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Briana Phillips

Writer, communicator, storyteller 

About

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My background

I started my working life as a barista at Starbucks and, while I love a good cup of coffee, I’m less passionate about making them. What I am passionate about is telling stories, whether it’s the retirement of California State University San Marcos’ longtime K-9 police dog Armor or a student veteran receiving one of the California State University system’s most prestigious award. I’m proud that in May 2023 I’ll become the first person in my family to graduate from college. It wasn’t always an easy path – in fact, I wrote about it for CSUSM’s alumni and donor magazine, Steps – but I’m grateful for the support I received along the way.

After nearly two years working as a communications and marketing assistant in the University Communications office at California State University San Marcos, I’m looking forward to continue growing and sharing compelling stories.

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"I have many wonderful opportunities to interact with student assistants and interns in our office. Over the 15 years I have been at the university, Briana has stood out as a shining star amongst them all with unmatched talent and skills. Briana's contributions to the University Communications office have been outstanding. She is an excellent writer and editor, brings fresh ideas to meetings, and has a 'can-do' attitude and spirit of collaboration in all things. We have been so lucky to have Briana on our team and I have no doubt she will be a tremendous asset to her future employers."

- Margaret Chantung, Chief Communications Officer, Cal State San Marcos

"Bri has made incredible contributions to the Cal State San Marcos community through her communications and marketing work. Bri has such a positive presence, and her attitude, dedication, skills and professionalism make her an asset to any organization."

- Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist, Cal State San Marcos

Popular articles

Business Student's Epilepsy Leads to New Beginnings

Karolina Lindberg never had many complaints about her epilepsy. She was aware that she wouldn’t be able to drive a bus or become a police officer or firefighter because of her diagnosis. But Lindberg didn’t know her epilepsy would stop her from pursuing her dream career.

Lindberg always wanted to find a career that would allow her to see more of the world while she was growing up in Sweden. She set her sights on becoming a flight attendant for the travel opportunities, but her epilepsy made it

Student's Short Film Wins Emmy Awards for Impactful Message

Salma Rodriguez had trouble choosing a topic for her final project for her audio and videography class.

Rodriguez’s Cal State San Marcos classmates wanted to do their final video project on something lighthearted, but she had something different in mind.

Rodriguez saw the assignment as an opportunity to highlight the personal stories of those who have immigrated from Mexico to the United States. She was hesitant at first because she didn’t know how it would be received by her classmates. But R

Student Goes from Self-described introvert to ASI President

When Julia Glorioso was in third grade, she took a field trip with her classmates to visit Cal State San Marcos.

The trip was a way of getting young students to think about their educational futures. But for Glorioso, this was a trip to remember. A photo of Glorioso with other students on CSUSM’s Mangrum Track & Field during the visit even made it into the local Valley Center newspaper.

The experience certainly had a lasting impact. A decade later, Glorioso made her way back to campus, this ti

Beloved K-9 Police Dog Retiring After 7 Years of Service

It was Cai Steffler’s first week at his new job, and as he was settling in for his third day of work he became startled when he looked down and saw a German shepherd at his desk. Steffler didn’t grow up around dogs, and he was apprehensive.

At first, Steffler thought he got himself in trouble because Sgt. David Angulo and a K-9 police dog were there next to him. But as he looked around the room, Steffler quickly realized that this seemed like a routine welcoming visit.

Steffler saw how excited

Business Student's Passion Leads to Becoming Entrepreneur

Sophia Lombardi discovered her love for sewing and entrepreneurship during the pandemic.

Sewing is something Lombardi and her cousin picked up as a hobby when they had extra time on their hands. She had no intention of starting a business.

Lombardi wanted to be resourceful because fabric was expensive and she had limited funds. She saved her leftover fabric scraps, not knowing what she would end up doing with it.

Little did she know, this would change her trajectory of finding her career path

Bench Fundraiser Honors Memory of Beloved Academic Adviser

Cindy Yumiko Harper dedicated herself to helping students realize they can accomplish anything.

David McMartin, the director of Cal State San Marcos’ Office of Academic Advising, remembers when Harper expressed concern for a first-generation student in her advising session who was having trouble adjusting to being new on campus. Harper not only wanted to make sure the student had a warm welcome to CSUSM, she wanted the student to know that they had a support system ready to help. Harper knew th