IB Digital Squad
The IB Digital Squad is a small but cool and integrated task force of creative IB students led by Dr. Carlos Valdez with the mission to improve the online presence of the Integrated Business Program. This blog is one of the projects managed by the squad.
Meet the 2022-2023 IB Digital Squad!
Written and compiled by Kiara McLeod
Hello, my name is Autumn Taylor and I am an Integrated Business major. I have worked in retail management for over three years where I developed an interest in marketing and sales. I dive into this interest by working on the LinkedIn page for Integrated Business. When I’m not at work or in class you can usually find me exploring a new restaurant with a foodie friend and constantly referencing astrology. I plan on pursuing a job in digital marketing or branding once I graduate. Any questions? Click my name to connect on LinkedIn.
Hello, my name is Julio Peña and I am an integrated business major! I am a proud member of ALPFA and my family is originally from Colombia. Currently I am the Digital Squad Content Creation Manager. I am leveraging my past 6 years of experience with Sales, Marketing, and Content Creation to assist with creating informative content about IB. I have a huge passion for Sales & Marketing. I am planning on pursuing a career in Sales or Account Management upon graduating from UCF. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn if I can be of any assistance.
Hello! My name is Michael Pineda. I am an Integrated Business major at the University of Central Florida. I come from a Colombian background. I joined the IB program for personal and professional growth. I enjoy being exposed to multiple business fields as well as developing interpersonal skills that will be used in the real world like creative thinking, leadership, teamwork, presenting and receiving & giving feedback. My Blog Content Manager role in the IB Digital Squad allows me to use my professional experience to share my amazing experiences to increase IB awareness and involvement. I also enjoy creating engaging content, planning and executing Marketing campaigns. My career goal is to join the Marketing or Human Resource field after graduatng in Spring 2023. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, trying new experiences, listening to music and watching sports. Feel free to say hello if you see me around and connect with me on LinkedIn!
Hello IB students, my name is Justin Rojas. I am currently a senior in UCF’s Integrated Business program. My favorite part about IB has been gaining the opportunity to network and connect with the program’s employers. Since joining this program, I have been able to meet a wide range of professionals from various fields and obtain valuable information on potential employment opportunities. I also enjoy the hands-on learning structure IB provides that allows me to utilize different techniques to hone my skills. The reason I joined the IB Digital Squad was to get more involved in the major and keep all students informed of the opportunities available to them. I also wanted to take this chance to strengthen and enhance my social media marketing and networking skills. In my free time, I enjoy trips to the beach and traveling. I have been to Denmark, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada, the Cayman Islands, and 14 states.
Hello IB, My name is Kiara McLeod. I am Senior on the path to graduate this Fall 2022 with my Bachelors in Integrated Business. My favorite part about joining the IB program is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with working on teams and being able to network with many different companies, alumni, professors and students. After a great summer semester with Professor Valdez, I have been introduced to the IB Digital Squad Program. I’m excited to take on the role as the Blog Content manager as I truly enjoy creating engaging content. This semester I’m focusing on upscaling my social media marketing skills, and expanding my professional network. Aside from school or work, I enjoy fashion design, dance, spending time with my family/ friends, and traveling the world. If you happen to see me on campus be sure to say hello and connect with me on LinkedIn.
Sebastian Lopez
Hello, my name is Sebastian Lopez and I am in my first semester in the IB program. I chose IB due to its all-encompassing curriculum and I want to have a strong foundation in all areas of business to one day be able to start a digital talent management company. Some hobbies of mine are that I love to watch my favorite creators on YouTube, listen to music, work out, and play soccer and golf. I am excited to be a part of the IB digital squad and bring new YouTube videos to life on the channel. Just as my favorite creators bring their own stories to life, I am excited to bring the stories of IB to life. If you see me around campus or online anywhere, please feel free to connect! Go IB!
Julia Amorim is a public relations and marketing professional with vast experience as a corporate communicator and digital media specialist. UCF Alum from the Public Relations and Advertising program, Julia has worked for several years with external communications and public affairs before returning to UCF to pursue a Master’s in Management, following the Integrated Business track.is a public relations and marketing professional with vast experience as a corporate communicator and digital media specialist. UCF Alum from the Public Relations and Advertising program, Julia has worked for several years with external communications and public affairs before returning to UCF to pursue a Master’s in Management, following the Integrated Business track.
Meet the 2021-2022 IB Digital Squad!
Compiled by Alyssa Ardhya
Hi there! My name is Alyssa Ardhya and I’m an Integrated Business Major. I moved to the US from Indonesia in 2015 at age 12, and expect to graduate from UCF in the Summer of 2022. My interests include social media marketing (especially in women’s sports), graphic design, videography, and entrepreneurship. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and 2 cats. I also love to watch FC Barcelona Femeni play and promote Arsenal Women on Instagram and Twitter. Let’s connect on Linkedin and Go IB!
Hey there! My name is Faith Keune, and I am an Integrated Business student at UCF. I have worked in Marketing for almost a year, with experience in social media marketing and a passion for storytelling. In my free time you can always find me at EPCOT or at a local coffee shop. Please reach out if I can be of any help (and go IB)!
Hello, my name is Autumn Taylor and I am an Integrated Business major. I have worked in retail management for over three years where I developed an interest in social media marketing. When I’m not at work or in class you can usually find me exploring a new restaurant with a friend while either making traveling plans or constantly referencing astrology. On a rare occasion you can find me in the gym. I plan on pursuing a job in digital marketing or branding once I graduate. Any questions? Let’s connect.
