FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) student Ziya Saffor recently contributed her talents to one of the National Basketball Association’s biggest moments and stages.
Saffor, a junior majoring in graphic design, spent the NBA All-Star Game weekend in February serving as an intern. While in Los Angeles, she shadowed the league’s creative services team, gaining hands-on, behind-the-scenes exposure to how creative concepts are executed across platforms during league events, while working within the creative direction and brand marketing space.
“It helped me see the bigger picture of how ideas turn into campaigns and experiences,” Saffor said about the opportunity. “Through the experience and conversations I had with industry professionals, I began to look beyond just graphic design and understand the different career paths it could lead me to. Because of that exposure, I now have a clearer understanding of what skills I need to develop and what steps I need to take now to position myself for long-term success in the sports media industry.”
The experience marked another milestone in a growing list of NBA and sports media opportunities for Saffor, who was selected as a 2025 NBA HBCU Fellow. Through the fellowship, she served as a graphic design intern with the Portland Trail Blazers over the summer.
After the All-Star game in February, she had the opportunity to return to the Trail Blazers’ headquarters to support their HBCU to the Pros weekend. The initiative focused on exposing high school students to historically Black colleges and universities and career possibilities in sports.
“When I went back to the Portland Trail Blazers for their HBCU to the Pros weekend, my main job was educating high schoolers about HBCUs since there aren’t any in the Pacific Northwest,” Saffor said. “Just being in that position reminded me why representation is so important.”
With gratitude for the experiences she has had as an SJGC student, Zaffor said she is intentional about sharing what she learns with others, whether through social media, conversations, or mentorship.
“A big reason I started documenting my time in these spaces is so more students can see the different opportunities that are out there,” she said. “Representation matters because it shows other students what’s actually possible for them and that no matter how big or small your current experience is, you just need to go for it. Everything I learn in my internships or from my mentors, I try to pay it forward by telling at least one other person and being that bank of knowledge for them.”
She credits FAMU and SJGC for preparing her to step confidently into professional spaces and represent HBCUs with pride.
“I’m always thankful and blessed to represent Florida A&M University and SJGC in these spaces.”
Stay tuned for more stories about SJGC students and alumni developed through NBA programs.
Gallery: Ziya’s NBA Journey
As an intern with NBA events and the Trail Blazers, Ziya Saffor has had the opportunity to learn how media, communications, and marketing contribute to the success of the world’s leading professional basketball league. She's also been able to connect with other HBCU scholars along the way and was joined by several Rattlers as cohort members for the 2025 NBA HBCU Fellowship, including SJGC interns Ashley Bigbee (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ashley Bryant (Washington Wizards), and Jefferey Hood Jr.(Sacramento Kings).
