Frankie Pignataro MCM’22, COM’20 is a passionate communication professional, marketing strategist, and storyteller with experience in the sport and nonprofit landscapes. She graduated from Rutgers in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media (DCIM). She took advantage of the Master of Communication and Media (MCM) dual degree option and earned her master’s in 2022, specializing in Corporate Purpose and Social Impact. She said she pursued the MCM degree because she is "passionate about storytelling and social good."

SC&I: What drew you to Rutgers and the Communication field?

FP: As a transfer student, I wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities to explore my interests and get involved at Rutgers. I also looked forward to being part of the tight-knit alumni network. I chose to study communication because it is the foundation of business and nearly every facet of life. Specifically, I was drawn to the DCIM program because of its innovative approach to the digital world. Also, Rutgers offers so many ways to get involved; during my undergraduate career, I helped manage the Rutgers Field Hockey team and conducted research through the Aresty Research Center. Through these experiences, I saw the importance of communication and grew a passion for the field.

SC&I: What interested you about the Corporate Purpose and Social Impact specialization?

FP: The Corporate Purpose and Social Impact specialization is a unique program that teaches students that there is space in business for social good. I was most interested in learning about corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the role of business in society. As a person passionate about social impact, this program was the perfect fit.

SC&I: What faculty or classes enhanced your education while at SC&I?

FP: I received much support and encouragement from my professors and mentors, particularly Mark Beal, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication, and Mary Chayko, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communication and Information. I took Professor Beal’s “Principles of PR” course and learned so much. He is a tremendous teacher who continuously makes a significant impact on his students, within the Rutgers community, and in the PR world. I highly recommend taking any of his courses. I met Professor Chayko as a student in her capstone course and discovered that she is incredible. She truly supports her students and teaches lessons that go beyond the classroom. She emphasized the importance of creating meaningful connections, and these words of wisdom have stuck with me.

SC&I: You’ve been with Universal Tennis since 2021. Tell us about what you do.

FP: Universal Tennis’s mission is to connect and grow the sport with innovative events and a global digital marketplace centered around level-based play. As part of the marketing team, I help develop digital campaigns, liaison for broad project management tasks across teams, and execute marketing strategies.

SC&I: How did your studies at SC&I prepare you for your career?

FP: SC&I gave me hands-on experiences and let me learn from industry professionals. By the time I graduated, I had become a strategic thinker and a result-driven, thoughtful leader. Thanks to my studies, I found ways to merge my passions for people, sports, and social good into a career. 

SC&I: What advice would you like to share?    

FP: My advice is to challenge yourself and dream big.

Photo: Courtesy of Frankie Pignataro MCM’22