
Hobbies and interests
Dance
Poetry
Politics and Political Science
Songwriting
Church
Advertising
Reading
Adult Fiction
Book Club
Chick Lit
Realistic Fiction
Action
Adventure
Biography
Classics
I read books daily
Grace Mcnamara
1x
Finalist1x
Winner
Grace Mcnamara
1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
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 programMajors:
- 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
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 Academics2023 – 2023PR & Brand Partnerships
Her Campus Media2024 – Present2 yearsSales Associate, running the register, assisting customers, manning the fitting rooms, displaying merchandise, any thing that is needed.
H & M2025 – Present1 yearHostess and waitress for a busy pub. Greeter, online orders, bussing tables, serving, booking bands, nightly clean up.
Rivets Bar And Grill2024 – 2024Columnist-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 View2021 – 20243 years
Sports
Water Polo
Varsity2023 – 2023
Research
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
Pioneer Academics — Research overseen by Columbia University professor2023 – 2023
Arts
The Dance Factory, Downey Danceline and Central Catholic Dance
Dance2010 – Present
Public services
Advocacy
Make A Wish — Chi Omega Philanthropy2025 – PresentVolunteering
Modesto Gospel Mission — Serving2023 – PresentAdvocacy
Her Campus — Public Relations and brand deals2024 – 2025Volunteering
Night To Shine — Dance lead, monitor the dance floor and engage with attendees2021 – 2025