Agnes Scott Scholar Wins Gilman Award, Pursues Sports Marketing Career
Agnes Scott College Scholar Laila Robinson is a 2024 recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The prestigious award provides up to $5,000 toward the cost of study or intern abroad experiences, facilitating cultural exchange and encouraging Americans to develop skills critical to national security and economic prosperity.
As a Gilman Scholar, Laila studied abroad at The American Business School of Paris (ABS) in France.
“My experience in France allowed me to understand how varied the world is. I have become more in tune with myself and have developed a deeper appreciation for cultural difference.”
Laila is pursuing a business administration major in hopes of one day operating her own business while she pursues her other passion - sports marketing. Her interest in sports marketing began during her sophomore year of high school when she joined a program run by the major league baseball team the Chicago Cubs.
"I learned so much during my time with the VP of Digital Marketing for the Cubs. Just being aware of the career path changed everything for me,” says Laila.
It’s a powerful boon to have access to mentors who constantly root for you and remember you. Posse gave me that.
During her time abroad, Laila pursued coursework in sports marketing and management and participated in ABS’s 2024 Company Case Challenge. The event invited students to brainstorm solutions for real business obstacles. To take on the challenge, Laila teamed up with local students to conduct research and solve a company challenge for AUDITOIRE, a creative innovation group from Paris that supports global organizations like Google, Snapchat, BMW and L’Oreal with their major communications and brand events.
“The goal was to create event planning and marketing strategies and recommendations in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games 2024 in Paris.”
After eight intensive weeks of research, strategizing, and collaboration, Laila and her team created a video presentation showcasing their ideas for AUDITOIRE and ABS. Their project was awarded first place and named “Best Recommendation” for the year.
“The experience was nothing short of transformative, and I am profoundly grateful for the chance to be part of such a prestigious challenge,” she says.
At Agnes Scott, Laila works as a marketing and planning assistant at the Office of Internship and Career Development. In her role, she assists with event planning and the office’s social media presence, promoting and increasing engagement for career development initiatives.
Laila is taking advantage of her resources as a Posse Scholar to help her succeed on campus.
“Posse has provided a community for me on campus. l felt comfortable at Agnes Scott because of my Posse,” says Laila. “Beyond my cohort, it’s a powerful boon to have access to mentors who constantly root for you and remember you. Posse gave me that.”
