My Journey into advertising

Storyteller shaped by film, culture, and a curiosity that has taken me to 22 countries and counting. I create thoughtful, research driven work that helps brands tell stories people can relate to and feel. California raised me, shaped me, and taught me how impactful stories can be. I spent summers in the Bay Area biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, cruising Mission Street, and visiting the beaches of Pacifica. Those early experiences, surrounded by family, culture, and constant movement, sparked my curiosity about people and the worlds they inhabit.

becoming a storyteller

My curiosity continued to grow as I studied Sociology at UC Santa Barbara and later settled in East Los Angeles to pursue my master’s degree at USC. Whether I am visiting my sisters in San Diego and San Jose or traveling abroad, I am always seeking perspectives beyond my own. I am a lifelong lover of all things pop culture, and someone who believes learning is essential to growth. Growing up in a large family also taught me the importance of empathy, adaptability, and continuous learning.

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Where I Am Now

Entertainment has always been central to my life. I have been watching movies since I was a baby, and over time that love evolved into a deeper interest in how stories are told, shared, and experienced. Today, I research trends and create content for the USC PRISM program while also working for a tutoring company. Through my studies in Public Relations and Advertising at USC, I have developed strong skills in storytelling, brand representation, research, and audience engagement with a focus on clarity, authenticity, and intention.

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I bring a thoughtful, research driven approach to creative work that blends cultural awareness with strategic communication. My background allows me to help brands and organizations tell stories that feel genuine, connect emotionally, and reflect their values in a constantly evolving media landscape.

Fun facts about me

Strategy or creativity — which do you lean toward?

I believe both creativity and strategy are essential for an effective campaign. Creativity helps generate original ideas and allows brands to stand out, while strategy ensures those ideas are purposeful and aligned with clear goals. Together, they create a balanced approach where innovative thinking is supported by a strong plan for execution. The most successful campaigns are those that think beyond the expected while staying focused on delivering measurable results.

What is a campaign you wish you made?

A campaign I wish I had created, or at least been part of, is Dove’s Real Beauty campaign. What stands out to me is its focus on authentic representation and its commitment to showing a diverse range of body types, ages, and identities. The campaign challenged traditional beauty standards and shifted the conversation toward inclusivity and self-acceptance. I admire how it combined a strong social message with effective brand storytelling, creating work that resonated on both a cultural and emotional level. It is a great example of how advertising can go beyond selling a product and instead build trust, spark conversation, and support women’s self-esteem.

What is your favorite ad of all time?

Definitely has to be the iconic 2004 Super Bowl Pepsi ad featuring Beyoncé, Britney Spears, P!NK, and Enrique Iglesias. I remember rewatching that commercial over and over again as a kid because it felt so larger than life. It was such a defining pop culture moment, bringing together some of the biggest music icons of the time in one dramatic, cinematic setting. Seeing my favorite pop stars transformed into gladiators in a colosseum made it feel like worlds were colliding in the best way. Even now, it stands out to me as a perfect example of how advertising can be bold, memorable, and culturally impactful.

What is your favorite thing to do with a free day?

Whenever I get a free day, I love heading to the movie theater and fully putting my AMC A-List membership to use. There is something about seeing a film on the big screen that makes the whole experience feel more immersive and exciting. An ideal day for me is a full movie marathon with back to back blockbusters, settling into my seat with a large popcorn and a pack of cold Junior Mints. I enjoy everything from big-budget releases to more character-driven stories, and I like keeping up with what is new in theaters. It is one of my favorite ways to relax, unplug, and get inspired by different styles of storytelling.

What is something you cannot live without?

One thing I cannot live without is sugar. I have a serious sweet tooth, and combined with my love of baking, it usually means I am making or eating some kind of dessert. I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, trying new recipes, and finding ways to make classic desserts even better. Baking is both a creative outlet and a way for me to unwind, and I love sharing what I make with friends and family. If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be tiramisu. I love the balance of coffee, cocoa, and cream, and I am always on the lookout for the best version or an excuse to make it myself.

Below are some photos I took on my vacations around the world! Exploration and travel is very important to me because it allows me to see the world from new perspectives.

Nola Rivas

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