CSUF Comm Week 2026

Recent graduate students of Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Human Communications will be on hand to speak about their experiences working in the industry. These alumni—having recently navigated the transition from student life to professional roles—will be present to describe the kinds of positions they have moved into, the industries and organizations they now work for, and the practical day-to-day responsibilities those jobs involve. During the session, they will answer your questions, share hard-earned insights, and offer practical, actionable tips on what it takes to succeed in the months and years following graduate school.

Katharina Stroup
Katharina earned her bachelor's degree from Cal State LA in Mass Communication and is graduating this semester from Cal State Fullerton with her master's in Communication Studies. Her research interests include rhetorical criticism, intersectional feminism, and the study of motherhood. After graduation, her plans are to continue pursuing research through a doctorate in communication and to become a professor.
Erik Sandoval
Erik "Little Cloud" Sandoval (He/Him) is a Diné and Mexican scholar, community builder, and graduate student in Human Communication Studies at Cal State Fullerton. Born into the Shiprock, NM Chapter of the Navajo Nation and raised in Southern California, he carries the teachings of both sides of his family with him. His work focuses on Indigenous representation, cultural programming, and storytelling. In 2025, he received the Top Paper 2025 at the Eastern Communication Association Conference in Buffalo, New York, for his research on Native American memorable messages in lacrosse. That same year, he was named CSUF Human Communications Studies 2025 Inaugural Undergraduate Researcher Student of the Year, a recognition of his dedication to uplifting Indigenous voices through academic work.Erik’s path is shaped by the strength and stories passed down from his parents and grandparents. Everything they survived and everything they taught him shows up in how he learns, how he leads, and how he understands communication. Whether he’s behind the powwow drum, dancing, or mentoring younger students with honesty and care, Erik tries to walk in hózhó—balance, beauty, and purpose. And even though he’s still early in his journey, he already knows where he’s headed. His long‑term goal is to earn his PhD and become a professor who serves marginalized communities and reservation schools, building classrooms where Indigenous and Latinx students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Destrey Runyon
After earning his associate’s degree in digital art studies from Windward community college on the isle of Oahu Hawaii, Destrey traveled to the mainland to assist in taking care of his elderly grandparents. Carrying the spirit of aloha in his heart, he returned to higher academia here at CSUF to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and is graduating this semester with a Master’s degree in Communication Studies. His research interests include transformative pedagogy, digital communication, rhetorical criticism, and intercultural communication. After graduation, Destrey hopes to follow in the footsteps of all the kūpuna that guided him here, to continue teaching at local community colleges.

Hosted by Professor Zac Johnson and Christina Seiter

Great brands are built on great stories. In this session, Rio Phior shares how powerful writing and storytelling shape advertising, influence culture, and build brands that people remember. Drawing from decades of experience working with major global brands and entertainment properties, such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, she explores what separates ordinary marketing copy from writing that truly moves audiences. Students will gain insight into the craft of persuasive storytelling, the role writers play in creative teams, and the wide range of careers available in advertising, branding, and marketing.

Hosted by Professor Renee Tuzee

This session provides an introductory overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It defines the spectrum of communication tools ranging from no-tech and low-tech options to sophisticated high-tech speech-generating devices. It debunks common myths regarding AAC and emphasizes that these tools support, rather than hinder, natural speech development. Ultimately, this presentation highlights that successful AAC implementation requires consistent, customized support across all environments to ensure every individual finds their voice.

Hosted by Professor Stefan Henley

Meg James is a senior entertainment industry writer for the Los Angeles Times. She will discuss her work covering television, corporate media, and investigative projects, offering insight into how she reports on the business side of the entertainment industry. She will share perspectives on major shifts in television, the strategies and decisions within corporate media organizations, and the role of investigative journalism in uncovering the forces shaping modern media.
Hosted by Professor Felicitas Baruch

In this session, Samantha Drews will give an overview of her career history and how she got where she is today. She also will share how to replicate a mindset towards the industry in order to keep oneself busy and consistently moving toward one's goals.

This presentation explores how Smarty Social Media, a full-service social media agency, integrates strategy, creative content, paid media, customer engagement, and creator partnerships to drive brands

Attendees will learn how the agency develops data-driven strategies while navigating a complex industry like healthcare. The session will also highlight how creative storytelling and targeted paid campaigns work together to reach and engage audiences effectively. Finally, it will showcase how community management and creator collaborations help brands build authentic, lasting connections online.

