My name is Branda Nong and I am a recent graduate from Texas State University. I pursued a B.S in Digital Media Innovation with a minor in Business Administration. I was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas and I’m a first generation Vietnamese-American.​ For as long as I can remember, the digital world has been a part of my life. I grew up on the internet writing blogs and stories, coding, building online communities for my favorite MMO/MMORPG games, editing, and so much more. It was my escape. As I got older, I watched the digital landscape evolve into something bigger. Many of my favorite games and communities were no longer supported, and the rise of social media took over. Suddenly, connecting had a deeper meaning to it. Platforms like YouTube, Google, and Facebook expanded, shifting into mobile apps that became part of everyday life. I watched the Web 2.0 evolve into what it is today.

The creativity, innovation, and sense of community in the digital space inspired me, and I knew it would always be part of who I am. As I got older, I started exploring passions outside the digital world. Fashion, all things beauty, art, music, social justice, and advocating for under-represented groups. When I attended college, I wanted to study something that allowed my creativity to flow and give me opportunities to remain connected to my interests.  I was fortunate to discover Digital Media Innovation. This program was the perfect blend of technology, creativity, and communication. I learned everything from digital storytelling and social media strategy to UX design, web development, and data analytics. The hands-on approach gave me the chance to work with real-world tools and projects, and keep up with the fast-changing digital space. It wasn’t just about learning the latest technical skills, but also about understanding how to use it to further communicate with people and tell stories.

As I navigated through school and my career, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’m a self-starter, curious, and always looking to step out of my comfort zone. I thrive on creativity, storytelling, and meaningful connections. More than anything, I’m passionate about continuous growth and finding ways to uplift and support those around me .