Nicholson Grad Student Named 40 Under 40

Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) named UCF graduate student Libby Champion one of the community’s 40 Under 40 honorees. She was recognized for her work in bringing school communication into the digital world, particularly in her role as the Director of Communications at Montverde Academy.

Champion redesigned the school’s biannual magazine “The Tower” and produced engaging and insightful articles connecting the school to the greater Lake County community. Her creative efforts have been recognized by top publications and celebrities and led to the school’s increase in online following. She has driven awareness of Montverde Academy and helped transform the school’s branding and communication strategies.

Being one of OBJ’s 40 Under 40 honorees, Champion was thrilled to be recognized as a dynamic young professional who has used her leadership role to play a key part in shaping the Orlando community.

“The 40 Under 40 awards ceremony was incredible,” she said. “The atmosphere was just amazing. My mom flew in all the way from California to attend, so that was very special. My husband and a few of my coworkers also attended the ceremony, and I just felt incredibly blessed for the support of my family and friends.”

This wasn’t the first time Champion has won an award for her communication achievements. In July 2017, she was named the Advancement Shark Tank winner for her ideas on using Facebook’s live feed marketing to help school fundraising. This award was presented by the National Association of Independent Schools and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and Champion beat contestants with many more years of experience in the field of school communication.

She is also a member of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group and a member of the Orlando chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She spreads positive messages about Orlando and its varying counties as part of the Orlando Economic Partnership ‘O’bassador group.

While she has already has an impressive string of accomplishments to her name, Champion isn’t done making an impact on her community.

“I’ve truly tried to give my all and I’m constantly aware that, while I do have a few successes under my belt, there is always someone who knows more than me and can teach me,” she said. “I try to keep myself open to learning new things.”

Now, Champion is pursuing her master’s degree in mass communication while at UCF.

“Everything is affected by communication in some way or another and there are just so many avenues you can take with the field,” she said. “I love crafting messages and communicating to different audiences, so it’s perfect for me.”