How community helped me find the confidence I needed to succeed.

The first time I heard about New York Women in Communications was through my guidance counselor, who encouraged me to apply for a scholarship. At the time, my thinking was simple: I’m a woman studying communications in New York, so why not?

Sitting in the interview, however, my confidence quickly faded. I remember feeling nervous and questioning whether I truly belonged among professionals from such a prestigious organization. Like many students preparing to enter the workforce, I was excited about my future but uncertain about where I fit within the industry.

When I was selected as a scholarship recipient, I was surprised. Like many students, I initially viewed the scholarship as financial relief, a way to ease the burden of tuition at Columbia University while preparing for a career in an increasingly competitive field.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that the most valuable thing NYWICI would provide wasn’t financial support.

It was access.

For many young professionals, one of the biggest barriers to career growth isn’t a lack of ambition or talent. It’s a lack of exposure. We often know where we want to go, but we don’t always know what paths exist to get there. We don’t know who to ask for advice, how to build meaningful professional relationships, or what opportunities might be available beyond the ones immediately in front of us.

Building a community helps bridge that gap.

I was introduced to a network of women across the communications industry, from fellow students and early-career professionals to executives and industry leaders. Attending industry and networking events, I gained exposure to perspectives and career paths I might never have encountered otherwise.

One of the most valuable events was a career talk at Spotify where professionals spoke candidly about their work. It gave me a clearer understanding of how varied communications careers can be. Beyond the formal presentation, the event created opportunities for students and young professionals to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn about things that aren’t always taught in a classroom.

Equally meaningful were the relationships I built with peers. While networking is often associated with meeting senior leaders, some of the most impactful connections I made were with peers who were navigating the same uncertainties and challenges. We shared advice, encouraged one another through internships and job searches, and celebrated each other’s successes. Those relationships reminded me that professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professionals I never expected to meet, including HRH Princess Beatrice, Laura Brusca of Forbes, and Chelsea Orcutt of Bastion. What surprised me most was that these interactions didn’t end with a LinkedIn connection. In the months that followed, I was able to schedule conversations, seek advice, and continue building relationships with people who were genuinely invested in helping the next generation succeed.

These experiences taught me an important lesson: access creates opportunities, but relationships foster growth.

The most memorable conversation I had came from an unexpected source. Maria Ungaro of Licensing International, who had been one of my scholarship interviewers, agreed to meet with me after the interview process. During our conversation, she told me that she had loved my interview and encouraged me to be more confident in myself and my abilities.

I was shocked.

During the interview, I had assumed she was the toughest person in the room. Like many young professionals, I spent the entire time focusing on what I could have done better. Hearing her perspective forced me to confront something I hadn’t realized: how often we underestimate ourselves.

That conversation challenged the imposter syndrome I had carried throughout much of my academic and professional journey. It reminded me that confidence is about recognizing the value you already bring to the table.

This may be the most lasting thing this scholarship gave me: an environment where mentorship, community, and professional development could happen naturally.

If there’s one piece of advice I would give to young women entering the workforce, it’s to be kind to both others and yourself. Seek out mentors. Ask questions. Attend events, even when you’re nervous. Introduce yourself to people whose careers you admire. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to lean on your community.

Beyond any single program, in-person events and professional gatherings have consistently shaped how I’ve developed. During my time in Columbia University’s Strategic Communication program, events such as guest lectures, career talks, and the Winter Symposium provided opportunities to connect with professionals and classmates who were already working in the industry. These conversations offered valuable insights into different career paths and allowed me to learn from people navigating the challenges I hoped to face one day.

What made these experiences particularly meaningful was realizing that many of my peers were balancing full-time careers while pursuing graduate studies. Hearing their stories and learning from their own journeys helped me better understand the communications industry while also building friendships and professional relationships that continue beyond the classroom. These interactions reinforced an important lesson: community is not limited to formal networking events. It develops through shared experiences, mutual support, and simply taking the time to learn from those around you.

The accomplished professionals we admire today were once navigating the same uncertainties we face. Many remember what it felt like to be starting out, and many are eager to help the next generation succeed.

We may not have all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is continuing to learn, supporting one another, and leaving the door open for those who come after us.

Looking back, the most valuable thing I gained was the confidence that comes from being part of a community and learning how to trust the people around me – mentors, peers, and sometimes a stranger at awards dinners – who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself.

I have learned the opportunities that often change your career the most come when someone helps you see what’s possible.