As a junior at the university studying marketing and Spanish, my first trip to Austin, TX, for South By Southwest (SXSW) was an unforgettable experience. The vibrant energy of Downtown Austin and its towering buildings captured the essence of a city that truly never sleeps.
SXSW provided an extraordinary platform to engage with innovators and leaders across various fields. Notably, at the Tulsa House, I interacted with professionals passionate about remote work, tech, and entrepreneurship. At the Tennessee House, I got some cool merch like a cute pink coozie and a hat!
Listening to influential women in marketing and communications, like Brittney Brown from NASA and Sabrina Steele from Aerospace Corp., reinforced my belief in the power of effective communication. Their ability to connect complex scientific ideas with the public is both inspiring and a testament to the importance of our field.
The evolution of technology – from the days we were told we wouldn’t always have a calculator in our pockets to now having smartphones that serve as gateways to endless information and tools – highlights the rapid pace of innovation. The pitch competition at SXSW, featuring ideas on integrating artificial intelligence into various industries, was a reminder of how far we’ve come and the potential that lies ahead.
I am deeply grateful for the support and guidance from Dean Kathy Taylor, Dr. Chris Wright, Dr. Nathan Woolard, and Taleya Mayberry-Smith at TU’s Collins College of Business. Their efforts to foster an innovative spirit through programs like JOLT have been instrumental in my growth. SXSW was not just an event but a profound learning experience that underscored the significance of collaboration, technology, and creativity in shaping a better future.
This journey has been incredibly enriching, offering valuable insights and reinforcing my ambition to contribute to the world of marketing and technology.