One thing that is as true today as it was when I was a student at American University School of Communication is that if you have ambition and passion, there is no limit to what you can achieve. The drive to excel, to succeed, to innovate and blend your passions with your profession are all nourished both in class and out. No one will tell you to follow the well-worn path to advancement if you want to put on some hiking boots and head off the trail. No one will say “that peak is too high, stay in the valley.”  

I can see in these 30 Under 30 Honorees the same spirit of creativity and desire to tell stories that drove me to leave my home in Morocco at the age of 17 and cross the ocean to study with the Film and Media Arts professionals at AU. Like many of them, I was inspired by my family—in my case, my grandfather—to pursue a life where I could utilize my talent to elevate the voices of others. While honorees Amanda Warshaw, Arshum Rouhanian, Elina Shirazi, Lucca Vaselli, and Mariah Espada use a variety of methods, from journalism to brand campaigns and advocacy initiatives, they are all expertly amplifying the messages they want to deliver. All of them were willing to explore and experience the variety of opportunities AU and the city of Washington, DC offered them during their time at school, to challenge themselves and experiment. And all of them have carried the industrious and adaptable spirit of SOC with them into their careers. I am proud to call myself a fellow Eagle and look forward to watching them soar ever higher.  

Dounia Benjelloun was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and was immersed in films since childhood. She was strongly influenced by her grandfather, who distributed films for Columbia Pictures and United International Pictures and owned a chain of movie theaters. It was her love of film that led her to study abroad in the US, earning a BA in Communications from American University in Washington DC. In 1986, she founded Dounia Productions in Casablanca in 1986. Like her grandfather before her, owned theaters in Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier and distributed films to all theaters across Morocco for Columbia and United International Pictures.  Currently, her emphasis is on documentary film production and directing. 

Amanda Warshaw

Manager, Client Experience at Weber Shandwick 

Public Relations & Strategic Communication, 2020

Amanda Warshaw is a Manager on the Client Experience team at Weber Shandwick where she provides strategic counsel for her clients, including Cadillac and Mattel. She has experience working in corporate social responsibility, reputation management, and executive visibility. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Warshaw had worked at a variety of public relations agencies, including Burson (formerly BCW), Ruder Finn, and APCO Worldwide. She holds a BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communication and double minors in marketing and sustainability from American University. 

Arshum Rouhanian 

Creative Lead, Capitol Records 

Film & Media Arts, 2017

Arshum Rouhanian, a Maryland native raised in Gaithersburg, draws inspiration from his Iranian immigrant parents' resilience and unwavering work ethic. While studying abroad in Prague during his time at American University SOC, Rouhanian discovered the role of creative director within the music industry—a perfect intersection of his creative passions. This realization led to an internship at Capitol Records, followed by a move to Los Angeles after graduating from AU in December 2017. Starting as a freelance director, he quickly transitioned into a Content Specialist role at Capitol, where over six years he has risen to oversee the creative branding for a diverse roster of artists, collaborating with renowned creatives and the musicians who shaped his artistic journey. 

Elina Shirazi

Washington Correspondent, News Nation 

Broadcast Journalism, 2016

Elina Shirazi is a Washington Correspondent for News Nation covering the White House, Congress, and foreign news. Previously, she served as a reporter for FOX News Channel in Miami covering political news and general assignment, as well as with their affiliate in Orlando. During her tenure at the network, she was on the campaign trail for the 2020 election, often catching planes, chasing presidential candidates, and covering international news. She also covered space and technology. Shirazi is active in the Iranian and Middle East human rights field, working with different organizations emceeing and moderating panels. 

Lucca Vaselli

Communications Officer, Digital Producer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 

Public Relations & Strategic Communication, 2017

Lucca Vaselli is a digital strategist with more than eight years of experience in the field. He currently creates impactful visual content at The Gates Foundation, traveling abroad to capture and support the foundation’s global initiatives. Lucca quickly became a go-to visual storyteller in Washington, DC, and founded his own business, Lucca Vaselli Productions, in 2016. What began as graduation photoshoots for classmates expanded to production work for local businesses, global brands, and international musicians. He is known for his deep knowledge of social media strategy and proficiency in quick-turn video and photo editing. He excels at delivering engaging, results-driven digital content.  

Mariah Espada

Founding Engagement Editor at Healthbeat  

Journalism, 2020

Mariah Espada is currently a founding engagement editor at Healthbeat, a new Civic News Company newsroom covering public health. With her background in reporting, Espada has developed expertise in crafting and executing digital-first strategies that help newsrooms engage and grow their audience. She was previously an editorial audience fellow at Axios and a culture reporter at TIME, where she also contributed to their social video initiative. During her time at American University SOC, Mariah held internships at CNN, CBS News, Fox News and Voice of America. Her passion project on TikTok, @HoodHistoryHere, aspires to use social video storytelling to preserve the history of gentrified neighborhoods in New York City. 

As part of the School of Communication at American University’s 30th Anniversary celebration, we are excited to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our alumni community. To mark this incredible milestone, we are honoring “30 Under 30” exceptional young alumni who represent the future of communication. We will be releasing the names of the honorees over the coming months accompanied by introductions from some of SOC’s most engaged alumni who are leaders in the industries the “30 Under 30” are now helping to shape. The full list will be available in May 2025.