Empowering Enterprises: The Rise of Afro-Latino and POC Entrepreneurs  

My name is Estrella McDaniel, and my academic and professional journey is to prove my passion for communication and journalism, illustrating a blend of experience across various media platforms. Commencing my academic path at California State University, Monterey Bay, I embarked on my undergraduate studies with a major in Human Communications and a concentration in Journalism and Media Studies. This choice was driven by my natural interest in understanding and facilitating effective communication across different spheres of human interaction.

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During my time at California State University, Monterey Bay I honed my analytical and practical communication skills. My involvement as an assistant editor for the Lutrinae which was a student-run newspaper was particularly transformative. In this role, I was responsible for shaping content, overseeing the editorial process, and coordinating with writers—skills that proved invaluable in building a strong foundation for a career in journalism. 

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Complementing my academic and extracurricular endeavors, I secured an internship with the Monterey Herald, a local newspaper in Monterey, California. As an intern reporter, I gained first-hand experience in news gathering, fact-checking, and reporting. Working in a professional newsroom environment enabled me to apply my academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, further polishing my reporting skills and expanding my understanding of print journalism.

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Upon graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I sought to further diversify and solidify my expertise by pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. This decision was influenced by Hofstra's robust journalism program known for its focus on the convergence of traditional and digital media, providing me with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. 

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In addition to my academic pursuits at Hofstra, I actively participated in the university's radio station WRHU. As a co-host of a music segment called Alt Nation (Alternative Nation), I explored my interests in broadcast media, learning the intricacies of radio production and content delivery. This experience not only expanded my skill set but also sparked a potential interest in broadcast journalism, encouraging me to explore the medium further. 

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Looking forward, I aspire to blend my diverse experiences in communications, print journalism, and broadcasting into a career in production within the journalism industry. My goal is to explore opportunities that allow me to merge traditional journalism techniques with emerging media trends, including broadcast journalism, to deliver impactful and engaging stories to the public.

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My educational background and varied media experiences position me well for a dynamic career in journalism. My commitment to storytelling, combined with my comprehensive skill set, equips me to contribute meaningfully to the field, whether in production roles, broadcast journalism, or beyond. As I continue to evolve in my career, I will remain dedicated to discovering innovative ways to inform and engage audiences through diverse media channels.