
Logo Design for UTSA Communication Department
Digital Communication
My journey to this point has been one of diligence, pushing through challenges to earn a 4.0 GPA at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). I intensively studied studio art and art history before gaining a comprehensive education in my major of communication, with concentrations in public relations and digital communication. During the summer breaks and holidays, I earned over thirty professional certifications through UTSA curated programs to become proficient in skills ranging from graphic design to UX design. I undertook skill-based projects, through the Adobe creative campus program at UTSA, to augment university coursework in digital communication. I utilized Creative Cloud technology to submit work in AI, marketing, graphic design, data visualization, video production, slide presentations, pitches, podcasting, webpage design, and visual communication to earn each micro-credential certification. I am proficient with Microsoft, Google, and Adobe Creative Cloud software.
3D Modeling Animation for UX Design
UX/UI Design
I have designed apps and websites using Figma, Adobe XD, HTML, CSS, and content management systems (CMS). I completed end-to-end projects at UTSA, and during the summer breaks and holidays through Google programs curated by UTSA, to fully prepare for a future career in user experience design. I learned to utilize the design thinking process to empathize with users, define user pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, as well as test and iterate on designs. This included producing UX research plans, conducting interviews and usability studies, synthesizing results with affinity diagrams, and translating conclusions into actionable insights prioritized by user needs. I ideated design solutions using crazy eights, rapid sketching, HMW exercises, and competitive audits. I empathized with users by devising bias-free empathy maps, user personas, user journey maps, user flow charts, information architecture, sitemaps, and by drawing big-picture and close-up storyboards. Using visual design elements and Gestalt principles, I created paper and digital wireframes with industry standard symbols, design systems, branding, sticker sheets, mockups, plus navigable low- and high-fidelity prototypes with iterations. I defined pain points, value propositions, as well as problem and goal statements. I employed essential foundational UX concepts of user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design at every point throughout the design process.
PR Integrated Marketing Communications Plan Graphic Design
Public Relations
My university coursework and practical experiences provided me with a strong foundation in various aspects of communication. I developed and implemented strategic marketing communication plans to effectively generate brand awareness, achieve organizational mission objectives, manage organizational reputation, and build positive stakeholder relationships. I applied the ethical and legal aspects of communication to ensure my practices adhered to industry standards and regulations. I utilized interpersonal communication skills to efficiently communicate and collaborate with diverse teams and individuals. I employed writing and editing skills to produce clear, concise, and persuasive content for various formats. I conducted SWOT and audience analyses then wrote situation analysis reports. I wrote and designed multimedia news releases, fact sheets, features, promotions, presentations, and media kits. I learned to pitch stories to media outlets and manage media inquiries to ensure accurate and favorable coverage. I handled crisis communication with proven techniques to respond to negative publicity and maintain public trust. I planned and executed promotional events that align with organizational goals and enhance public image. I created and managed social media campaigns, engaged with audiences, and analyzed social media metrics as measures of success. I developed compelling digital content in the form of podcasts, blog posts, webpages, videos, and graphics, to effectively communicate messages to target audiences. I also studied various digital marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and online advertising, to promote brands and drive engagement.
Social Science Quantitative Research Analysis
Research
In addition to conducting independent UX research usability studies, I studied and conducted both public relations and social science research at UTSA. I learned about various research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, to gather and analyze data. I gained skills in designing surveys and questionnaires to collect data on public opinion, attitudes, and behaviors. I studied techniques for advanced data analysis using IBM SPSS statistical software and interpreting the results to draw meaningful conclusions. I learned about the essential ethical considerations involved in conducting social science research, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality.
University Organizations
UTSA Content Creators Student Organization Graphic
UTSA Content Creators President
I led UTSA students in the establishment of the Content Creators professional and academic organization as the first elected president. With the motto to “Create Connect Inspire”, we networked with like-minded students as future creative industry professionals to collaborate on innovative multimedia projects with real-world impact. While working across industries and disciplines, we explored content creation strategies, multimedia storytelling, and personal branding. We expanded our skill set in content creation tools, multimedia, podcasting, video, streaming, content design, production, UX/UI design, and more with cutting-edge tools and resources. We gained valuable experience in workshops, contests, and mentorship while bolstering our portfolios and resumes for future careers. In dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, we ensured that all voices were heard.
