91ÊÓƵ

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Arielle Ploy Dettmer ’25 came to 91ÊÓƵ’s Lubin School of Business with a career already in motion—as a professional dancer, performer, small business owner, and creative entrepreneur. At Lubin, she found a way to connect those experiences with advertising, social media strategy, content creation, and brand storytelling. Now a social media coordinator at Points of Light, owner of The 951 Creative, and professional performer, Arielle is using her 91ÊÓƵ experience to build a multidimensional career that blends business, creativity, performance, and purpose.

Where are you headed after graduation, and what will you be doing in your new role?

I will be working full time as a social media coordinator at Points of Light, while also continuing as the owner of The 951 Creative and as a professional dancer and performer. In my role at Points of Light, I coordinate and develop unique social content across various channels, including Meta, LinkedIn, and YouTube. I also manage the ambassador program and social relationships with affiliates, and I help execute and develop social media strategy that serves organizational and marketing goals.

Tell us a little about yourself and what drew you to advertising and social media.

In 2020, I originally started as a dance and health science double major with plans to become a doctor for dancers. However, I realized I did not want to become a doctor anymore and decided to take a gap year.

Dance has been an integral part of my life. I have danced professionally since I was 10 and attended a performing arts high school. During my gap year, I worked across TV, film, and theater; some of my credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, House Party, and The King and I at La Mirada Theatre. While I was fulfilling my career goals in dance, I still wanted to finish my degree. As a small business owner with an entrepreneurial mindset, I decided to finish my degree by studying business.

While working full time as a performer, dance teacher, and social media manager, I attended community college in 2023 and then transferred to 91ÊÓƵ in 2024. The accelerated acceptance program for transfers, access to New York City, and the prestige of the business school made 91ÊÓƵ my top choice.

My interest in advertising developed while I was at 91ÊÓƵ. I had work experience as a social media manager and content creator, but I did not realize how much advertising played into it. So much of what I did was heavily connected to advertising, and I credit Professor Conrad Nankin with helping me discover that connection. Advertising allowed me to merge everything I loved: content creation, creative execution, business, and more.

What made your Lubin experience especially valuable?

My first internship with DDO Artists Agency helped me realize I did not want to be an agent or casting director. Initially, I thought this would be a great avenue—blending performing and business together—but I realized there is not an opportunity to perform while being in that role.

Stepping into my role as social media manager and then director of social with Grid Dating helped me hone my specialty within social media. A few months later, I started contract work for Points of Light as a content creator and was hired in December 2025 as a full-time social media coordinator. All of my work within the past two years I found via Handshake through 91ÊÓƵ.

How did your classroom experience and 91ÊÓƵ resources help prepare you for this role?

Skills in social media management, content creation, influencer management, project management, creative strategy, and advertising played a key role. Courses including Social Media Marketing with Randi Priluck, Advertising and Creative and Media Buying and Planning with Conrad Nankin, and Introduction to Management with Lindamarie Werntz Coatman were also instrumental.

Additionally, support from Jennie Meltzer made a meaningful difference. Her mentorship helped me balance a performance career, attend school full time, and pursue a side career in social media.

What advice would you give to future Lubin students?

Learn to trust your gut. I had many crossroads while at 91ÊÓƵ, but trusting my instincts always led me to a path that brought me the most joy. It can be easy to get caught up in what others are doing or advising you to choose, but they do not live your life—you do. At the end of the day, you have to choose what fulfills you.