Marketing and Communication Manager
- BS, Business Administration
As the manager of marketing and communications, Michelle Sztupkay leads the development and implementation of strategies for branding, marketing and communications for USD's Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering (SMSE). She is responsible for creating and executing cohesive multi-tier marketing plans for SMSE's undergraduate departments, programs and initiatives and supports the promotion of faculty work, student scholarship, alumni accomplishments and innovative programs to diverse audiences through storytelling across various channels.
Sztupkay develops and implements branded content with a consistent voice, look and feel to establish identity, strengthen reputation and build credibility within the local San Diego community and beyond. She is a versatile and effective writer and editor across a range of subject matters and platforms, from website copy to social media content to long-form storytelling. Sztupkay also serves as the editor and project manager for the annual publication of I3@USD engineering magazine.
Since 2020, she has been a member of SMSE's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) committee, comprised of SMSE faculty and administrators who passionately volunteer their time and expertise to lead and guide initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion with input from the SMSE leadership, faculty, staff and students, and in alignment with USD's wider DEI initiative — the Horizon project. The goal is to increase the participation, empowerment and inclusion of minoritized individuals who are often underrepresented in spaces where engineering is taught, practiced and supported. In 2022, Sztupkay was nominated for the Gender Equity Award. The Gender Equity Award honors members of the USD community who live principles of intersectional social justice. Through their work, activities and relationships, award nominees are actively promoting equity within our community through collaboration, empowerment of others, solidarity with marginalized populations, courage and creativity.
Sztupkay has proposed, led and guided initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion with input from the SMSE leadership, the wider SMSE faculty, staff and students, and in alignment with USD's wider initiative, known as the Horizon project. The goal was to increase the participation, empowerment and inclusion of minoritized individuals who are often underrepresented in spaces where engineering is taught, practiced and supported.
With over twenty years of resourceful and innovative marketing, communications and business development experience, Sztupkay has worked across a broad range of industries — from architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and print publications to digital publications and internet service providers. She has served in leading managerial and directorial roles for companies including 3M Media Networks, Financial World Magazine, Bernards and Earthlink. Sztupkay graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in marketing.