From athlete to digital storyteller – here's how I got here

I’m Nathalia Gadea, a Nicaraguan-born Advertising and Public Relations major at Lynn University with a passion for storytelling that blends creativity, cultural insight, and strategic thinking. As a four-time Dean's List honoree and District 4 NSAC competition winner, I bring academic excellence and hands-on communications experience into every project, from social media strategy to campaign development and brand writing.

Over the past four years, I've cultivated a personal brand as a digital creator, reaching over 40K followers on TikTok and generating 2.3 million impressions on Pinterest. I also lead content and communications efforts for institutions and agencies across the U.S. and Central America. My work spans content creation, public relations planning, video production, and event-based brand storytelling.

Fluent in English and Spanish, certified in Google Ads and Advertising Web Metrics, and proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Capcut, I bring creative vision and executional skill. Whether I'm building a narrative for a campaign or pitching a brand idea, I strive to create work that's compelling and rooted in purpose and connection.

Before I became a strategist and storyteller, I was an athlete. I grew up playing competitive volleyball and eventually made it to the Division 1 level and earned a spot on Nicaragua’s pre-national U19 and U21 teams in Nicaragua. Being part of a team taught me resilience, discipline, and how to communicate under pressure — lessons I carry into every campaign and collaboration. Sports gave me the confidence to lead and the humility to listen, shaping the way I show up in creative and professional spaces today.

Being part of a team at that level taught me the kind of discipline, resilience, and communication skills that no classroom could. Those lessons shaped the way I approach creative collaboration today: focused, fearless, and always ready to support the people around me.

Now, I use that same mindset to connect with people — whether it’s through content, pitches, or purposeful communication. My journey from the court to the creative world isn’t just about switching paths; it’s about evolving with intention. Every brand I work with benefits from the mindset I built as an athlete: goal-oriented, driven, and deeply rooted in teamwork and execution.

At Lynn University, I’ve taken on the role of Digital Media Ambassador, where I lead content strategy and production for Admissions’ social channels. Whether I’m capturing student life through Reels, scheduling campaigns, or covering campus events, I represent the university through a Gen Z lens — making sure every piece of content feels both personal and on-brand. I also work as a campus tour guide, giving prospective students and families an authentic, warm introduction to Lynn. These roles have taught me how to communicate clearly, connect meaningfully, and represent something bigger than myself.

Beyond campus, I continue to build my own platform as a digital content creator. I’ve learned how to balance creativity with consistency, turning everyday moments into engaging storytelling. My content focuses on lifestyle, humor, and educational insights — from skincare to college life to Latina identity — always rooted in authenticity. A big part of that work is helping international students navigate the U.S. college process through relatable, actionable content that makes them feel seen, informed, and supported. These experiences have helped me sharpen my voice, understand audiences, and create work that resonates across borders