A senior in the College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) was selected as one of the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Most Promising Multicultural Students of 2023.
Trinity Hunter, a Montgomery native, is one of 50 college students from across the country chosen to participate in the Most Promising Multicultural Students program, a premier event put on by the AAF to give traditionally underrepresented, multicultural students an opportunity to network with and learn from top advertising, marketing and media professionals.
The program is part of an AAF initiative to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the advertising industry.
“It is an incredible opportunity for marginalized groups to engage in the industry, and its existence encourages a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive field,” said Hunter, who is a double major in public relations and political science. “Though it can be overwhelming at times, one of the best parts of the entire communications landscape—public relations, advertising, news media and more—is that there is a universe of possibilities.”
Students were selected for the program by a panel of leading industry professionals, including representatives from Nissan Motor Corporation, The Trading Desk and Ally Financial among others.
Hunter credits her success to C&IS senior instructor Susan Daria for encouraging her to pursue the opportunity.
“I wholeheartedly credit Susan Daria with telling me about the program, and It was through her guidance and support that I decided to apply for the opportunity,” Hunter said
The four-day event will be held in New York City and run Feb. 13-16, 2023.
“I am most excited to learn from industry professionals and engage more with the advertising world,” Hunter said. “I am forever grateful to be a member of the Communication & Information Sciences family, and I am especially thankful to have support from our leadership in Reese Phifer. I hope to be an adequate representative for the college in February as I travel to New York City.”
During her time at UA, Hunter has been highly involved with the Capstone Advertising Federation, UA’s chapter of AAF, Public Relations Student Society of America, the Public Relations Council of Alabama and Kappa Alpha Tau. Additionally, Hunter was a 2022 recipient of the Jennifer Kitt-West Scholarship, granting her entry into The Oakley Society, the College’s professional mentorship program.
Previously, Hunter has interned with The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, as well as the Diversity Action Alliance. This summer, she plans to intern with strategic communications firm, Confidant, to grow her skill set prior to graduating from the University.
Hunter is set to graduate from UA in May 2023 with two bachelor’s degrees. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in public relations and communications, particularly looking through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
For more information and to view the full 2023 Most Promising Multicultural Students Class, click here.
