Picture of Deirdra 

Hey there fellow Panthers! My name is Deirdra Burley, and I am from Corona, California. I am a Sophomore majoring in Strategic & Corporate Communication with a minor in Political Science, and I plan on adding a double minor in Graphic Design. 

Communication is a skill that is commonly overlooked. People only sometimes truly understand the power and influence that basic communication can have on us because we do not think about it. A couple of words can drastically change the outcome and perception of a message, making it an art. I have a deep passion for politics, and after graduation, I would love to be in charge of running a graphic design team for nonprofit political organization campaigns regarding hot-button social justice issues. 

My love for politics started in early high school and during my first semester of college when I landed my first internship with Lincoln Club Institute of Orange County. Here, I created social media graphics for daily content, assisted in political demographic research projects, and acquired current event articles for our news team. This past Summer, I was an executive intern for California’s 41st Congressional District’s new Congressman, Ken Calvert. During this internship, I learned the ins and outs of a political campaign. I also helped build our internship office from the ground up by phone banking, canvassing, and helping recruit other volunteers to build our internship program ranging from high school to college students. 

I chose Chapman University not only because it was my dream school throughout high school but because of its location and strong involvement in its surrounding community. I have always enjoyed leadership positions and being a role model for my peers, which is why I joined the Student Advisory Board. Due to Chapman’s size, I have the chance to make a difference in the institutions that shape our students to be empowering leaders. I want to be a top resource for other School of Communication students who need assistance understanding the value behind their major and what opportunities they have waiting for them through the skills they are learning in class. 

Outside of work and school, some of my favorite activities include photography, playing piano, walking along the beach, binge-watching TV shows with my family, and picnics with my friends during golden hour! If you see me around campus, do not be shy at all. I am always up for a chat! Feel free to reach out by emailing me at dburley@chapmen.edu.