Young, Gifted and Black: Communication Alumna an Inspiring Leader

Tiffany Peterson is a born leader. This communication graduate is leaving the University of Cincinnati with a resume packed with honors and leadership roles that illustrate her ability to inspire everyone around her. 

Peterson transferred to the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences for the last year of her UC career. It’s where she embraced her passion for communication and had the confidence to take the stage at UC’s 2016 Tyehimba, the black student graduation ceremony, where she delivered a rousing speech that revolved around a central question. 

“Do you understand the importance of the legacy upon which we stand and the people who have paved the way for you?” she asked. 

As she spoke, she drew upon techniques from her public speaking class, one of the first and favorite classes she took as an A&S student. “Being able to take that class and figure out the various techniques I’m good at with public speaking was great for me,” she said.

In addition, she built a great relationship with a professor who inspired her to pursue her dreams. Tyler Raible, an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Communication, encouraged Peterson, through his class, to delve more into her gift.

“He made me feel like I could excel in this area, which caused me to stay after class to see what I could do better,” she said.

Her speaking skills earned her the title Asante Sana, "thank you" in Swahili, at Tyehimba, during which she talked about standing on the  shoulders of past leaders, the strength of the Irate8 movement on campus and the significance of Tyehimba and the African American Cultural and Resource Center.

“If it wasn’t for the them, I would not have done a lot of things I have done now,” said the 2014 Miss Kuamka. Empowered by the center and inspired by those around her, Peterson founded “I Am a Queen,” a women’s empowerment initiative that encourages women to embrace their authentic selves. She also served as a former president of "Shades of You" and held a host of other leadership roles on campus. 

Peterson’s advice for students that are interested in majoring in communication is to not limit oneself and to take full advantage of all  resources. She believes it is important to find someone in your field of study who can guide and provide you with various opportunities and experiences.

“That is something I wish I would have done. Since I switched so late, I didn’t take full advantage of all of my resources,” she said.

Peterson currently works as a student event planner for The Abercrumbie Group. Once she has completed her last semester of college she plans to pursue grad school to study broadcast journalism.