Class of 2026 Broomies Reflect on the Program
The 7th cohort of the Broom Student Fellows closes for the spring 2026 cohort after a year marked by growth, collaboration and professional development. Fellows leave the program with stronger skills, sharper confidence and a clearer sense of leadership. That growth came through hands-on experience, mentorship and industry engagement.
The 2026 Broom Student Fellows -- Ava Armstrong, Vivia Gomez, Cambell Kirk and Brooke O'Leary -- share their top takeaways from the program.
Leadership and growth
Cambell Kirk reflected on the leadership skills the program strengthened throughout the semester. Through conversations with industry professionals, Kirk gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with confidence and authenticity in the public relations field.
The program offered fellows an opportunity to hear candid insights from professionals at every stage of their careers, reinforcing the idea that growth does not end once someone reaches a leadership position.
“Being surrounded by such accomplished professionals and passionate peers showed me the value of always being willing to learn,” Kirk said. “Even 5, 10 or 15 years into their careers, the best leaders we met never stopped asking questions or looking for ways to continue learning.”
Adapting to the industry
Ava Armstrong reflected on not just how to use artificial intelligence, but when to use it. Conversations throughout the program emphasized critical thinking and the responsibility that comes with new tools like chatbots. AI should support human judgment, not replace it. At agencies like Allison, fellows saw firsthand how these tools are already embedded into daily work and how valuable they can be when used intentionally. For Armstrong, this reinforced the foundation of public relations as taught by Dr. Glen Broom, where ethical communication and responsibility remain central.
“Ethical communication is rooted in honesty and integrity. Dr. Broom’s legacy lives on through us as we choose to use AI tools thoughtfully, for the greater benefit of those we work with and ourselves,” Armstrong said.
At the same time, discussions like Fred Cook’s “Mind the Gap” session at the PRSSA regional conference highlighted the growing divide between generations in how communication is approached. Cook emphasized the importance of listening, being open and building relationships that foster understanding.
Networking and relationships
Vivian Gomez learned more about the value of networking in the public relations industry. Following a meeting with Kemi Giwa, SDSU alumna and current senior manager of policy communications at Chime Financial, she spoke about the complexities and nuances of speaking with journalists, leadership and clients in between.
All to say, networking is the heartbeat of public relations. By building strong relationships with colleagues and those around you, it becomes easier to cultivate meaningful connections. This allows you to turn an acquaintance into a friend, which can extends to potential collaboration.
“Before this program, networking was always such a fear and intimidation of mine,” Gomez said. “It now seems a lot less worrying now that I’ve met so many kind people in the industry just wanting the best for you.”
Real-world experience
Broom Fellow Brooke O’Leary reflected on the value of stepping outside the classroom and seeing the public relations industry in action. Throughout the program, fellows had the opportunity to tour agencies in both San Diego and New York City, including Allison and Edelman. She gained a firsthand look at different agencies, client work and career paths within the industry. These visits helped connect JMS classroom lessons with real professional settings.
“Being able to step outside the classroom and into real agency spaces helped me understand what a career in PR can actually look like,” O’Leary said. “It made everything we have learned feel more real, and reminded me of the importance of staying curious and adaptable.”
While in New York, the fellows were able to job-shadow team members at bread & Butter, a creative agency. This offered a closer look at what public relations work looks like behind the scenes in a major city like New York. Fellows were able to observe the daily tasks at an agency, from collaboration and client work to the smaller details.
Takeaways
The 14 weeks of memories, mentorship and guidance were nothing short of influential for each fellow’s individual journey.
Broom Student Fellows leave with more than business cards and professional connections. They leave with a lasting tie to the program and look forward to a role in shaping the fellows who come after them.
Help from our friends
The Broom Student Fellow program honors the legacy of Dr. Glen M. Broom and the standard of leadership he set for the profession. We recognize the practitioners and mentors who continue to invest in its students. The program also extends gratitude to Dr. Betty Broom for her continued support and commitment.
Their dedication, guidance and investment into the program make these transformative experiences possible for each graduating cohort of fellows.
Their commitment to investing in the next generation of public relations professionals leaves a lasting impact on every fellow who takes part in the program.
