From Art to Impact: Kate Falkowski Named 2025 Inclusion in Digital Marketing Scholar

2025 Inclusion In Digital Marketing Scholarship

This year, we were honored to have the largest number of scholarship applicants yet. And while we (sadly) don’t have the funds to support all the many qualified applicants, please know that we see you out there working hard to make change in your circles of influence. We are rooting for your success and need the change you want to bring to the world of digital marketing. 

In 2025, our annual Inclusion in Digital Marketing Scholarship is being awarded to Kate Maria Falkowski, a Sr. at Monmouth University, majoring in Graphic and Interactive design. 

Kate’s love for inclusive design and her ability to utilize her skills to support and provide value to her community were clearly evident. She brings her passion for using design to create human connection to a variety of spaces, including another one of her interests, sports. Another arena where both diversity and inclusion are greatly needed.  Currently, she volunteers as the social media assistant and photographer for Neumann University’s Roller Hockey team and Monmouth University’s Surf Club.

While growing up, art was an essential part of how Kate related to others, and it helped lead her to select a career in digital design. 

“I was able to use art as an outlet to explore my multicultural identity and connect with others regardless of ethnic background. That early love for creating led me to pursue graphic design as an adult.”

Her work ethic was also apparent, as she took a slightly less traditional path, first obtaining her A.A.S. in Interface Design and Web Development at a community college, before moving on to a four-year school. 

“My academic journey has been shaped by hands-on experience and a passion for user-centered and inclusive designs that emphasize functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Once I complete my studies, my long-term goal is to work in UI/UX app design or in marketing design for a professional sports team, where visual communication directly influences both fans and the brand as a whole.”

More about Kate and her perspective on marketing:

When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

“There were so many things I wanted to be when I was a kid! I wanted to be an astronomer, a baker, an artist, and a superstar athlete, just to name a few. I think ultimately pursuing a career in graphic/interactive design and marketing has given me a great opportunity to explore lots of different fields while doing something I love!”

What first sparked your interest in the marketing field?

“Drawing has always been a hobby of mine, and my interest in marketing started when I decided to start sharing and selling my work online. I wanted to be able to connect my work with a larger audience and, with that, have others connect with what I was creating. This extended to other areas of my life and, especially following my internship as a social media manager, I’ve made it a priority to learn how to reach others both in person and in online spaces. 

Design has always been more than a skillset to me. It represents a means of connection, expression, and visibility that spans across multiple communities and online spaces.”

How have you seen marketing positively or negatively affect yourself and/or the lives of those around you?

“I’ve seen marketing both positively and negatively affect my life and others’ lives. On one hand, I often see companies with poor intentions using misleading tactics and designs to take advantage of people. On the other hand, there are many products and connections I’ve been able to discover that have greatly improved my quality of life that I may not have otherwise learned about.”

What would you say to other students looking to study marketing?

“Being aware of how you and others interact with the world around you is key! Noticing the little things can go a long way. The better you can understand the people you’re trying to reach, the more effectively you can do so. 

I also think learning to use social media to share your message is incredibly important. How you deliver your message can often be more important than the message itself, and social media is the most prevalent way to do so in today’s world.”

How do you feel about the new rise of AI tools and LLMs? Does it affect the way you think about your future career in digital marketing?

“While I think the rise of AI tools and LLMs may affect my career in both design and marketing, overall, I feel like people still value human connection over something computer-generated. There is a level of dependability and authenticity that comes with work made by people, and audiences trust that. That trust isn’t something that can be replicated by a machine.”

What do you see as one of the biggest challenges marketers are facing right now?

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen in marketing recently is how short audiences’ attention spans are becoming. Most advertisements, designs, and even social media content only have a second or two to grab the viewer’s attention, and it can be even more difficult to hold that attention for longer periods of time. Because of this, I feel that impactful and efficient design is crucial in the digital spaces we often find ourselves in.”

Looking Ahead

While everyone is busy reacting to the latest AI news, we find Kate’s perspective on marketing insightful and dead-on. 

The continual decline in attention rate is going to affect every avenue of marketing, digital or otherwise. And as organizations turn more and more to artificial tools to generate content, the importance of understanding human behavior and maintaining authenticity is going to be paramount to all marketers’ success. 

As the waters continue to get muddied with AI agents taking over roles historically left to creatives, we need strong voices and innovators pushing for the right kind of change in the marketing industry. We’re looking forward to see the ripples of Kate’s work and influence over the coming years. 

A huge thank you to our Scholarship Partners; AshbeanPDX Marketing, Avenue Agency, and Construct The Present, we couldn’t do this without you!