UTSA Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America
UTSA PR Society Member
I joined the UTSA chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), whose mission is to unite students with members of the surrounding community for the purpose of providing quality public relations services. We enhance members’ knowledge of public relations while providing access to professional development activities. We strive to further the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified professionals. We facilitate this through shadow opportunities, PRSSA job center access online, monthly PRSA luncheons, as well as resume and interview workshops. We also provide scholarships, internships, and volunteer opportunities. The organization is the largest pre-professional society in the nation with over 10,000 members in over 300 chapters across the country. PRSSA at UTSA enhances educational experience, broadens professional networks, and launches careers in public relations and affiliated fields.
Gamma Phi Chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society
UTSA Honor Society Member
I wholeheartedly value inclusivity, empathy, perseverance, and integrity, and these values are prevalent in the student organizations I have been a part of. I earned membership in the Gamma Phi Chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society. It was the first student organization at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to honor the academic achievements of post-secondary students with disabilities. Members break barriers and stereotypes with strong leadership and advocacy while educating the community. As activists for inclusion to counter prejudice, we became role models that mentored other students with disabilities. “Working for an aDAPtable World”, we supported the principles of universal design in learning.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
About UTSA
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) leads San Antonio’s knowledge economy as one of 21 designated Hispanic serving institutions and a top Tier One university. It has Carnegie’s R1 designation, positioning it among the top 4% in academic and research excellence the nation. It is one of six Tier One universities to hold three National Centers of Academic Excellence from the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is second in the nation for Business Management, Marketing & Related Services Education, and is the first four-year Texas university selected for Adobe Creative Campus designation. UTSA is set to merge with the UT Health Science Center to become the third largest university in Texas. Vice-Chairman of the Board of Regents James C. Weaver said the “merger is the catalyst that will supercharge our region as a national leader in learning, innovation, health, and economic vigor”. Situated in the heart of Texas’ second-largest city, UTSA inspires hope, encourages dreams, and builds a collective future for all Texans.
UX/UI Design Professional Certifications
I completed end-to-end projects at UTSA, and during the summer breaks and holidays through Google programs curated by UTSA, to fully prepare for a future career in user experience design. I designed apps and websites using Figma, HTML, CSS, content management systems (CMS), Microsoft, Google, and Adobe Creative Cloud software. I learned to utilize the design thinking process to empathize with users, define user pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, as well as test and iterate on designs.
UX Design Professional Certification
UX Design Google Courses
UX Design Foundations
UX Design Thinking Process
UX Wireframes & Low-Fidelity Prototypes
UX Research & Testing
UX High-Fidelity Prototypes
UI Design Websites
UX Design for Social Good
Adobe Creative Skills Micro-Credential Certifications
I undertook skill-based projects on weekends, through the Adobe creative campus program at UTSA, to augment university coursework in digital communication. I utilized Creative Cloud technology to submit work in AI, marketing, graphic design, data visualization, video production, slide presentations, pitches, podcasting, webpage design, and visual communication to earn each micro-credential certification.
Health & Science Communication Design
Data Storytelling Design
Generative AI Design
Event Marketing Design
Social Media Marketing Design
Sports Marketing Design
Product Pitch Design
Presentation Design
Short-Form Video Production
Podcasting Production
Job Application Design
Infographic Design
LinkedIn Learning Micro-Credential & Professional Certifications
As an autodidact with insatiable curiosity, I exist in a perpetual state of learning. In addition to acquiring new skills and improving existing ones, I am able to stave off boredom and maintain productivity during mundane wait times. I completed a course in logo design.
Logo Design
Government Certifications
I earned certifications in the FEMA Incident Command System and National Response Framework as part of my university public health coursework. This motivated me to complete other government professional development courses independently. The material served as an informative adjunct to my crisis communication and public relations university studies.
National Response Framework
Incident Command System
Active Shooter Prevention
Active Shooter Response
Security Awareness
Active Shooter Awareness
Providing Aid Before First Responders
University Certifications
A Green Dot is a single moment in time when someone chooses to intervene and prevent a red dot of power-based personal violence from happening. I earned certification in bystander training to become a campus green dot. I later volunteered to design social media promotional material to generate program awareness.
Bystander Training
UTSA Green Dot Social Media Promotion
UTSA Green Dot Social Media Promotion
