By Tiffany Gonzalez, DLE Communications Intern and Junior at Arizona State University

My name is Tiffany Gonzalez, and I’m a third-year student at Arizona State University, attending the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. I’m majoring in journalism and mass communication with a minor in business, and I am incredibly grateful to join the Dulye Leadership Experience as the new Communications Intern. Being part of a team so deeply committed to leadership, growth, and meaningful impact is an honor.

As a kid growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I remember always telling my mom that I was going to be a chef and an author, dreaming up fantasy food stories and imaginary worlds. While the chef title may still be on hold, one of my childhood dreams that is becoming my reality is being a storyteller.

Storytelling has clearly always been at the center of who I am, even before I knew people got paid for it. During my high school years, my mom insisted I join an extracurricular activity. I chose the school newspaper–reluctantly, at first. But through experience, I discovered a love for telling the stories of the students around me, uncovering perspectives and experiences. 

That passion followed me to college, where I continued developing my skills by writing for Arcadia News, a local community newspaper serving the Arcadia neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona, that covers neighborhood issues, events, and local stories. I am also a student writer for ASU Enterprise Partners and ASU Global Initiatives, where I help produce stories highlighting programs, people, and community impact connected to Arizona State University.

Stepping into my role at the DLE has already strengthened my confidence in my career choice and introduced me to the real world of journalism. As a college student, it can sometimes be difficult to fully grasp, or even imagine, what professional life in journalism looks like. Being part of the DLE has helped bridge that gap, offering hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how storytelling plays a role beyond lecture halls.

While journalism and writing make up about 75% of who I am, I also enjoy watching movies, sightseeing, and most importantly eating. I’m definitely a foodie and am always on the lookout for new recipes or new places to try–especially ones I’ve read or heard about. Most of all, I’m extremely excited to be a part of the DLE community and to contribute in ways that may be new to me, while continuing to grow alongside the DLE team.