Rattlers on the Rise: Two for Two: Zaria Slaughter Secures Dual Internships and Industry Success
Tallahassee, Fl. - When Zaria Slaughter transferred to Florida A&M University in Fall 2022, she came with a clear mission: to fully immerse herself in the HBCU experience and stretch her potential as far as possible.
“I transferred from Valencia College in Orlando because I knew I needed the real college experience,” Slaughter said. “I wanted to be surrounded by people who looked like me, learn from professors who looked like me, and really see what I was capable of in an environment built for my success.”
She’s been doing just that. This summer, Slaughter held two internships – at once.

Two Internships, Two Time Zones
A rising senior in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, the public relations major began the summer on the West Coast, participating in Tech Forward, a Salesforce-sponsored program in San Francisco focused on integrating various talent into the tech industry.
Despite having no formal tech background, Slaughter leaned into her communication skills and made an impression.
“I told myself, ‘Let me just try,’” she said. “I didn’t think I’d get it, but I ended up managing marketing tasks, creating promotional content, and working with Salesforce Trailhead integrations.”
Just as she was wrapping up her time in San Francisco, Slaughter received a surprise call from Oak View Group’s Ascend HBCU Program — a remote internship opportunity she had applied for months earlier.
“I was doing both internships at the same time,” she said. “I’d wake up at 6 a.m. to be on East Coast calls for Oak View Group, then spend the rest of my day on Salesforce work. It was a challenge, but I was committed.”
Now fully focused on her remote role with Oak View Group, she supports sports and entertainment activations and recently worked the Denver Pride event.
From All-Star to Beverly Hills
Beyond internships, Slaughter’s industry footprint has expanded through unique experiences with powerhouse organizations like the NBA and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
Zaria Slaughter is pictured in action while interviewing music icon Usher. (Photo courtesy of Zaria Slaughter)
In spring 2024, she worked at the NBA All-Star Weekend through an opportunity she found via the UNCF.
“It was surreal,” she said. “I worked behind the scenes all week. I was around players like LeBron James and Giannis, learning to stay composed in high-pressure, high-profile environments.”
Shortly after, she earned a spot in BMAC’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Mentorship Program. When she asked to work their gala in Beverly Hills, she was initially told no — until she presented a full deck showcasing her event production capabilities.
Zaria Slaughter shares a glimpse of her media contact list. (Photo courtesy of Zaria
Slaughter)
Her initiative paid off. Slaughter worked the entire gala weekend and even interviewed icons like Usher, LL Cool J, Bobby Brown, Anthony Hamilton and Taraji P. Henson.
“It was so fast-paced, I didn’t even realize what was happening in the moment,” she recalled. “But it showed me I could handle it. It confirmed that I belong in the entertainment space.”
Zaria Slaughter is captured interviewing actress Taraji P. Henson. (Photo courtesy of Zaria Slaughter)
Inspired by FAMU, Motivated for Law
Slaughter credits FAMU’s journalism school and its faculty for instilling in her the confidence to go after major opportunities.
“I love FAMU down,” she said with a laugh. “The professors here don’t just teach — they push you. They’ve prepared me to be a young professional and to advocate for myself.”
She now serves as Miss Transfer Student Association for the 2025–2026 academic year and wants to use her platform to inspire other nontraditional students.
“FAMU can be overwhelming if you don’t fully indulge yourself,” she said. “But you don’t have to come in and fit the mold. Be aggressive with your goals — know nothing will be handed to you. You have to go and get it for yourself.”
Looking ahead, Slaughter plans to pursue a career in entertainment law, with hopes of attending Howard or Columbia University post-graduation.
“I want to be a powerhouse in law,” she said. “Fighting for creatives, athletes — making sure people know their rights in this industry.”
Advice for Fellow Rattlers
For students hoping to follow in her footsteps, Slaughter offers this advice:
“Ask questions. Use a physical planner. And most importantly — get a mentor,” she said. “That one person can change the game for you.”
From Orlando to San Francisco to Beverly Hills, Slaughter proves that the Rattler spirit can take you anywhere.
Zaria Slaughter snaps another selfie while enjoying the Pride parade. (Photo courtesy of Zaria Slaughter)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
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