Hearing that Tulane University senior Chelsea Zesch would be networking with influential alumni at Career Wave 2013, her grandmother had one suggestion: wear a red jacket.
Zesch (LA ’13) took that advice, and she stood out – one alumnus told an event organizer that he wanted “to talk to the girl in the red jacket.” But what really makes Zesch shine is her energy, optimism and work ethic.
“I enjoy talking to people and learning why they love what they do,” Zesch says. That’s because she is so passionate about what she does.
At Tulane, Zesch volunteered her talent for marketing to raise thousands of dollars for the fight against cancer and promote an adult education program for Latino immigrants. More than just good for the community, the volunteer work – combined with her use of Tulane’s Career Services Center – helped her land a coveted internship at advertising agency Grey New York after graduation.
Zesch served as a committee leader for three years in Relay for Life of NOLA Universities – a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society at Tulane and several nearby colleges. In Relay for Life, teams compete throughout the year to raise the most money.
Every year that Zesch has been involved, Relay for Life of NOLA Universities has exceeded its goal. She helped raise over $60,000 this year.
“We were able to do something so powerful,” Zesch says.
Zesch also volunteered at the non-profit Oportunidades NOLA during her senior year. The adult-education program helps recent Latino immigrants transition to life in New Orleans. Zesch developed the organization’s social media marketing strategy and designed its language-exchange program.
Zesch graduated from Tulane in May, majoring in Spanish and Asian Studies. She is fluent in Spanish and speaks Mandarin.
She is excited about the future but will miss Tulane. For the past four years, she has been surrounded by classmates who are always willing to try new experiences and get involved in the community.
“Tulane has a passionate student body,” she says. “Everyone is so driven and excited.”