Welcome to Authenticity

Digital media is woven into almost every part of my day. By day, I’m the Director of Philanthropy for Central Florida Public Media, where I work to strengthen support for trusted local journalism. By night, and often early in the morning, I’m a Business Administration student at SNHU. In both roles, digital media helps me stay informed, build relationships, and tell meaningful stories.

Most mornings begin with coffee, my email, and local news. I scan headlines not only to stay informed but also to identify stories that may resonate with donors and reinforce the value of local journalism. From there, I check my calendar and prepare for meetings, knowing that the information I gather throughout the day often shapes meaningful conversations.

Throughout the day, I rely on several digital platforms. LinkedIn is where I connect with nonprofit professionals, learn from fundraising and leadership experts, and follow industry trends. Facebook helps me stay engaged with community organizations and local events, while YouTube has become my classroom for webinars, tutorials, and professional development. As a student, I also spend time in Brightspace, the Shapiro Library, and Google, researching credible sources, completing assignments, and connecting what I learn in class to my work.

My experience with digital media is mostly positive because these tools keep me informed, productive, and connected. At the same time, I recognize the challenges. Constant notifications, targeted advertising, and algorithm driven content can become overwhelming and sometimes blur the line between useful information and distraction. Because of this, I intentionally pause to evaluate the credibility of information before sharing it. That habit has become part of my personal brand and reflects my commitment to thoughtful communication.

One of the biggest changes I have noticed in marketing is how personalized it has become. The advertisements, recommended content, and social media posts I see are often based on my online behavior and professional interests. As Zahay (2023) explains, effective social media marketing is built on creating value through engagement and building relationships rather than simply broadcasting messages. I see this every day in my own work. Successful fundraising, like successful marketing, depends on understanding the audience, telling authentic stories, and building trust over time.

Digital media has changed how I communicate, learn, and build relationships. Whether I’m connecting with donors, collaborating with classmates, or engaging with my community, I want my online presence to reflect the same values I bring to my work every day: authenticity, strategic thinking, trust, and purpose. To me, branding is not just about the platforms I use. It is about using those platforms consistently to build meaningful relationships and represent both myself and my organization with integrity.