M.A Integrated Global Communications
Communication & Media | Marketing Strategy | Branding | Project Management | Content Creation
Atlanta, Georgia
About Me
Creative and dynamic communications professional currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Integrated Global Communication at Kennesaw State University, with 8+ years of experience in marketing, branding, communications, digital strategy, project management and audiovisual production across the U.S. and Brazilian markets. Skilled in developing integrated communication campaigns, managing social media ecosystems, building community engagement initiatives, and producing multimedia storytelling for impact. Experienced in cross-cultural collaboration, university communications, and sustainability outreach, with proven success in strengthening brand presence and community relationship building across diverse sectors including higher education, luxury real estate, entertainment, and digital entrepreneurship.
Achievements during my MAIGC program
Qualitative Research
I conducted a qualitative content and discourse analysis of the Brazilian podcast "Não Inviabilize" to determine the key factors behind its success and the role of citizen media in its cultural relevance. Grounded in Framing Theory and Narrative Theory , the study revealed that the podcast's unique format—mixing personal narratives with the host's professional psychological analysis—creates a trustworthy and safe environment that successfully amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, particularly women and the LGBTQ+ community. This success is maintained by active citizen media participation, where audience engagement through platforms like social media and Telegram acts as a collaborative framing mechanism, fostering a strong sense of community and shared understanding that has established the show as a significant cultural phenomenon in the Brazilian digital landscape.
Multimedia: Filmmaker, Video/Audio Editing
During my time at the MAIGC program, I've created multimedia content for my research and presentations on each subject throughout the semesters. To better simplify my findings, I worked with video-making, editing and audio editing. I used softwares such as Adobe Premiere and Adobe Audition for the post production of my studies.
Website Development
Designed and launched a multimedia website on Squarespace to host my academic research (Mural Signs of Coca Cola thesis). Strategically utilized an effective, simple layout with intuitive navigation using my graphic design creations, video, audio, and image content, and extensive hyperlinking to present my findings.
Collaborations
Contributed to group research focusing on pre-crisis communication and preparedness, utilizing Mitroff’s Crisis Management Model to analyze organizational vulnerabilities and increase institutional resilience.
Contributions to the Field
Conducted an interview with the co-founder of Pacific Century Management Co., Ming Francis, regarding international communication and leadership, and the challenges of working between different cultures to help young professionals how to better navigate in a interconnected world of business emphasizing different cultures and ethics. In my internship at PCM, I had the opportunity to understand the Chinese business culture with the guidance of Dr. May Gao's class based on her book “Win Business with Communication” .
Student Assistant at The Office of Sustainability
During my graduate studies, I served in a multifaceted role for the Kennesaw State University Office of Sustainability, where I drove the entire sustainable brand's communications strategy. My responsibilities spanned the creation of all marketing collateral, social media management, and the coordination of major sustainability events. This experience was validated by my nomination as the RCE Greater Atlanta Student Coordinator for 2024, an United Nations initiative to create sustainable university life. My role also scoped graphic design visual creations to promote Sustainability around campus. I also contributed to content creation through video production, photography, and participated in impactful service opportunities like the volunteering for the non-profit re:loom on Martin Luther King Day's event.
Dr. May Gao
“I recommended Mariana for her summer practicum at Pacific Century Management (PCM) TikTok, a global communication company whose CEO is my friend. After being accepted at this company after professional interviews, Mariana has been working in the capacity as the Executive Assistant for the CEO of PCM TikTok this summer. Her job assignments mostly centered around global communication, marketing, public relations, and human resource management. I have had the pleasure of observing Mariana during her time at PCM TikTok, with positive feedback from the CEO, Mr. Zong. I learned that Mariana has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the complexities of global communication. Mariana is a highly motivated and hardworking graduate student at KSU who aspires for professional success in the field of global communication.”
Summer Internship Program
During my Summer Internship, I've worked at Pacific Century Management Corporation in Atlanta, GA. My role started as a Marketing intern. I've managed and developed our own internal rebranding creating the name and brand “LiveHaus”. My project management skills helped my team develop Akon's and Amirror's brand REFLXSN, a self-care and active wear brand with 4 different segments. For this project, I've created and pitched multiple marketing strategies including social media and paid advertisement. I also was responsible for our communication between Chinese suppliers on daily basis. I was responsible for coordinating the undergraduate interns, giving Dr. Gao weekly reports on their performance. My performance resulted in getting the position of Assistant to the President, Mr. Zong.
Multimedia Thesis
Mural Signs of Coca Cola
My journey with old mural signs started as a passion and luckily became something I could research and analyze. This made me think deeper about of the art and it made people around me even pay more attention to it. While working on my project, I’ve had the chance to create a timeline of facts that I believe are relevant to both history and marketing purposes.