Senior public relations student Taliyah Marshall is an emerging communications innovator, defining her own path in the field.
As only the second person in her family to pursue a bachelor’s degree and the first to attend a historically Black college or university, she’s exploring unique ways to advance her goal of raising awareness of critical societal issues through the power of media and communications.
Her passion and commitment to “PR with a purpose” have earned her the 2025-2026 FINN Partners Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) scholarship winner. As one of the fastest-growing global marketing and communications agencies in the world, FINN collaborates with FCF annually to recognize a senior majoring in public relations at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC).
Winners are selected by demonstrating a commitment to developing inventive communications campaigns that raise consciousness about sustainability and climate advocacy.
FCF, an initiative of the PR Trust, empowers and elevates young leaders in communications. This year’s scholarship selection process sought out students who could develop a unique project focused on sustainable uses of AI to help individuals and communities prepare for climate and weather events in Florida.
Marshall says the topics the scholarship program promotes hold special meaning to her as she aims to build her career by leveraging new ideas to deliver impactful corporate communications strategies in areas such as policy, politics, advocacy, and public service.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be different, and do something that stands out,” said Marshall, who chose to enroll in SJGC after attending a different university her freshman year, which she felt didn’t meet her need for cultural representation and a sense of community.
The Orlando native said she began researching and reapplying to college, seeking an HBCU program that would provide wraparound support and embrace her lived experiences.
“It has built my character,” she said about her HBCU experience as a FAMU student.
Much of her character building has taken place in the classrooms and experiential learning programs of SJGC, where she says her professors have mentored her and supported her. PR faculty member and FAMU PRSSA advisor Dr. Hsuan Huang is one of those professors. She introduced Marshall to the FINN Partners FCF Scholarship opportunity by encouraging her to prepare a campaign proposal for her application as a part of a class project in her integrated marketing communication class.
“It is essential and a timely topic for students to focus on, using the skills they learn in class to determine how to ethically and effectively adopt technology, such as artificial intelligence, to help communities impacted by climate change and save the planet,” Huang said, noting that Marshall’s commitment to her craft stood out through her persistence and active engagement in class.
“She never hesitates to ask questions and seek feedback that she believes will benefit her learning and preparation for a future career in public relations,” Huang added. “I hope her work will inspire passion and interest in public relations and its impact on environmental advocacy.”
Empowering Others With Innovation
Marshall’s campaign that helped her win the FINN Partners FCF Scholarship is titled “Sustain the Sunshine.” It is designed to educate Florida college students about the environmental impact of AI and inspire them to adopt balanced tech habits. Through short-form videos, e-waste recycling drives, and workshops led by local sustainability and AI experts, her campaign was created to empower others to use tech sensibly and prepare for climate events.
“I aim to teach people how to use technology responsibly, reduce digital waste, and make eco-friendly choices. The FINN Partners FCF Scholarship brings me closer to my goal of building a career in public relations grounded in ethics, sustainability and community impact,” Marshall said.
SJGC Dean Mira Lowe reflected on the significance of Marshall’s achievement and the impact of her work as a next-gen PR leader.
“Taliyah’s ‘Sustain the Sunshine’ campaign reflects the kind of forward-thinking, community-minded storytelling we champion at SJGC,” she said. “Her work not only highlights the environmental costs of artificial intelligence but also empowers young people to make responsible, informed choices about the technology they use every day. We are proud to celebrate her commitment to helping Florida communities prepare for a more sustainable future.”
As a FINN Partners FCF scholar, Marshall will engage in mentorship opportunities with Peter Finn, CEO and founding managing partner of FINN Partners, and Helen Shelton, global chief diversity officer. She will also receive access to take part in competitive opportunities for future internships.
“Taliyah joins our esteemed group of FCF Scholarship recipients who are dedicated to academic excellence and to making a difference in the world around sustainability and climate,” Shelton said, commending her for “studying the issues and offering solid solutions.”
Lifting as She Climbs
While Marshall is being mentored by global leaders in PR and communications, she is also learning from some of the best and brightest in the industry right here in Florida. She was recently selected to serve as a spring 2026 public relations intern at BowStern, an award-winning, Tallahassee-headquartered marketing firm with a wide reach in the field, serving clients regionally, statewide and nationally.
Her internship provides her with hands-on experience in stakeholder outreach, media relations, external communications, and even influencer marketing. She’s also contributing to client research toward the firm’s expansion into North Carolina.
In her free time, Marshall, an honors student who also works outside of her internship to support her education, seeks ways to help other students and diversify the industry. In 2024, she conceived the idea of a campus organization that empowers students to thrive in their future media and communications careers. A year later, in 2025, the organization Bold and Black Women in Media was chartered and now boasts an active executive board and growing membership of 20-plus students. Marshall’s efforts with the group are supported by SJGC faculty advisor and award-winning journalist Arionne Nettles, “who saw the potential in the organization from the very beginning.”
Marshall’s accomplishment adds the title of founder and president to her resume before finishing her degree.
“We hope to create honest and empowering conversations around representation, career journeys, challenges in the industry, and advice for students preparing to enter media-related careers,” she said about her group’s mission.
As she prepares to complete her senior year, she’s built an impressive portfolio, including past internships at the Black Automotive Media Group and Hyundai Driving Force program, and Boundless Media. She was also named a Stryker Marketing & Finance Fellow and continues to serve as a contributor to campus media outlets, such as The FAMUAN and Journey Magazine.
Through her leadership, scholarly achievements and vision, Marshall is lighting the way for her generation and beyond, proving that with determination and heart, communicators can change the world for the better.
