Melanie Gilbreath is a sophomore at the University of Georgia pursuing a B.A. in Advertising at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Through her coursework, she’s explored how research, audience insights, and creative messaging work together to build strong brand identities. She’s passionate about using creativity to spark connection and drive impact, believing that great advertising doesn’t just sell, it starts conversations.

In class, she’s developed projects focused on strategic thinking, message design, and digital storytelling—gaining hands-on experience in moving ideas from concept to execution. She’s also completed certifications in Google Analytics, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Inclusive Typography, which have equipped her with tools to create content that’s both visually engaging and data-informed.

These experiences have shaped her understanding of the advertising world and deepened her interest in the relationship between media, message, and audience. Melanie is excited to keep learning through both coursework and real-world opportunities. Her goal is to work in brand strategy or social media, where she can help brands create purposeful campaigns that connect with people on a personal level and leave a lasting impact.