Marie D

Graduate student studying Intercultural and International Communication at American University's School for International Service. Writer with published works on self-development and a completed manuscript seeking agent representation. Interested in global media, engagement among Africa and the diaspora, media across the African diaspora, and personal storytelling as a means to create change.

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Academic Projects

Spring 2024: Global Media as Strategic Cultural Diplomacy - Cultural Diplomacy Pitch
Summary: How can Pan-Africanism prove beneficial for diasporans and Africans without a stronger understanding among both groups? African Diaspora Exchange allows Africans and diasporans to visit participating countries where they will stay and spend meaningful time with a host family and engage in activities to enhance their understanding of the local context.Suggested citation: Dumbuya, Mariama. 2024. "African Diaspora Exchange." American University. Last modified May 2, 2024. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF-TKyZRAw/12OLzRpjP2dyQacTR1rcrg/view?utmcontent=DAF-TKyZRAw&utmcampaign=designshare&utmmedium=link&utmsource=editor

Fall 2023: International Communication - Final Project
Summary: The narrative power the United States and the West have had over Africa has been determinantal to the continent. The past few years have seen an emergence of movies and shows produced on the continent across U.S. media platforms, namely streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. This media is Africa’s soft power and can help break the West’s hold on its perception.Suggested citation: Dumbuya, Mariama. 2023. "The Emergence of African-Produced Media in American Markets." American University. Last modified December 15, 2023. https://african-media-2023.my.canva.site/

Personal Writing

• How “Doing Nothing” Benefits My Highly Sensitive Nature, Highly Sensitive Refuge – April 18, 2022

• The Rise of the Cancer Survivorship Movement, The Mighty – December 9, 2020

• 3 Words You’ve Probably Never Heard Before That Validate the Introvert Life, Introvert, Dear – September 4, 2020

• How Social Media Helped Me Find My Voice as an Introvert, Introvert, Dear – July 17, 2020

• Why we should shift from “Figuring it Out” to “Constantly Evolving.”, Elephant Journal – May 19, 2020

• How to Recreate Meaning Now That the Pandemic Has Upended Life, Tiny Buddha – May 19, 2020

• 4 Ways that “Niceness” Stunts our Personal Growth., Elephant Journal – April 12, 2020

• INFJ: 5 Questions to Consider Before Slamming the Door, Introvert, Dear – November 19, 2019

• When You Compare Your Depression’s Severity to Others, The Mighty – December 28, 2017

• 4 Reasons Introverts Should Make Their Next Vacation a Solo Trip, Introvert, Dear – October 10, 2017

Books and Stories

Title: Still Water, Skin
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Attributes: third-person limited, multiple POV, diverse characters, seven-book series
Word Count: 75,000
Status: Querying
Summary: For generations, the Scouthood has defended the Natural Plane from threats unnatural, heinous zonbi and persons immoral. But they have failed to protect the Natural’s most sacred icon—the Saint.With speculation and uncertainty surrounding the Saint’s downfall, the Scouthood needs to be better than ever before. But they’re not the only ones preparing for the looming conflict.A grieving medic, longing for a free world of true emotion and deep inspiration, is leading the charge against the Natural and its repressive philosophies. Ideals clash on the island of Taisala as the medic searches for a burning spirit who will transform the world.

The Dream – Episode, 2018Real life can be hard to hold on to, but can a dream be better than reality? Follow Ciara’s dive into her subconscious as she struggles with a terminally ill friend.
Featured on Episode’s Hidden Gems shelf in April 2020.

Contact

For inquiries related to my academic work: [email protected]
For inquiries related to my manuscript or personal writing: [email protected]

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