How has your undergrad experience at UNLV been thus far?

I have enjoyed my undergrad experience at UNLV. I am three years into the college experience, and I believe I’m making the most of it. I am achieving academically while getting involved in organizations on campus. Besides being a member and leader of UNLV AMA, I am also the Vice President of the Honors Student Council, the Marketing Director for Books, Beverages, and Bites (BBB), and the Lead Peer Mentor for the Harrah College of Hospitality. I love participating in competitions both individually and with a team. I’ve enjoyed all the opportunities that UNLV provides! I’ve been able to meet AMAzing students, professors, and professionals because of my involvement on campus, which has truly made my experience unforgettable.

What has been your highlight as President of AMA?

As the President of AMA, I have been able to work with a team of highly skilled and ambitious students to provide marketing opportunities to UNLV students on campus. I enjoy working with my executive officer board and planning meetings, tours, workshops, fireside chats, and more! All the officers are tremendous students and leaders within the UNLV community. Another highlight of being the President is working with the award-winning Case Team. This was my third year being part of the team! I am truly so grateful to compete and collaborate with the best students in the Lee Business School. I also enjoy planning and participating in the annual UNLV AMA Western Regional Collegiate Conference focused on experiential marketing. Our annual conference was from February 1 to February 3, 2024! AMA members were able to tour and experience AREA 15, Top Golf, and the Black Fire Innovation Center. Students in the Lee Business School competed in competitions as well as listened to a keynote speaker who has extensive experience in the marketing field.

How was this past AMA competition?

The 2024 American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference (ICC) in New Orleans, Louisiana, was AMAzing!

1. The UNLV AMA Case Team won 2nd place out of 74 teams in the 2024 Collegiate Case Competition! Congratulations to the following case team members: Ethan Phui, Martin Alvarez, Emmanuel Becerra, Daniela Cassidy, Gavin Froehlich, Ramhae Andrea Awit, Monica Avila, Isabella Adriano, Andres Carrasco, Hieu Nguyen, and Malik Hassan! Our team owes a lot of gratitude and thankfulness to Dr. John Schibrowsky and Dr. Nadia Pomirleanu for preparing us for this competition. Special shoutout to the case team members who presented in New Orleans: Ethan Phui, Martin Alvarez, Christen Smith, Daniela Cassidy, and Emmanuel Becerra.
2. Andres Carrasco won 2nd place in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.
3. I (Christen Smith) was recognized with Honorable Mention for the Perfect Pitch Competition.
4. I (Christen Smith) won the 2024 Student Marketer of the Year Award.
5. UNLV AMA was recognized with Honorable Mention for the Social Impact Video Competition and the Collegiate Website Competition.
6. UNLV AMA is a Top 5 Chapter out of 320+ Collegiate AMA Chapters worldwide!

What are your plans for the future? (Marketing, personal life, and academia)

I have one year left of college before graduation. I plan to enter more competitions and continue making memories with my AMA chapter. After graduation, I plan to attend law school and work as in-house counsel for a hotel on the Las Vegas strip. I will work within hospitality, eventually becoming a C-suite officer. I cannot wait for my future career!