Alumni Spotlight, Marla Diann (‘83)

SDSU alumna Marla Diann (‘83) has been a mentor in the Aztec Mentor Program for over 10 years now. 

Meet San Diego State University alumna Marla Diann (‘83). Marla graduated from SDSU in 1983 with a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Journalism, Public Relations with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. After graduating, Marla went on to work in entertainment before starting her own mentoring company coaching entrepreneurs. 

Now Marla remains highly involved in the Aztec Mentor Program, where she recently celebrated 10 years of mentoring and encourages all alumni and students to get involved! 

Read more about Marla below!

Q: Full Name.  

Marla Diann (Dennis).

Q: Graduation year and Degree/Major. 

1983 B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Journalism, Public Relations. Minor in Cultural Anthropology.

Q: Current employer/job title. 

Marla Diann Mentoring International, Owner, Creator of Visionary Academy, Intuitive Business Strategist and Life Designer for Creatives.

Q: Favorite memory from SDSU?

When I talk about my college years, I say they were my fondest memories because of how I felt as a young 20-something living the life of freedom doing what I loved. I love learning. I loved living in a beach town (Pacific Beach) year-round as I eagerly attended SDSU full-time knowing I was planting the seed for my career path as a PR expert.

 I was so empowered to be learning how to monetize my love of writing, which was Journalism centered. I lived this fun college lifestyle of being on campus during the day, diligently being a good student, while having a fun social life in Pacific Beach and waiting on tables in the nearby restaurants (La Jolla, Harbor Island, Mission Bay, etc.) where I always had money! I had a blast being a little sister of Sigma Chi with several of my good friends in that fraternity. The classes and teachers were outstanding. Some of my favorite classes were learning how to apply PR to companies and I had a fun internship with the San Diego Ballet!

I also enjoyed my cultural anthropology classes because I loved learning about humanity, behaviors, and the intersection of connection, collaboration, and environment to thrive. I got all As in that class! As a result of a stellar Journalism education from SDSU, I created a 22-year career in entertainment PR as a publicist for celebrities, visual and performing artists working for Los Angeles entertainment agencies and then on my own (13 years) as a PR company serving the same type of clients.

After 22 years, I segued into my own mentoring company, coaching creative entrepreneurs in 2008, how to build a personal brand and monetize it through social media, email marketing, and a blog. Since then, I evolved over time into an intuitive business strategist and life designer for creatives globally. I am celebrating 17 years of transforming lives and businesses of these entrepreneurs! Thanks to my humble beginnings at SDSU.

Q: How long have you been a mentor in the Aztec Mentor Program? 

11 years.

Q: What made you decide to join the Aztec Mentor Program? 

Back in 2014, I had a dream to fulfill. I wanted to find a way to mentor students at my alma mater, SDSU. After a few weeks of research, I found SDSU’s career services department and their new AMP – Aztec Mentorship Program! Soon after, I became one of many alumni who helped launch their new program where senior and grad students search the AMP web database to request being mentored by their selected alumni for the semester. Gratefully, from Fall semester 2014 to current, I have mentored close to a dozen young brilliant women in various majors to prepare them for career and life after they graduate. Incredibly rewarding 11 years and more to look forward to. I am proudly mentoring Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semester mentee, Kenya Benitez, a Public Health Grad student (Master of Public Health Candidate). What a remarkable young woman. Her intelligence, leadership, compassion for humanity, and writing talent are so impressive. Such a bright young lady. Being a high achiever, Kenya is involved in on-campus committees, student groups, running 5Ks, and more. She recently accomplished a Certificate Associate in Project Management and is currently a member in my niece’s popular Writing Mastery Academy program helping her complete her first book! Thank you, Jessica Brody, I could list much more of Kenya’s accolades, but take my word, she’s a diamond that will be leading our nation in healthcare change and public policy in the near future. Count on it.

Q: If applicable, describe a successful relationship that you have formed through the Aztec Mentor Program.

Definitely Diane Marin, who led the AMP program till 2023 through the career services department. She was wonderful to work with as a mentor in the program. Always attentive and caring. 

Q: How do you think mentoring others is beneficial for other alumni?

It’s incredibly rewarding to know you helped shape the future for this eager, driven soon-to-be leader in the world. The impact you have is so far reaching that even though you may have a full plate with your own career or business, this is a double blessing – your life and of course, theirs.

Q: Did you have a mentor during your time at SDSU?

Funny you ask. I tell all my mentees I wish I had a Marla as a mentor when I was at SDSU! There were no mentors in 1983. We would lean on our professors as mentors, and that worked. But to have mentors like AMP provides, is a golden opportunity for students.