Young Pros Spotlight
Kalani Dunn
What is your role / current company?
Jr. Creative Strategist/Roc Nation
If you could offer one piece of advice to other young professionals, what would it be?
Stay open-minded. My best opportunities have come from thinking outside the box, whether in how I work, solve problems, show up in new spaces, or decide which projects to pursue. Some of the best things I’ve done came from trusting my gut and taking chances that didn’t make sense on paper at the time. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, lean on your support system and network, and ask for help along the way.
What has been your proudest professional achievement to date?
My proudest achievement so far has been carving out a career path that feels aligned with who I am and where I want to go. I customized my major in college to study media and global culture, and have been able to curate roles that allow me to grow as a creative strategist and storyteller across different industries. Each step has been intentional, and it’s amazing to see how it’s all coming together.
How has being an ARF Young Pro member impacted your career?
Being an ARF Young Pro has inspired me to think bigger. Seeing other members experiences and trajectories has opened my eyes to career paths I didn’t even know existed. It’s been super validating to connect with people who share similar passions and ambitions in this space.
Can you name a company or brand that you think is doing an excellent job and why?
Peacock has been killing it with Love Island USA these past two summers. Taking over a beloved UK format and making it feel fresher, more diverse, and engaging for U.S. audiences is no small feat. Becoming the No. 1 most-watched streaming reality series speaks for itself! It just shows how much you can shake things up when you really know your audience.
What is something you recently saw on the internet that made you smile? It can be work-related or otherwise (PG-13).
Drake is one of my all time favorite artists, so seeing him headline three days of Wireless Festival in the UK made me smile (and feel a bit heartbroken from FOMO). The TikTok’s were the next best thing to being there.
How has mentorship played a role in your career journey?
Mentorship has played a huge role in my journey. From starting out as an intern to now working full time in corporate marketing and advertising, my mentors have helped me shape my voice, navigate opportunities, and think more intentionally about the impact I want to make.
What is your dream job? If money were no object, what would you do?
If money were no object, I would run a café on an island and create fun drinks all day.
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