How I networked my way into meeting my favorite influencer, a top journalist and CEOs

Desiree Waters, PR ‘26, participated in CJCxNYC Immersive Fall 2025.

During my time in the CJCxNYC fall immersion, networking became part of my routine. The conversations I had, the rooms I stepped into, and the people I met will be essential to my future. And honestly? Some of those moments still don’t feel real.

It starts by saying, YES, yes to any extra opportunities to connect with people. The immersion program already offers opportunities to meet leaders. Still, my first unexpected connection came when I agreed to attend the Diversity Action Alliance G.E.M.S. event, where I met UF alumni and top public relations executives who genuinely cared about helping students step into the industry.

Be Confident 

I had to be confident in the room, feel like I belonged and soak in all the conversations I could, and I met amazing people. I wasn’t shy about sharing my story and expressing my goals while also listening to theirs. Networking is more than just introducing yourself; it’s about understanding people and building connections. 

After the event, I followed up intentionally—not with a generic thank-you, but with thoughtful messages tied to our conversations and asking for coffee chats. One alum I reached out to, with whom I was trying to schedule a coffee chat, had schedules that weren’t aligning because I was headed to CultureCon that weekend. I mentioned it casually, and that small detail opened a completely unexpected door: she invited me to an invite-only pre-CultureCon event.

Be Bold

After another “yes,” I found myself surrounded by creatives, executives, and culture shifters. And then, after connecting with more industry favorites and soaking in the absolute coolest PR job in person, in walked the CEO and Founder of CultureCon herself, Imani Ellis. She was literally five feet away from me. I knew I may not have this much access to her at CultureCon, so I had to be bold. 

I slid over and introduced myself to her, and we actually had a conversation. That moment taught me that sometimes the only thing standing between you and opportunity is fear.

Be Yourself

A few days later, during Advertising Week, I had one of my favorite full-circle moments. I met Speedy Morman. If you know me, you know he’s one of my favorite journalists and content creators. Speedy has interviewed just about all the big names you can think of, from Barack Obama to LeBron James. But I’m also a fan of his cozy social media persona.

This time, I did freeze and had a bit of a fangirl moment, but only for a moment. After I talked myself down, I knew an impromptu selfie wasn’t enough, so when his session was over, I tapped him on the shoulder and had an entire conversation with him about journalism and more. I didn’t freeze or fangirl; I just talked to him like I’d talk to anyone I respected. We had an actual conversation that didn’t feel forced.

That moment was a little luck but also confidence in being myself. I got his attention by saying, “Hey Stink,” his signature for his followers.

Be Consistent

Throughout the semester, I kept building on the connections I made, whether through a DM, an email, or a quick follow-up message. Most people responded quickly, but one executive—someone I really admired and wanted to speak with again—was much harder to lock down. Her schedule was packed, our meeting kept getting rescheduled, and it felt like everything was working against the timing. I tried, but life and calendars were calendaring.

And then—she appeared at one of our last PR visits.

During Q&A, instead of hesitating, I raised my hand and asked. Right there in front of everyone, could we still schedule time to talk?

I believe she saw my persistence differently. After navigating her very full calendar, we finally scheduled a phone call, and it became one of the most valuable conversations I’ve had. She has 20+ years in the industry, and the advice she shared reminded me that this field is equally about relationship-building as it is about skill. She was very present and insisted I keep in touch. I now have her personal cell number.

Be Ready

Networking in NYC taught me that the city opens doors for people who are prepared when the opportunity arises, not for those who wait for permission.

Every conversation was a chance. Every room held potential. Every moment felt like a step toward becoming the professional I want to be.

The CJCxNYC program gave me access, but I had to walk through the doors. If you’re lucky enough to spend a day, week or semester in New York, lean in. Say “yes.” Be confident, be bold, be yourself, be consistent and be ready. You never know where a connection can take you.

Category: CJCxNYC Student Blogs, Student Author
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