Big Impressions

When Nayahna Treviño first heard a county commissioner urge new Jaguars to “leave a legacy” during her JagX new student orientation, she did not expect the message to shape the remainder of her college experience.  

The challenge stayed with her: if something meaningful does not exist on campus, create it. That idea eventually led to the formation of the Influencer Club, now one of Texas A&M University–San Antonio’s most distinctive and fast-growing student organizations. 

What began as Treviño’s desire to build community around creativity quickly grew into a collaborative space where students explore digital storytelling, marketing skills and personal branding.  

Instead of operating like a traditional student organization, the club functions more like a creative studio where students encourage one another, swap ideas, practice pitching to brands, and experiment with content in a supportive, judgment-free environment. In two years, it has become a home for students who want to share their stories but are not sure where to start. 

"We're creative, we're authentic, and we're part of a network that exists only during this time in our lives."

~ Nayahna Treviño

Treviño, now a senior political science and legal studies major, founded the club after discovering her own unexpected success in content creation. A New Year’s resolution to post more online led her to collaborate with more than 100 brands through sheer persistence and drive. She realized other A&M–San Antonio students could benefit from similar opportunities if the campus had a centralized community to support growing creators.  

“Brands love college students,” Treviño said. “We’re creative, we’re authentic, and we’re part of a network that exists only during this time in our lives. If more people at our campus wanted these opportunities, brands would start looking at A&M–San Antonio.” 

The club’s mission, she said, is rooted in one word: community. And it is that community that drew junior biology major Kimberly Marroquín to the organization. Marroquín said the group helps students overcome the fear of posting by giving them a built-in support system. 

“It’s great to see how forming a community when posting online eases so many worries for people,” Marroquín said. “The main reason people don’t like to post is because they’re scared of not getting any likes or views. But with the Influencer Club, you better believe we will be there in support.”  

Advisor Julianne Garcia, assistant director for New Student Orientation, said the organization fulfills a need on campus for students to express themselves and develop confidence outside the classroom. She describes the organization as a space where students can test ideas, receive feedback, and learn how to develop effective communication skills that translate far beyond social media. 

“It’s a creative outlet where you can pour your ideas, be encouraged to execute those ideas, and get constructive feedback,” Garcia said. She added that content creation often intimidates newcomers who assume they must be in front of the camera, but the club showcases the range of roles available behind the scenes.  

“You can still make a positive impact, tell your story and be a leader without recording yourself.” 

The club’s signature events reinforce those lessons. Its Content Creation 101 workshop teaches students how to pitch to brands, grow their platforms, and build portfolios. Each session includes a brand sponsor, allowing students to practice with real products and data. Content Days, which are held at locations across San Antonio, allow members to take photos, test ideas, and collaborate. The events function as part workshop, part networking opportunity, and part confidence booster. 

"The Influencer Club is putting A&M-SA on the map. Prospective students are watching."

~ Julianne Garcia, Club Advisor

Treviño said seeing members secure opportunities, internships, brand deals or their first successful posts is the most rewarding part of leading the club. Her leadership earned her President of the Year at the 2025 Jaguar Awards, recognition she credits to the group effort behind the organization’s growth.  

“A leader is nothing without their team,” she said. “That award truly belonged to everyone.” 

Garcia said the group’s success has also expanded A&M–San Antonio’s digital footprint. Partnerships with brands such as Fenty Beauty, Its August, Bubble, Odyssey and Liquid Death have drawn attention to the University’s students and their creativity.  

“The Influencer Club is putting A&M–SA on the map,” Garcia said. “Prospective students are watching.” 

Treviño believes the club’s impact lies not in the rise of influencers but in the rise of confidence. She said every student has a voice worth hearing, whether they are creating videos, shooting photos or supporting their peers. 

“When you are an influencer, you have influence,” she said. “You have the power to empower others through your story.” 

As the club moves into its second year, Treviño hopes to organize a future brand trip for members, an experience she believes would show them the kinds of spaces they belong in. But her larger goal remains the same: building a creative community where Jaguars feel seen, supported and encouraged to pursue their passions, whether they are online or off. 

“As long as they are elevating their content and connecting with their community,” she said, “they will always be successful.”