Harbert junior earns Media Fellows Scholarship to study in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Media Scholars Foundation in Washington, D.C., has awarded Auburn University junior Trynnady Aldridge a Media Fellows Scholarship and an opportunity to study advertising and public policy with professionals in the nation’s capital.

Aldridge is a junior from Demopolis majoring in marketing and management at Auburn’s Harbert College of Business.

The scholarship, sponsored by leading media organizations and industry professionals, recognizes exceptional undergraduate students pursuing careers in media, communications, journalism, marketing, advertising, public policy and related fields. 

In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to meaningful professional development opportunities, industry connections and mentorship that help prepare them for successful careers.

Winning the scholarship “means a lot to me because it represents an opportunity to take the things I’ve been learning in the classroom and experience them in a completely different environment,” she said. “I’m someone who has always been interested in how media, communication, business and public service intersect, so being selected for a fellowship that brings those areas together feels especially meaningful.”

Aldridge is a second-year student but already has earned enough credits to be classified as a junior. While pursuing her double major in marketing and management, she is looking to earn minors in public relations, music business, psychology and organizational leadership. 

"Trynnady brings so much energy and perspective to the classroom," said Megan Sumners, instructor for the Professional Development in Management (MNGT 3010) course. "I am excited to work with her and see her thrive in the Harbert College of Business."

Additionally, she does social media work with Auburn’s Veterans Resource Center and with Harbert's Student Creator Program, while also involved in organizations such her leadership role with the Black Student Union.

Aldridge “is always looking for ways to tell better stories, amplify others and use her creativity to make an impact,” said Colvin Prince, Harbert’s social media manager.

“Trynnady’s greatest strengths are her communication skills, creativity and ability to build community. She consistently looks for opportunities to grow, get inspired and inspire others through her work,” he said.

A business career always has appealed to Aldridge, she said in describing what lured her to Harbert.

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“I chose Auburn because I saw it as a place where I could really grow into the kind of professional I wanted to become. Coming from Demopolis, I knew I wanted to challenge myself in a larger environment while still having access to a strong sense of community. Auburn’s Harbert College of Business stood out to me because I knew I wanted to build a career at the intersection of creativity, strategy and business."

Trynnady Aldridge, Harbert undergraduate and Media Fellows Scholarship recipient

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“I also had an advisor who was an Auburn alum, and she encouraged me to consider Auburn because she saw potential in me that I was still learning to recognize in myself,” Aldridge said. “That ultimately played a major role in my decision.”

She shared excitement about receiving the Media Fellows Scholarship.

“It gives me an opportunity to... build relationships outside of the Auburn community and gain a better understanding of how communication can influence organizations and the people they serve,” she said. “I hope to bring those experiences back to Auburn and continue using them to shape the type of marketer and manager I want to become.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a variety of goals and not just a good job.

“I also want my career to give me opportunities to work across different industries and audiences rather than limiting myself to one lane,” Aldridge said. “Long term, I’m interested in becoming a brand strategist or marketing leader who can turn data and research into creative ideas while also thinking about the larger business strategy behind them.”

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Learn more about undergraduate programs in the Harbert College of Business