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Grace Mcnamara

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Low-Income, Working College Student | 4.0 GPA | Journalism & Public Relations for Community Impact. As a Journalism major at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a minor in Public Relations, I see storytelling not just as a career, but as a tool for equity and community impact. Growing up in a low-income household, I learned early that opportunity isn’t always given and you have to work for it and create your own seat at the table. For three years, I served as a columnist for the Modesto View, where I focused on amplifying underrepresented voices and covering issues affecting local families, youth, and underserved communities. Through journalism, I discovered the power of stories to connect people to resources, build awareness, and drive meaningful change. To help fund my education and reduce financial burden, I work while attending school and actively pursue scholarships. My goal is to graduate with minimal debt so I can enter the communications field with the freedom to advocate for overlooked communities rather than being limited by financial pressure. Long term, I hope to build a career in public relations and media where I can serve as a bridge between organizations and the communities they serve and ensuring that important information, opportunities, and resources reach the people who need them most. My mission is simple: use my voice and professional skills to make visibility, access, and representation more equitable.

Education

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Minors:
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
    • Journalism
    • Marketing
    • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Public Relations and Communications

    • Dream career goals:

    • Conducted independent research in media with the implications of influencers who have been "cancelled", Under the supervision of Columbia University professor Perlmutter.

      Pioneer Academics
      2023 – 2023
    • PR & Brand Partnerships

      Her Campus Media
      2024 – Present2 years
    • Sales Associate, running the register, assisting customers, manning the fitting rooms, displaying merchandise, any thing that is needed.

      H & M
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Hostess and waitress for a busy pub. Greeter, online orders, bussing tables, serving, booking bands, nightly clean up.

      Rivets Bar And Grill
      2024 – 2024
    • Columnist-published 36 articles with 60,000 copies in print each month. Covered topics such as free community events and resources. Ex: Where to get a free prom dress and best places to shoot your own senior photos.

      Modesto View
      2021 – 20243 years

    Sports

    Water Polo

    Varsity
    2023 – 2023

    Research

    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management

      Pioneer Academics — Research overseen by Columbia University professor
      2023 – 2023

    Arts

    • The Dance Factory, Downey Danceline and Central Catholic Dance

      Dance
      2010 – Present

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      Make A Wish — Chi Omega Philanthropy
      2025 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Modesto Gospel Mission — Serving
      2023 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Her Campus — Public Relations and brand deals
      2024 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      Night To Shine — Dance lead, monitor the dance floor and engage with attendees
      2021 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship