Colombia’s contemporary political and social landscape is a direct result of the nation’s complex and contentious history. Memories of a tumultuous past, shaped over decades of armed conflict, have become integral to Colombia’s national consciousness. While the 2016 peace agreement can be understood as a point in time at which Colombia transitioned into a post-conflict society, there is considerable research needed within the region to examine further how the country has addressed and come to terms with its past. This research aims to expand on existing scholarship surrounding the role of memory in post-conflict societies, especially in the political sphere. Through the framework of collective memory, this research examines how young Colombians use and interact with memory to inform their understanding of the past. Instead of exploring this phenomenon through traditional spaces of memory, such as museums or monuments, this project examines the role of digital spaces as a platform for young Colombians to engage in discourse related to collective memory. The central objective of this project is to investigate how collective memory in the digital space influences the role of young Colombians as political participants within the nation. In turn, this research highlights the significant role the digital space plays in shaping the journey of peace, transition, and reconciliation in communities deeply affected by violent conflict.

This project explores how Black women micro-influencers are redefining the landscape of digital marketing through culturally specific storytelling, community-building, and brand engagement. While traditional influencer marketing has prioritized mass visibility and aspirational branding, micro-influencers—those with smaller but highly engaged audiences—are increasingly recognized for their authenticity and ethical appeal. This research examines how Black women creators, particularly within fashion and entertainment, use platforms like Instagram and TikTok not only to build personal brands but also to challenge dominant media narratives and represent marginalized cultural perspectives. Combining literature in media studies, influencer marketing, and Black feminist thought, the project uses content analysis to study the posts, captions, brand collaborations, and community interactions of three to five Black women micro-influencers. Rather than conducting interviews, the project analyzes their public digital presence as a form of visual and narrative branding. Findings from this research will inform a digital art piece that illustrates the branding strategies and cultural labor of these influencers, connecting academic insights with creative visual storytelling. Ultimately, this project contributes to broader discussions about ethical marketing, platformed representation, and the future of digital influence. It argues that Black women micro-influencers are not only content creators but also cultural strategists and digital entrepreneurs—offering a powerful model for inclusive and values-driven marketing in the social media age.

Foundation shade inclusivity has become an increasing concern in the beauty industry as consumers demand better representation across skin tones. Although some brands have expanded their shade ranges, it remains unclear whether this inclusivity is consistent. This study investigates whether consumers are offered equitable foundation shade options across varying price points and store types. Quantitative data were collected in Jersey City, New Jersey—one of the most diverse cities in the United States. A local Walmart represented the grocery/drugstore category, and a Macy’s in a Jersey City mall represented the department/luxury segment. From each store, 35 product lines were randomly selected for analysis. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and shade range data were gathered from brand websites. To ensure consistency, shades were categorized using a custom classification system based on hue, saturation, value (HSV) codes. A logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between store type, MSRP, and shade range, identifying trends and disparities across retail tiers. Findings offer insight into whether the beauty industry’s push for inclusivity is equitably reflected in retail environments, revealing potential gaps in access based on where and at what price consumers shop.