Work with Zayda
Zayda’s College Qualifications
As a recent summa cum laude graduate of Florida A&M University and current Columbia University master’s student and Fellow, I understand firsthand what it takes to build a competitive college application and successfully navigate the admissions process. At FAMU, I served as a Presidential Ambassador, where I represented the university to prospective students and families, participated in recruitment initiatives, and gained direct exposure to what universities look for in future students. I also served as a Peer Influencer in FAMU’s Academic Coaching Office, mentoring students and connecting them with resources to support their academic success. Beyond admissions, my leadership experience as President of Social Labs, Vice President of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has given me experience helping students identify and communicate what makes them stand out. Having successfully navigated undergraduate and graduate admissions, scholarships, fellowships, and competitive programs myself, I can help students turn their experiences into a compelling application that authentically tells their story.
Zayda can help with:
Application Strategy
Essays
Interviews
Recommendations
Resume
Secondary Review
Work Experience
Software Product Management
Honeywell
June 2025 - August 2025
I worked in Software Product Management in Atlanta GA, within its warehouse automation business. I evaluated two host-system solutions and developed a recommendation for standardizing the offering based on customer needs, business priorities, and product capabilities. Through Voice of Customer sessions, cross-functional collaboration, and visits to Honeywell’s operations in Mason, Ohio, I gained firsthand exposure to how complex technology products move from customer needs to strategic decisions. I concluded the internship by presenting my recommendation to leadership and later received a full-time offer from Honeywell.
Marketing
The Estée Lauder Companies
June 2024 - August 2024
I worked within Travel Retail Marketing for the Bobbi Brown brand in New York. I analyzed consumer and financial trends across global markets and contributed to product strategy, visual merchandising, and customer experience initiatives. My primary project was developing a travel-focused “Build Your Own Kit” concept, where I created the product strategy, pricing, merchandising approach, and revenue opportunity. I concluded my internship by presenting my recommendations to senior leadership, including the President of the Americas.
Zayda was also given offers to work at
Honeywell
Education
Columbia University
Master's Degree, Project Management
2026 - 2027
I recently began my journey at Columbia University, where I am pursuing my Master of Science in Project Management as an HBCU Fellow as well. This year marks the first time the program has ever been offered at Columbia, giving me the unique opportunity to be part of its inaugural class. I am excited to help shape the foundation of this new program and ultimately become a member of its first graduating class.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Bachelors Degree, Business Administration
2022 - 2026
During my time at Florida A&M University, I earned my degree in Business Administration graduating Summa Cum Laude while maintaining a strong academic record and taking on numerous leadership and service roles across campus. As a Presidential Ambassador, I represented the university at recruitment events, prospective-student programs, and university functions, gaining firsthand experience helping students navigate admissions and understand the college experience. I also served as a Peer Influencer with FAMU’s Academic Coaching Office, President of Social Labs Professional Leadership & Development, Vice President of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. These experiences allowed me to understand the college journey from multiple perspectives; from admissions and academics to leadership, campus involvement, and student success