Hosted by Professor Tuzee

This crisis communications and public relations speaker session will feature Tonya McKenzie, founder and chief CTRLer of CTRL the Narrative and CEO of Sand & Shores as well as Michael Mahi, executive director, Strategic Initiatives for Cal State Fullerton.

With extensive experience in strategic communications, public relations, and civic leadership, Tonya will share insights on managing crises, protecting brand reputation, and controlling the narrative in high-pressure situations. 

Michael Mahi will highlight Cal State Fullerton's strategic approach to crisis and issues communications, drawing on real-world examples ranging from the pandemic to today’s evolving higher education landscape.

The session will focus on practical strategies for effective messaging, building trust, and leading with confidence in today’s fast-paced media landscape.

Hosted by Professor Cylor Spaulding

CSUF sports media students had the opportunity to cover the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and 2026 Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics. They told compelling stories in print, video, and social media surrounding the Games. This panel of students will speak about their experiences. 

Hosted by Professor Gayle Jansen Brisbane

Board Members will be giving a rundown of the music industry and key information for students who may want to pursue a career in music. 

Hosted by MIC

Cinematography isn’t just about making things look good, it’s about understanding a story and helping bring someone else’s vision to life in a way that feels real and emotional. A big part of the job is collaboration, figuring out how to use light, framing, and movement to support what the director is trying to say. When you work in different parts of the world, that process shifts since you’re constantly learning new perspectives, new rhythms, and new ways people tell stories. It forces you to listen more and adapt, instead of just relying on your own habits. Over time, that experience doesn’t just make you a better filmmaker, it opens you up as a person.

Hosted by Professor Felipe Vara De Rey

For the first hour of this session, two generations (mother/daughter) of CSUF alumni share their tools for success and provide insight into the importance of networking, flexibility, and setting goals for your career. Linda Luna-Franks graduated with a BA in Communications, emphasis in Public Relations. Nearly 30 years later, her daughter, Dani, also earned her BA in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising. 

Beginning at 2 pm, CSUF alumnus Evan Da Silva will discuss his work in the session titled, "Serving the Public Through Strategic Communication: A Career in Government Public Relations/Affair." If you are interested in a career in public sector and government communications, join senior communications specialist Evan Da Silva of Moulton Niguel Water District as he shares what it's really like to work in public communications, from managing media relations and community outreach to regulatory reporting and collaborating on inter-agency multimedia projects. Evan will break down the key differences between public and private sector communications careers, including job responsibilities, transparency requirements, and the unique ways public agencies serve their communities. Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step, you'll walk away with practical advice on building your skillset, finding job opportunities, and growing your professional network in the public sector.

Hosted by Professor Jiwoo Park

Learn how to transform any subject into an engaging story. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times reporter, will share her techniques for finding ideas, conducting thorough reporting, and structuring narratives that boost readership.

Hosted by Professor Anne LaJeunesse

Building a team is essential for the success of a business. Hiring the right person who “fits” into the organization is the first step to form a group of employees who feel ownership in the organization and know that their voices are critical for interacting with team members and serving the customers’ needs. The key to team building and maintenance is motivation and enthusiasm about the company that a leader provides each day. Join us in hearing Chris Martin's team-building strategy and leadership style.

Hosted by Professor Irene Matz

Ashley Landa is a Digital Marketing Manager at Capitol Music Group. As a Digital lead for pop, rock, urban, and Latin music, she oversees strategy and marketing execution for artists such as J Balvin, Kali Uchis, The Cure, Young Miko, DOMi, JD Beck and more. Landa will be discussing Latin Music Marketing focusing on Latin campaigns and its expansion in the music industry. 

In this session, Yaa Asantewaa Faraji breaks down how she uses AI to multiply output across both her corporate role and her independent creative work. From scaling content strategy in fast-paced product environments to launching a film production company, this talk explores how AI can act as a force multiplier for productivity, creativity, and career growth. Students will gain insight into how AI tools—ranging from custom GPTs to rapid web prototyping—can be used to enhance storytelling, support product innovation, and create new pathways into industries like tech, media, and content strategy. 

Hosted by Professor Amber Chitty Wilson, NABJ and Black CommUnity

As a print publication on campus, ProComm Magazine upholds, preserves, and sustains the dying practice of physical media! In a digital age, the importance of physical media is called into question, but the feeling of holding something in your hand that was crafted by thoughtful intention remains the same! As creative director of Tusk Magazine’s 26th Edition and the managing editor of ProComm Magazine’s upcoming second release, I invite you to explore the magic behind physical media with me and learn from how it affects audiences.

Hosted by Professor Marie Loggia-Kee