Sharon Don knows that navigating career paths can feel overwhelming — like trying to juggle “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
In her keynote speech at the March 7 Women’s Leadership Program Conference, the Cal State Fullerton alum drew inspiration from the Oscar-winning film, using its themes to inspire future women in leadership.
Don has built a dynamic career while staying true to her passion for content creation. Supported by a Cal State Fullerton education, she has worked with brands like NBCUniversal, TBWA\Media Arts Lab — Apple’s advertising agency — Saatchi & Saatchi, and CollabWest, a branding and web design agency.
“CSUF has been an integral part of my growth, and coming back feels like a way to give back to the community that shaped my journey,” said Don ’15 (B.A. communications-advertising).
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Women’s Leadership Program in the College of Business and Economics prepares students to succeed in top leadership positions by providing them with individualized mentorship from a certified career coach and opportunities to network with industry leaders and develop their business skills through immersive seminars.
As a woman in branding and marketing, Don said that she understands the challenges of navigating a competitive and often male-dominated industry. However, she believes that confidence, resilience and mentorship are key to overcoming these barriers.
“For young women entering the field, my advice is simple: Trust in your abilities, don’t be afraid to speak up and seek out mentors who can help guide you. The industry may not always make it easy, but your perspective and contributions are valuable,” said Don.
She emphasized the importance of building a strong personal brand, encouraging students to focus on storytelling, adapt their brand as their careers evolve and understand their audience. She added that a well-defined personal brand will help students establish connections, communicate career goals and stand out in a competitive job market.
Arushi Patel, a third-year business administration student, said she appreciated Don’s expertise, especially her insights into how to respond to professional obstacles.
“One of the biggest takeaways was being proactive and brave — stepping out of your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally. Even if you don’t succeed, every experience is an opportunity to learn and improve,” said Patel.
Joining a Network of Titans
When it came time to choose a university, Don knew she wanted an institution that would challenge her academically while providing strong mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. Cal State Fullerton was the perfect choice.
As a student in the University Honors Program, Don valued the smaller class sizes and the opportunity to work closely with faculty experts.
“The connections I made with my colleagues in the University Honors Program and other student organizations were invaluable. Collaborating with like-minded peers not only enhanced my learning experience but also gave me a network of individuals who are now professionals in various industries,” said Don.
Beyond academics, Don was a part of the student-run agency PRactical ADvantage, a capstone course in the Department of Communications that provides students with hands-on training in public relations and advertising.
“In PRactical ADvantage, I had the opportunity to oversee projects and develop creative solutions for real-world advertising campaigns,” said Don. “My experiences on campus provided me with a strong foundation in leadership, time management and creative production.”