Grand Canyon University alumna Lela Lewis, who graduated with her animation degree in April, led her team to victory in February during the Marcus Graham Project iCR8 Workshop, which aims to cultivate the next generation of multicultural talent across media, marketing, advertising, public relations and content creation.
Not only did the team walk away with first place, but Lewis also was selected as the team’s most valuable player, earning her an automatic spot this summer in the iCR8 Summer Bootcamp to train emerging talent.
“I believe I was selected as MVP because I focused on encouraging my team to keep going when it was difficult,” Lewis said. “I would say that is what I learned the most. The ability to show up even during difficult times and knowing that the work you put in will come to fruition if you see it through.”
GCU continues to make its mark at the Marcus Graham Project workshops. In 2024, GCU alumna Crystal Benjamin won the MVP Award. Although the workshop was offered to anyone older than 18, Lewis said a quarter of the 25 participants were GCU students.
Participants got to hear from panelists from the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, learned how to stand out in job applications and got tips on how to present oneself in the workplace.
They also tested their skills in a marketing competition. They were assigned to come up with a 360-degree marketing campaign – a comprehensive, integrated marketing strategy that uses a variety of marketing channels – for the Suns and Mercury.
Lewis’ team was assigned a Native American Night theme and was tasked with creating advocacy during the game season and in the off-season to show appreciation for Native American communities.
“It was difficult at first, as none of us were Native American, so we had to do a lot of research to learn about their culture to be able to highlight them accurately,” Lewis said.
The team interviewed a few sources and, two days later, presented an 8-minute pitch to judges that showcased how the campaign gave indigenous women a stage to stand on through the celebration of sports and culture.
Judging criteria included the amount of quality ideas companies could build from, as well as the delivery of the pitch, which is what earned the team first place.
“The competition was such a rewarding experience,” Lewis said. “I was able to gain real, raw experience that the classroom wouldn't be able to present.”
Now Lewis looks to gain even more experience as she gets ready to intern not far from home in Los Angeles at the 10-week iCR8 Bootcamp. She will be working with Apple and General Motors to create and pitch full marketing campaigns. Lewis will use her animation degree, as she will be the art director in motion graphic/graphic design for her team.
“I grew so much in the one-week workshop. I hope to stretch my brain even more during the 10 weeks of hands-on experience,” she said.
Lewis attributes some of her success to GCU and her professors in the College of Arts and Media, as well as to her time in the IDEA Club, which fosters student entrepreneurship.
“I didn't know this at the time but, whenever you make projects in class, you pretty much pitch or present your project. It really helped me get my feet wet and gave me the confidence to know I've done this before, and I can do it again but improve every time,” she said.
Assistant professor of design Eugene Pak, who taught Lewis in his motion design classes, said, “She has a strong interest in developing content for sports teams. Lela is humble and dedicated to learning what she can and to using her training to share her vision with others."
With the IDEA Club, Lewis learned the basics of business, how to start a limited liability company, and how to problem-solve and build a foundation. Through the club, she pitched her women's active clothing brand, Ellumunate, which she launched in 2020. Lewis grew her business through the club's student markets, in which students sell their products.
“The club has truly helped me, not only businesswise, but with the intangible things, as far as confidence and presenting my ideas,” she said.
Lewis' long-term goal is to be a full-time entrepreneur, but she understands the importance of working under people and gaining tools so she can be a strong team leader. She hopes her summer internship will segue to a job after the 10 weeks.
Design professor Troy Pottgen said she was recognized by the faculty for going above and beyond at the Senior Design Showcase.
"She is a rising star of our 'CAM FAM' and will be missed by the faculty and her peers at GCU, but we know great things are ahead for Lela, starting with the iCR8 Bootcamp this coming June," Pottgen said.
“I have already stepped into what God has called me to be and has instilled in me, now it's time to grow into that and be confident in the truth that I am here for a reason.”
Student writer Leandra Lepp can be reached at [email protected].
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