One WSU student met with the elite advertising world last week after she was named one of 50 of the nation’s most promising minority students in advertising by the American Advertising Federation (CQ).

Senior communication major Jazmyn Sanchez, the honoree, spent last week in New York City with the other awarded students. She met with recruiters, networked with businesses and participated in workshops built to enhance her advertising career path.

“The trip was kind of like an out-of-body experience just being there,” Sanchez said. “I’m ready to graduate and I love Pullman and WSU, but this opportunity has given me the advantage to apply this great learning experience into a culminating career.”

Kay Wight, president of KJWight & Associates, said she met with Sanchez in New York. She said Sanchez has the best of Cougar qualities including confidence, determination, energy and enthusiasm for work.

Sanchez said her passion for the arts and design led her toward advertising. The way the industry continuously evolves and uses new technologies pulls her into the career path.

Her experiences in Advertising 480 at WSU and at the Cole & Weber United advertising agency during an internship allowed her to see what side of an agency she would like to work on, Sanchez said. She completed projects involving Microsoft’s social media and Washington's Lottery.

“I hope one day, in whatever department I end up in, to become the executive of that department and really show my strengths after working hard,” Sanchez said. “It means a lot to me to be able to work hard and represent the types of people and professors I have come across over the years.”

Dan Petek, an instructor in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, said he has worked with Sanchez for the past year and a half. He said she has a lot of future options to choose from and he imagines she will end up in a management position at an advertising agency.

“Jazmyn has met every promise and challenge and she is an extraordinary student,” Petek said. “I remember tearing out the award notice and telling her ‘this is going to be you next year.’”

Petek said the WSU advertising program is known for its rigorous course work. This award shows the effort Sanchez puts into her education as well as the demands the program has for its students, he said.

“The one thing I hear from advertising agencies is WSU graduates have tough skin,” Petek said. “Our students are more suited for the business world.”

Besides her creative qualities and clear success, one of Sanchez’s well-known characteristics is her smile, Petek said.

Joe Jelic, a WSU alumnus and partner and executive creative director at Cult360, said he believes WSU’s advertising program is one of the top in the nation. He also met and talked with Sanchez while she was in New York to receive the honor, he said.

“Jazmyn is a lovely, sincere and smart girl who comes from a great school,” Jelic said. “If she keeps it up she will go far in the advertising industry.”

Sanchez said she has taken advantage of resources and opportunities to go the extra mile and stand out. The prestigious award humbled her, she said.

“As a person, I feel nothing comes easy,” Sanchez said. “Working hard can get you to places, and I hope to be there for people who might not think that they can do the same.”

With the help of family, friends and professors, Sanchez has a solid foundation for her career path, she said.

“I am surrounded by a lot of people who love me, and I hope they know how much I support them back,” Sanchez said.