From corporate communications to launching her own company, Alejandra McGranaghan says her NSCM education remains central to her work.
Written by Emily Dougherty | Published: June 30, 2026
From the classroom to entrepreneurship, Alejandra McGranaghan has built her career around one core principle: communication shapes connection.
A Venezuelan immigrant raised in South Florida, McGranaghan graduated from the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, along with minors in business administration and global studies. Today, she and her colleague, Morgan Winter, are the co-founders and co-owners of Not Naked Swimwear, which she says is a premium sustainable swimwear brand creating stylish, confidence-building designs for women who want coverage without compromise.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, McGranaghan spent more than a decade working in corporate communications, brand strategy and technology sales. She credits UCF and NSCM with helping shape the communication and leadership skills that continue to guide her career.
“NSCM taught me that a brand is much more than a logo — it’s the impression you leave behind and the trust you build over time,” McGranaghan says. “That lesson influences every decision I make as a company founder.”
McGranaghan says she was drawn to UCF because of its strong communications program and culture of opportunity. Her interest in public relations stemmed from a fascination with how brands and people build trust through storytelling — a concept that became central to both her professional and entrepreneurial journey.
“NSCM taught me not only how communication influences perception, but also how reputation, credibility, and strategic messaging drive real-world outcomes,” McGranaghan says. “Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to influence how I approach business today.”
This year, McGranaghan earned an MBA focused on entrepreneurship through a joint international program between Corvinus University of Budapest and Maastricht School of Management. She says the experience reinforced the importance of viewing business through a global lens and strengthened the audience-first mindset she developed at UCF.
Today, she continues to rely on the strategic messaging and storytelling framework she learned as a Knight.
“NSCM taught me to start every project by understanding who I’m speaking to, what matters to them and what outcome I’m trying to achieve,” she says. “Whether I’m launching a product, pitching a story or building a business strategy, that framework remains the foundation of my approach.”
For current students and recent graduates interested in entrepreneurship, McGranaghan encourages them to embrace communication as a competitive advantage.
“Many people can build products or offer services, but far fewer can tell a compelling story and inspire trust,” she says. “And don’t wait until you feel fully ready to start a business. Some of the most valuable lessons come from taking action and learning along the way.”
Reflecting on her path from communications student to entrepreneur, McGranaghan says UCF provided the foundation for every chapter that followed.
“The communications skills I learned at UCF helped me navigate corporate leadership roles, earn an MBA and ultimately build a company of my own,” she says. “I’m grateful for the foundation UCF provided and proud to be part of a community that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.”