The Society for Advancement of Management is proud to recognize Abby Marino, a Graphic Design student at the New England Institute of Technology, as a recipient of the SAM Regional Outstanding Student Award. Abby’s journey into the world of management is a story of creativity, courage, and collaboration, making her an inspiring choice for this honor.
Though her academic background lies in graphic design, Abby has quickly proven herself to be a valuable and dynamic member of her SAM collegiate chapter. Introduced to the Society during her very first term at NEIT, Abby was drawn in by the energy of the chapter and the professional opportunities it offered. What began as a classroom assignment designing a conference pamphlet soon became a transformative experience. Encouraged by SAM members and driven by a desire to grow, Abby took the leap into unfamiliar territory and joined the chapter team.
From the moment she stepped into her role, Abby’s design skills added a powerful dimension to her chapter’s strategic efforts. She helped develop impactful promotional materials and presentation visuals for the team’s competition work. Her creative vision enhanced the team’s messaging and made complex ideas more accessible and compelling. Whether she was helping coordinate public-facing events focused on artificial intelligence or preparing her team for the SAM International Business Conference in Tallahassee, Florida, Abby’s contributions consistently elevated the group’s effectiveness.
As noted in her recommendation letter, Abby’s ability to merge technical talent with business acumen sets her apart. Her chapter advisor praised her dedication, work ethic, and willingness to learn. He described her as a shining example of how technical and creative skills can be combined with strategic thinking and effective teamwork. Abby has also excelled in her academic and professional endeavors outside of SAM, bringing a wide range of experience from retail, hospitality, and freelance design roles.
What makes Abby’s story particularly remarkable is her willingness to embrace unfamiliar situations, push through uncertainty, and apply her strengths in new ways. Though she joined the chapter without prior business coursework, Abby’s openness, humility, and drive quickly turned her into an essential part of the team.
Abby Marino represents the best of what the Society for Advancement of Management strives to foster. Her innovative mindset, collaborative spirit, and commitment to growth are qualities that will serve her well in any path she pursues. SAM is proud to celebrate her success and excited to see where her journey leads next.