2023 MS in Professional Writing Convocation Award Recipients

The Professional Writing Impact Award is presented to a graduating student in the MS in Professional Writing who has demonstrated a commitment to writing and communication endeavors that seek to impact society in positive ways. As the 2023 awardee, Brandi D. Addison's pivot to environmental reporting has included topics of agriculture, wildlife conservation, sustainability, and natural resources. Brandi is the regional agriculture and environmental reporter for the USA TODAY network in West Texas, regularly contributing to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Amarillo Globe News and Abilene Reporter-News. She was also the first contributor for Dallas Morning News' hyperlocal project and began her career at the Midland Reporter-Telegram. She has bylines in the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. While in the MS in Professional Writing, Brandi was a student leader in the Online Writing & Languages Society (OWLS) as social media coordinator. She received her journalism undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University.

Vivian Udeh was selected as Flag Bearer for the MS in Professional Writing in recognition of her outstanding academic performance and active participation as a student. During her studies, Vivian worked as a UX writing intern at Google, where she conducted a language audit of the premium experience on the YouTube TV app. She also participated in a 12-week invite-only content design mentorship program at Meta, where she honed her skills with a team of seasoned UX writers. Vivian was active as a student leader of the Online Writing & Languages Society (OWLS) in the positions of Secretary (2022), GSC Representative (2022/2023), and Vice President (2023). Before pivoting to UX writing, Vivian worked as an advertising copywriter for Meristem Nigeria and Leadway Assurance–two top brands in the Nigerian capital market and insurance industries. Vivian is excited to continue her career as a UX Writer after graduation.

To learn more about the MS in Professional Writing program at NYU School of Professional Studies, visit sps.nyu.edu/mspw