I am currently attending UCF and studying to get my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Integrated Business. I have 5+ years of experience in Social Media Marketing and have such a passion for Management, Marketing, and all things Business! I also enjoy photography as a hobby which helps tremendously in my Social Media work
Meet the 2020-2021 IB Digital Squad!
Written and compiled by Thomas Daza
Tomas Daza
What’s up, guys? My name is Tomas Daza and I’m a senior in the Integrated Business program minoring in Psychology. Originally from Chile, my professional interests include sales and customer service, along with perhaps opening my own business someday. In my free time, I enjoy loving my dog and cat, as well as learning about this crazy life we live in. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Karen Ortiz
Hey! My name is Karen Ortiz and I’m an Integrated Business Major with a Minor in Marketing. Originally from Colombia, I moved to the U.S when I was 12 years old. My passions include different types of art and finding new ways on how to creatively express myself. This has led me to be increasingly interested in videography, photography, painting, and drawing. Please reach out if I can be of any help!
Armando Barrial
Hey everyone! My name is Armando Barrial and I’m currently a senior at UCF in the Integrated Business program. My interests include Marketing and helping people invest in retirements, emergencies, and meeting other financial goals. When I’m not too busy with that I like to sing and play video games. I am committed to being the best version of myself and to be a better man than yesterday!
Maria Pacheco
Hey guys! My name is Maria Pacheco and I am an international student from Ecuador. At UCF, I am studying for my BSBA in Integrated Business, where my interests include marketing and sales. Currently, I am a College of Business Ambassador, where I have been able to use my leadership and social skills to interact with faculty members and business students. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, horseback riding, and playing tennis. I am passionate and proactive about accomplishing my goals and helping others to reach them as well. Let’s connect!
Christine Robertson
Hey! My name is Christine Robertson and I’m a senior at UCF studying for a BSBA in Integrated Business. I have worked in Marketing for over 3 years and have experience in graphic design, photography, and social media marketing. I currently work as a graphic designer for Word of Mouth Restaurant Group and as the Marketing Assistant for The Nickley Group. I plan on continuing to pursue a career in marketing upon graduation. Any questions? Let’s connect!
Meet the 2019-20 IB Digital Squad!
Written and compiled by Cara Olivo
Hello! I’m Jason Babun, a senior at UCF’s IB program. My favorite thing about IB is the various professors and students you’ll meet and work with throughout the major! It is exciting for me to meet new people and make great connections throughout my years in the program.
I joined the Digital Squad because I wanted to be more involved and give back to this major. For me, IB forged something not many other majors can, it felt that every class was unique; meeting and working with people from all different backgrounds. Because of what IB gave to me, I wanted to bring my talents to the table and continue expanding this major to its greatest potential.
In my free time, you’ll usually find me mainly on my PC playing games with friends. I’m also big on the outdoors, doing all sorts of activities from hunting and fishing to working on various side projects. If ya ever see me around the CBA, feel free to give me a shout!
My favorite thing about IB is the amount of realistic technology and business practices that were exposed to in the courses. I think it’ll be very valuable in my career.
I wanted to join the Digital Squad to develop skills and experience with social media marketing, networking, and video editing.
In my free time, I enjoy visiting theme parks, traveling, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends. If I’m not doing those, then you can find me with my cat, Lilly.
Hello fellow College of Business students, my name is Cara Olivo. My favorite part of IB is feeling like I belong somewhere in this huge university. In my first couple of years, I struggled to find my place, but IB is where I belong! I have made so many friends (also with professors) and met interesting and inspiring people along the way. I feel like IB has developed me into a professional businesswoman and I can’t wait to bring the skills I’ve learned here to my future career.
I joined the IB digital Squad because I wanted to be more involved and create a true connection with the program. I enjoy social media and creating content; the IB Digital Squad lets me practice these skills and will hopefully help me build experience for a career in this sort of work.
During my free time, I like to go to the beach with a good book or hang out at my favorite coffee shop with friends. Go, Knights!
What’s most rewarding about IB to me is the flip-classroom learning style. The hands-on application of learned skills tremendously hones in even more techniques. I am relieved of textbook learning! The IB faculty is personable and inspiring. When I learned about Professor Valdez and the IB Digital squad, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to elevate my skill set and resume. I want to earn a professional digital marketing experience.
In my spare time, I like to cook, bake, watch Netflix, going to sample a variety of restaurants, and workout. I enjoy attending events and seeking adventures as well.
My favorite aspect of the Integrated Business program is the ideology behind its structure. This program was made to mold and train upcoming professionals in several aspects of the business world. From course content to the attendance policy, I feel as though the IB program prepares individuals to excel in post-graduation endeavors.
I viewed the IB Digital Squad as a mode of networking and development. I have been teamed with four other exceptional students and IB faculty whom I am eager to connect and work with. When I am not participating in school or work-related activities, I enjoy visiting Florida’s beautiful beaches with family and friends!
IB DIGITAL SQUAD MEMBERS 2018-2019
IB DIGITAL SQUAD MEMBERS 2017-2018
The founding members of the IB Digital Squad (2017-2018), from left to right: Rod Mendoza, Brett Bingham, Dr. Carlos Valdez and Alex Malave.
And a BIG thank you!
Thank you, Dr. Carlos Valdez, for giving us this opportunity! We appreciate you and look forward to a great year on the Digital Squad!
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