When I was deciding where to attend college, one of the defining reasons I chose American University’s School of Communication was its unparalleled access to immersive, real-world opportunities. As a student eager to explore every avenue of the media landscape, I found myself drawn to the newly launched CNN newsroom just a few miles from campus. I applied for an internship with the hope of getting my foot in the door – and with the support and preparation I received at AU – I did. 

There, I gained hands-on experience in everything from operating cameras to interviewing politicians. I was learning by doing, convinced that I had found my calling in broadcast news. But as many SOC alumni know, the path forward is rarely linear. 

After graduation, I moved to New York City, filled with optimism. After about fifty interviews and zero job offers later, I was facing rejection and uncertainty. Despite the disappointment, I tacked the list of failed interviews onto a bulletin board as both motivation and proof that I was at least trying – and I continued to do just that. That perseverance eventually led me to a role at graphic design studio, and as I advanced professionally, I took on new opportunities, exploring roles across various industries and building my network along the way.  

Every twist and turn in my journey lead me to challenging and rewarding opportunities – developing Turner Broadcasting’s first licensed promotions team, becoming Nickelodeon’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, launching Viacom’s first global consumer products division, and now, serving as President & CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences at Paramount. 

If there’s one lesson I’ve carried through it all, it’s this: a career in communications is a journey of reinvention. The skills you build are cumulative, the detours often become defining moments and the relationships you forge can shape your entire trajectory. 

This year’s 30 Under 30 honorees embody that spirit. Andy Serrato, Hannah Rabinowitz, Nana Gongadze, Paige Kaiser and Veronica Castro are each charting distinct paths defined by curiosity, creativity and courage. Whether shaping political narratives, driving innovation or creating meaningful content, they represent the next generation of leaders who are not only ready for what’s next – they’re helping shape it. 

Being named to this list isn’t just a nod to what they’ve already achieved – it’s a recognition of their limitless potential. Their work is already making a mark, and their impact will only grow. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments today and excited to follow their stories as they continue to unfold. 

To this year’s honorees: congratulations. Your journeys are just beginning, and the future is yours to write. 

Learn more about Pam Kaufman.

Andy Serrato 

Marketing Strategy Manager at Disney Cruise Line

Public Relations and Strategic Communication, BA ‘16  

Andy Serrato is a Marketing & Brand strategist at the Walt Disney Company. A people-first leader, he considers partnership and relationship building as the foundation in his work. Andy is currently a Marketing Strategy Manager at Disney Cruise Line, which is in a period of ambitious growth. In his free time, Andy enjoys global travel, live music, popular culture, and cruises. 

Hannah Rabinowitz 

Producer/CNN 

Journalism, BA ‘20 

Hannah Rabinowitz is a producer covering the Justice Department and federal law enforcement for CNN. Her work includes reporting on criminal investigations, high profile national security threats and Justice Department lawsuits. 

Nana Gongadze

Digital Communications Specialist, The German Marshall Fund 

Public Relations and Strategic Communication, BA ‘19 

Nana Gongadze has worked as a communications professional in media, advocacy and international affairs in Washington DC since 2019. She began her career in communications at the media company Axios, and was subsequently Head of Advocacy Communications for Razom for Ukraine, where she ran communications for the team’s campaign for US assistance to Ukraine during the full-scale invasion. She is current Digital Communications Specialist at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, where she manages the think tank’s 165,000+ follower strong social media presence. She is the author of multiple editorials that have been published in top Ukrainian media outlet, Ukrainska Pravda, and she is member of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian journalism award, The Georgiy Gongadze Prize. 

Paige Kaiser 

Creator/VaynerMedia 

Public Relations and Strategic Communication, BA ‘23 

Since graduating AU, Paige has gone on to work at VaynerMedia, a creative media agency focused on producing social-first content that drives cultural relevance for brands on a global scale. She works as a content creator, so she is in the weeds doing graphic design and video production for socials on brands like Pepsi and Cheetos. 

Veronica Castro  

Events Marketing Manager, Optica 

Communication Studies, ‘20 

Veronica J. Castro is the Manager of Events Marketing at Optica, where she leads global conference promotions and drives digital engagement across platforms. Previously, she enhanced American University’s School of Communication’s online presence through data-driven content strategy. Her background spans roles in fashion tech, e-commerce, freelance marketing, and public service. Fluent in Spanish, Veronica brings over five years of experience creating bilingual content and leading social media campaigns across diverse sectors.

As part of the School of Communication at American University’s 30th Anniversary celebration, we are excited to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our alumni community. To mark this incredible milestone, we are honoring “30 Under 30” exceptional young alumni who represent the future of communication.