Meet Samantha Gutierrez – CARTA Fall 2025 Outstanding Graduate 🎓 Samantha is receiving her degree in Digital Communication and Media from FIU’s Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media. A student journalist with a passion for storytelling, she balanced life as both a reporter and a full-time student while interning with different networks including FIU’s Washington, D.C. Bureau, where she covered a historic national election from the nation’s capital. She was even named the College Journalist of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalism (SPJ) Sunshine State Awards 2025 for her impactful work. Samantha continued her journalism journey with Caplin News, contributing to FIU’s daily live news program. Bringing real-world reporting experience back into the classroom, she exemplifies how hands-on learning strengthens both craft and community. Samantha represents the best of CARTA: driven, curious, and committed to impactful journalism. Congratulations, Samantha! fiu_carta_dea...