PRSSA Kent Chapter President wins internship, scholarship

The American Advertising Federation’s Cleveland Chapter selected Kent State University student Cindy Deng for its David Stashower/Marcus Thomas LLC Internship Award.


Deng, a public relations senior, serves as the president for Kent State’s Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. To earn the internship, including both a stipend of $2,500 and a $500 scholarship, Deng compiled a press kit about herself.


“Cindy Deng is an amazing example of the value that passion, drive, commitment and an ounce of creativity can add to the skills obtained in a college education,” Todd Saperstein, president of the AAF-Cleveland Education Foundation, said. “It is that extra little something, the above and beyond, that sense that you get from a candidate whose desire to be phenomenal has no boundaries. Through her presentation, Cindy Deng has shown us that she is one of those unique individuals. She has been recognized because she deserves to be recognized. We are proud and pleased to recognize Cindy Deng as the first recipient of the David Stashower/Marcus Thomas LLC Internship Award.”


“I was ecstatic when I found out I won,” Deng said. “It’s cool that I was able to impress people in a different industry. I can’t wait learn and grow and face new experiences during my internship.”


Deng previously interned at Felber PR & Marketing and worked as a communications assistant for Kent State University Libraries. She has never had the opportunity to work with advertising professionals, and she is looking forward to seeing a different side of marketing communications, Deng said.


“I’m excited to be working with the professionals from AAF,” Deng said. “They are big influencers in the industry, and they will help me step up my game so that I can become an influencer myself someday.”


The American Advertising Federation (AAF) is a national advertising trade association, boasting a membership of more than 45,000 students and professionals. The Cleveland Chapter has been active for more than 100 years, offering professionals a chance to network and creatively solve marketing communications challenges in Northeast Ohio.


AAF-Cleveland recognized Deng at its inaugural winner at its ADDY Awards Show Thursday, Feb. 20.

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