For Kennedy Johnson, a Public Relations and Advertising major from Atlanta, Georgia, hands-on experience at Barry University is helping turn her passion for creativity into valuable professional opportunities.

Kennedy chose Barry for its strong sense of community and family-oriented environment and has since embraced opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. She currently serves as the Social Media Manager and Content Creator at Barry Ad Company, where she creates engaging content, manages social media and works in a fast-paced environment that has strengthened her organizational skills and ability to consistently produce quality work.

Building on her work at the Barry Ad Company, Kennedy recently landed an internship with Miami Swim Week, which she discovered through Handshake, a career resource introduced to her through the university. During Swim Week, she assisted designers backstage, helped dress models, coordinated quick changes and supported vendors, working alongside brands including Grubhub, Smartwater, Poppi and Grey Goose.

Her time at Miami Swim Week also led to valuable industry connections. Just weeks later, one of the designers she worked with recommended her for her first modeling casting call.

Now, Kennedy is looking ahead to New York Fashion Week. As she prepares for her first visit to New York City, she is excited to meet new people, build professional connections and experience everything Fashion Week has to offer.

A major part of Kennedy’s growth at the Barry Ad Company has been the mentorship she has received from Mea Allen, Director of the Barry Ad Company. As Kennedy continues developing her skills as a content creator, she credits Allen for creating an environment where she is encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas and learn through hands-on experience.

With each new experience, Kennedy is continuing to grow as a creative professional and discover new possibilities for her future. From the Barry Ad Company to Miami Swim Week and now New York Fashion Week, she is taking the skills, mentorship and connections she has gained at Barry with her wherever her career takes her.