Although Kayla Chesanek works a fifty-hour week as an intern for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm, the third year student is on track to graduate a year early with two majors and service to her fellow students under her belt.
Chesanek co-founded Autism Speaks U at USF, one of only two Autism Speaks chapters in Florida, in 2012 while working two off-campus jobs. She implemented three new events on campus and was able to increase membership by 25 percent in four months. Chesanek coordinated the first annual “Light It Up Blue”event for World Autism Awareness Day. The group handed out 500 blue balloons, changed the spotlight colors of the Marshall Student Center to blue, and alsochanged the SunTrust Bank building in Downtown Tampa to blue in order to create autism awareness. She is also a member of the International Business Board, Phi Sigma Theta Honor Society, Phi Alpha Delta, and Women in Business.
As an intern for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm, Chesanek tracks client trends, host networking and social events, and assists with game day promotions. She was also assigned to organize and produce two events: Boldest of the Bay, which honors 24 members from the local police and fire departments, and Get Fit with Dave Andreychuk, which promotes healthy lifestyles to local children.
In addition to her current sport marketing internships, Chesanek works part-time as a graphic artist and held a previous marketing internship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
25 Under 25 Program 