This past Spring, Advertising and Public Relations students had the unique opportunity to engage with professionals and peers at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) District 4’s Voice of Advertising Summit, held on April 26. The event featured two tracks: one for professionals and another dedicated to students, called AdPath, offering immersive learning experiences aimed at bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-world expectations.
As stated on the AAF website, the summit is designed to showcase “transformative keynote speakers, impactful networking, personal and professional development workshops, the AdPath student conference track, and AAF District 4’s signature event, the American Advertising Awards Gala.”
In an interview, alumnus Nashki Joseph and Ad/PR student Lillian Maleski discuss how their time at NSCM influenced your career journey and how attending the AdPath student track enhanced their understanding of the advertising industry.
Nashki Joseph
Among the featured speakers was Nashki Joseph, a NSCM Advertising/Public Relations alumnus and current Communications Associate at Walt Disney World, who spoke on the “Path to Career Success” panel. One piece of advice that resonated deeply with student attendees was his personal mantra: “bloom where you’re planted.”
“You might not be where you want to be right now,” Joseph shared. “But while you’re there, do the best work you can and take ownership of it. You never know where performing well in your current role can take you.” That mindset, he said, contributed directly to his recent promotion from intern to a full-time communications role at Disney.
Joseph emphasized the importance of the AdPath student track in preparing students for the unique transition from college to career: “They frequently tell you how to succeed in a career, or how to get a job. But finding a job after graduation is its own process. AdPath helps prepare students for that moment.”
Reflecting on his own time at the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM), Joseph highlighted how courses like PR Case Studies and Crisis Communication taught him to approach messaging not just creatively, but strategically. “NSCM helped me build the skills I use every day such as crafting press releases, developing social content, and taught me how to think like a strategic communicator.”
When asked how events like the AAF Summit build career readiness, Joseph pointed to the practical skills that often go untaught. “At the summit, students learn how to network and build their personal brand; things we don’t always cover in class, but that are essential in the job market.”
And for the students who attended, Joseph was equally impressed. “So many came up to introduce themselves and hand me their business cards. That’s exactly what this summit is about creating the chance to meet people with the jobs you want, learn how they got there, and start carving your own path.”
Lillian Maleski
Attending the American Advertising Federation (AAF) District 4’s Voice of Advertising Summit proved to be a transformative experience for UCF student Lillian Maleski. As part of the student-focused AdPath track, Maleski immersed herself in a weekend filled with keynote speakers, industry panels, and networking opportunities that offered a clearer, more expansive view of what a future in advertising could look like.
“The most impactful insight I gained from the panel was that your career will take you on a journey you may not expect,” Maleski said. “There’s this pressure to find the perfect fit right out of college, but the truth is that so few people do. You might start somewhere unexpected and love it, or you might change direction entirely. Patience is key.”
Maleski was especially struck by how collaborative the advertising industry is behind the scenes. “I realized the final product of a campaign is the result of so many people’s work, not just a graphic designer or a marketing team. There are so many pieces to it,” she explained. “It made me rethink my own path because I now see how many different roles exist. I don’t have to pick just one way to be involved.”
Two standout panels left a lasting impression. The first, led by Matt Boswell, reminded Maleski of her Advertising Strategy course with Professor Gary LaPage. “Matt is so passionate about his work. It was fascinating to see how he and his team consider the audience’s emotions when shaping campaign decisions,” she said.
She also found deep value in Ginger Galloway’s panel, which traced the highs and lows of Galloway’s career journey. “Hearing her insights was so reassuring,” Maleski said. “It reminded me that every stage of your career, and life, teaches you something. Each one prepares you for what’s next.”
Looking ahead, Maleski plans to make the most of the connections she made at the summit. “Staying connected with people in the industry helps you stay informed, even before your career officially starts,” she said. “I want to learn from others’ journeys and use their knowledge to fuel my own.”
With renewed perspective and a growing professional network, Lillian Maleski is stepping confidently into her future—one conversation, one connection, and one campaign at a time.
There were also several UCF Nicholson alumni involved as speakers:
- Kaitlyn Sollberger, speaker on the “Path to Career Success” panel, Ad/PR alumna
- Nashki Joseph, speaker on the “Path to Career Success” panel, Ad/PR alumnus
- Savannah Perez, speaker on the “Path to Career Success” panel, Ad/PR alumna
- Enid Rivera, portfolio reviewer, Ad/PR alumna
- Angela Ramirez, portfolio reviewer, Ad/PR alumna
- Madeleine Mulford, Enid Rivera, portfolio reviewer, Ad/PR alumna
Gabrielle Jarmoszko, an instructor in Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Central Florida, is passionate about helping students find opportunities beyond the classroom, and the Voice of Advertising Summit is one of her favorite examples. Though the annual event isn’t tied directly to UCF coursework, Jarmoszko encourages students to take part in the AdPath student track as a way to enhance their professional development.
“I love seeing students being able to attend events like this because they are such great ways to build connections in the industry,” she said. “It is also an incredibly inspiring experience to be able to learn from and see the work of award-winning advertisers and creatives, so many students leave the weekend feeling encouraged and excited for their future careers.”
Written by Majdulina Hamed.
Published to Nicholson News on July 1, 2025.
If you have any news, accomplishments or highlights about your work or life, please be sure to share them with us, by emailing us at NicholsonNews@ucf.edu.