My Story
Hello there! My name is Ellia [pronounced ELL-lee-uh]. For over 20 years, Jackson, Tennessee, has been my home. Growing up, I was homeschooled and took part in various local and regional activities. I participated in youth soccer in Humboldt, practiced Ryukyu Kempo karate in Jackson, learned violin and piano in Memphis, and performed Celtic harp with the Birdsong Harp Ensemble in Camden. Additionally, I played violin in the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra for six years and was concertmaster for two seasons. Life back then was a little chaotic, but it was also so fulfilling to my soul.
Education
Following in the footsteps of my four older siblings, I was a dual enrollment student at Jackson State Community College (JSCC). In May 2019, I earned the Jackson State International Ambassador Scholarship and studied English Comp/Analysis in Japan with TNCIS. I graduated cum laude from JSCC in 2021 with an associate degree in general science.
Next, I attended the University of Memphis (UofM) at the Lambuth Campus. As an undergrad, I worked with Lambuth Student Services as a marketing intern, participated on the Campus Activities Board, and was a member of the Lambuth Honors Advisory Council. I graduated magna cum laude with University Honors from the UofM in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.
This all leads me to today. I’m a recent graduate of the UofM where I studied Integrated Strategic Media—a nationally ranked master's program—under the Department of Journalism & Strategic Media. I also earned a graduate certificate in Social Media Analysis and Strategies while completing my M.A. While I was a full-time student, I was the Graduate Assistant of Student Engagement for Student Services and Residence Life on the UofM Lambuth Campus. In May 2025, I was awarded the Pennington Scholarship and the Graduate Study Abroad Scholarship which went towards the UofM Journalism in Mainz program where I studied Media Effects & Communication in Germany.
Awards and Honors:
April 2025
Pennington Scholarship, UofM Department of Journalism
Graduate Study Abroad Scholarship, UofM
December 2023
Graduated with University Honors, UofM Helen Hardin Honors College
April 2023
Outstanding Lambuth Public Relations Student Award, UofM
Outstanding Shared Media Award, UofM
University of Memphis Dean's List
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Spring 2023
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Fall 2022
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Spring 2022
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Fall 2021
April 2019
Jackson State International Ambassador Scholarship, JSCC
Jackson State Community College Dean's List
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Spring 2021
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Spring 2020
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Fall 2019
Mission Statement
To build lasting bridges between the digital and social world by connecting people through creativity, storytelling, and analytics.