KENNESAW, Ga. | May 14, 2025
Kennesaw State University’s own **Valeria Ruiz**, a sophomore with a flair for the dramatic, is turning heads in the marketing world. Instead of the typical study sessions, Valeria engages in an exhilarating form of preparation—practicing presentations while spiraling on the **roller coasters at Six Flags Over Georgia**.
“As the day of the competition approaches, I intentionally put myself in nerves-inducing situations, giving me those familiar butterflies,” says Ruiz, who is ambitiously pursuing dual degrees in Marketing and Professional Sales at the Michael J. Coles College of Business. “Rehearsing my pitch mid-roller coaster gives me the confidence that I can perform beautifully on stage.”
The Perfect Pitch: Triumph at an International Level
All her high-stakes rehearsals culminated in a recent triumph—**Valeria claimed first place** in the **Perfect Pitch Competition** at the **2025 American Marketing Association (AMA) International Collegiate Conference** in New Orleans. Faced with the challenge of showcasing her candidacy to a panel of judges within just **90 seconds**, Ruiz outshone nearly 600 students from across the globe.
“I approached this competition with curiosity and a commitment to give it my all,” she reflects. “To emerge victorious was a surprising and thrilling moment that feels surreal.”
A Track Record of Success
Ruiz’s winning streak doesn’t stop with Perfect Pitch. In her brief two-year career at Kennesaw State, she has already made significant waves. Last fall, she secured **third place** in **TK Elevator’s annual competition**, where students had just one minute to pitch their personal brands. Just a week prior to her AMA victory, Valeria collaborated on a student team that developed and pitched a well-being mobile app, clinching a win there as well.
Not one to slow down, Ruiz is also the **Creative Production Manager** at **Ground Work**, a marketing agency operated by Coles College students. Balancing this role with her rigorous academic workload at the KSU Journey Honors College and two jobs showcases her extraordinary work ethic and commitment.
Mentorship and Future Leadership
Laurie Michaelson, a senior marketing lecturer at Kennesaw State, recognizes Valeria’s potential. “She’s destined to be a leader in this industry,” says Michaelson, who mentors Ruiz and serves as the faculty lead for Ground Work. “Her approach—tackling challenges with diligence and curiosity—will undoubtedly shape her future success.”
Building Bridges with Business Community
The **Department of Marketing and Professional Sales**, as well as the entire Coles College of Business, places a strong emphasis on enhancing career readiness. “By fostering **lasting relationships** with industry giants and facilitating networking opportunities, our students gain crucial insights into building professional connections,” Michaelson states. “This ensures that Kennesaw State and Coles College stand out among the competition.”
Valeria’s Winning Strategy
Ruiz’s winning Perfect Pitch was a masterclass in technique. She adeptly highlighted her varied skills, recounted a personal anecdote, and transitioned seamlessly into a compelling closing statement—all within the rapid pace of 90 seconds.
By the time the awards banquet rolled around, Valeria’s name rang out as the **competition winner**. For her, this victory represents more than just a personal accomplishment. “This win is not only a milestone for me; it amplifies Kennesaw State’s presence on the international stage. I’m proud to showcase what our university is capable of achieving,” she asserts.
– Story by Paul Floeckher
Photos provided and by Matt Yung
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As a leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 47,000 students. With a commitment to academic excellence, Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group in the U.S. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
