Raquel Vieira Raquel has a passion for traveling and learning new cultures. As she pursues her master’s degree, she hopes to acquire new skills that will lead her to future success. Raquel received her undergraduate degree from William Paterson University, with a major in Sociology. Currently, Raquel works at the office of Student Enrollment Services as a Program Assistant, at William Paterson University. She chose the PCOM program in hopes of becoming a better writer, and to improve both her marketability and communication skills. Raquel hopes the program can help her grow both personally and professionally and improve her skillset to advance her career. “I learned that the PCOM program has amazing and supportive professors,” Raquel said. After she graduates, Raquel aspires to advance her career in Higher Education. LinkedIn Ann Woodford, Shannon Ann Shannon has a passion for helping others. Whether it’s helping animals, aiding the environment, or teaching, she loves putting others first. She received her Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Mid-America Christian University in 2014. During the summer of 2020, she interned at the Bergen County Horse Rescue, writing grants and fundraising for them under Professor Ann Barretta. She called it, “an excellent learning experience.” Ann chose the PCOM program because she wanted to improve her writing and communication skills, so she could get involved in nonprofit and make a difference. So far, she sees an improvement in both her writing and understanding of nonprofit organizations. “The program has challenged me and definitely improved my writing skills. I’ve learned a lot about working with nonprofits, and how they differ from for-profit businesses,” Ann said. Ann aspires to work in nonprofit, and she hopes her work will make a difference in the world. Regardless of the task, Ann is ready to use her skills for the good of others. LinkedIn Shiqira Freeman Shiqira has a passion for teaching others the art of communication through public speaking and aspires to teach communication at the collegiate level one day. “In life, we only have one opportunity to make a first impression, so make it the best impression,” she said. Shiqira earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from William Paterson University in 2019, while working full-time and being a mom. She began her journey in 1994 but left her junior year to pursue work. Now, she is part of the William Paterson’s graduating class of 2019, and is working hard to receive her master’s degree. Shiqira always desired to attend graduate school in the field of communication, as the world of communication has always been her first love. She chose the PCOM program because she thinks it will help her find success in the field of journalism and media production. “The PCOM program will give her the fundamentals needed to succeed in this ever-evolving world of communication,” Shiqira said. Currently, Shiqira is employed by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. She’s worked with the Victim Witness Unit for the past 4 years and is now a Keyboarding Clerk for the front office. She hopes to receive her master’s degree with a greater understanding of how to communicate personally, professionally and with the use of technology. After school, Shiqira wants to become a professor. “One day, I will be Professor Freeman,” she said. Tiffany Coppolino Tiffany aspires to own her own business while managing social media, and other media platforms to further grow her company. She enjoys editing photos and videos, as well as web designing. Tiffany received her undergraduate degree at William Paterson University, and received a degree in Media Production. She served in the Army from 2011 to 2016 as a corrections officer in the Military Police Corp. Before Graduate school, she was working as an assistant editor at Rodman Media. The PCOM program has taught Tiffany on how to become a better writer, and how to apply various research methods to enhance her skillset. She chose the PCOM program to further her education in hopes of starting her own business in the future. Reiny Correa Reiny has a passion for the skincare and cosmetic industry. She has earned experience as a beauty advisor for a subsidiary company owned by F21. In this position she assisted with product launches and opening store locations. Reiny aspires to become a creative social media marketing manager in the beauty industry. Reiny studied two years at Bergen Community College and then continued her studies at Montclair State University as a clinical psychology major. During her undergrad, she pursued an Asian study minor and learned how to speak Korean and Japanese. After graduation, she discovered her passion for the skincare and cosmetic industry. The PCOM program has taught Reiny how to apply communication skills and tactics to a successful corporate communications strategy. She has learned how to manage the interest of shareholders and work on a team of leaders. Post-graduation, Reiny plans to continue to apply her knowledge of communication to the cosmetic industry, as a leader. Reiny understand the eight-step realm of Korean skincare, and K-beauty. She’s also interested in upcoming indie and small-business such as Emcosmetics, SokoGlam and One Size. Marcus Miguel Santana Marcus Miguel Santana a passionate social media aficionado who believes one’s online presence plays a pivotal and integral role when participating in the “norms” of society. Professionally, he aspires to become a Social Media Coordinator for Buzzfeed, as he finds that he gravitates towards the company’s culture of digital news and entertainment virality. Currently, Marcus works for Statue Cruises, New York’s top attraction for tourist commutes to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In the past, the company has hosted various private events for Polo, Pepsi, and numerous award shows, all of which Marcus was fortunate to participate in. Over the years, the Jersey City native was met with multiple reality television opportunities and was once even casted for MTV program, “The Real World.” Marcus turned down what he believed would be his 15 minutes of fame to rather pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry via hard work and ambition through getting his Masters. Marcus received his B.A. from WPU in Communications, majoring in Broadcast Journalism, with a minor in Public Relations. After taking COMM3580 Digital & Social Media Communication during his undergraduate career, his experience in the course is what compelled him to seek his Master’s Degree in what wants his professional career to encompass. The PCOM program has taught Marcus about the elemental duty of CSR on both the corporate and individual level and he thanks the unifying program for the community of young professionals he is able to call his peers. Instagram: MarcMiguelSantana Christopher Trembath Christopher Trembath aspires to be a creative writer in advertising and marketing as his academic and professional interests are in such industries, including public relations. Additionally, he is very interested in media arts such as video content creation and would enjoy working as a script writer for film and television if the opportunity was ever to arise. Chris’s short film, “The Last Local” (2016) received multiple awards and was featured in Ridgewood New Jersey’s Guild International Film Festival. In the past, Chris has written for a magazine publisher and is published in two trade magazines, although most of his career has been in computer support. Realizing his passion for writing, he decided to pursue his Masters by “returning to his roots” at WPU where he received his Bachelor of Science in Communications during the institution’s college days. PCOM’s Strategic Writing course taught Chris how to better focus his writing to be as concise as possible while revealing the nuances of avoiding cliche rhetoric when communicating in the professional sphere. For his master project, he is researching “How the Gender Assignment of Chatbots Affect Customer Satisfaction When Individuals Engage in Customer Support with a Gender-Specific Company.” Extracurricularly, Chris bowls in various leagues in Montvale, NJ, where he has achieved thirteen perfect scores of 300 and plays drums for a popular local rock band. When time permits, he enjoys writing and directing short films for local film festivals. http://www.cmtwordsmith.com
