October 31 | Rising Creatives
Join us on October 31 as 5 students and recent graduates kickstart their speaking career by sharing a story, whether it’s a project, idea, process, lesson, or source of inspiration!
Danny Askin is a Senior in the Graphic Design Program at UCF with a passion for learning and exploring new mediums of creativity. As a student, they enjoy screen printing, film photography, and anything hands-on that gets them off the computer for a while. Outside of class, they love movies, cooking, and going to local events
Gabriella Pedraza is a recent graduate from Full Sail University in Media Communications. Before Full Sail, she studied Journalism and Political Science at UCF but dropped out, taking a gap year to work and save money while figuring out her path. That detour led her to pursue her passion for music and entertainment, and since then has produced music videos, released her own music (Mujer Del Sol), worked with Immigration Records during the Latin Grammys, and co-founded her own production company, Intentional Productions.
McKenzie Working has a heart for staying soft-hearted towards others. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in summer 2025 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Emerging Media: Graphic Design Track. She currently works as a graphic designer and photographer at Orange County Utilities where she enjoys creating print and digital designs, capturing photos at events, and working with her team. In her free time, she loves linocut printmaking, tending to her houseplants, and reading fiction books.
Dawson Therre is a 22-year-old Journalism major at the University of Central Florida who has already made a notable mark as a published author. His debut full-length novel “You can recognize late September by how the leaves whistle just right, kindly to the wind” explores themes of grief and coming of age. Though still early in his career, Dawson’s work suggests a talent for voice‑driven stories that speak to the young adult experience. A young writer and journalist in the making, Dawson is carving out his own lane through both nonfiction (journalism) and fiction, with the promise of many more stories ahead.
Morgan Mullen is a graphic designer and illustrator from Orlando, Florida. She graduated this past May from UCF with her BFA in Emerging Media with a specialization in Graphic Design. In her current role as a Digital Designer at CELSIUS, she collaborates on and carries out digital campaigns and initiatives for Alani Nutrition. With her previous roles as a Senior Graphic Design & Illustration Associate Scholar at Limbitless Solutions and President of the Graphic Design Student Association at UCF, Morgan discovered her drive to foster communities and design solutions that help others feel seen.
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