From Military to a Marketing Major and plans for the future.

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Posted on December 5, 2023 by MCOB Outreach

MCOB Outreach

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"My name is DeKaila Stewart-Ruffin. I am a Marketing major at the University of South Alabama’s
Mitchell College of business. I came to the university after withstanding an injury that ended my military
career. Throughout my time at the University, I have enjoyed the smiling faces and gestures of kindness.

I began working in the Dean’s office as a student assistant in January 2023, which was followed by an
internship with the college’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Mrs. Dionne Castor. This
internship was an amazing opportunity as I have met some memorable peoples and have made some
valuable connections. I went into this internship without having much experience in social media,
however by the end I had gained knowledge can take with me anywhere.

I am making plans to work with two small businesses located in the Mobile Area after graduation, Donna
Lisa’s Sweets and Mary Stewart Consulting Group. I will be spearheading the social media platforms and
customer outreach programs for both these companies. I also plan to pursue a Master of
Communications from South’s College of Arts and Sciences.

I have a personal goal to start-up nonprofit co-working spaces in underserved and underprivileged
communities. The intention behind these co-working spaces is to provide an alternative and solution to
social welfare. These spaces will offer classes in financial health and literacy, skill/trade adoption, etc."

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