I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I grew up going to Catholic schools, and I graduated from Omaha Marian High School in 2022. During my time there I was my class’s president for four years, in musicals and plays, FBLA president, captain of the bowling team, a cheerleader, and involved in just about every club there was. I had a blast during high school, but I had no clue what I would do next.

I ended up getting into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I came in as a secondary education major. I’m the oldest of six kids, so I’m no stranger to teaching and helping other people… so teaching felt like the right choice. After a day of teaching classes (yes I only lasted one day…) I realized that was so NOT the right choice for me. In a panic I looked up “What are some creative jobs that still make money?” and kept seeing “Graphic Designer” come up. On a whim I declared Graphic Design as my major and from there my passion for design blossomed.

As a student at UNL, I joined Alpha Xi Delta, a sorority on campus. I held a few roles as a member, but my favorites were Banner Chair, where I got to design and paint banners for our philanthropies, formals, and other fun events, and Bid Day Creative Chair, where I designed and implemented a brand identity for our 2024 and 2025 Bid Days. In this role, I had the opportunity to design shirts, posters, banners, tote bags, and other goodies for our new members, all while sticking to a strict budget and timeline.

During my junior year, I decided it was time to kickstart my career, and I began my internship with LI-COR, a company that develops innovative tools for environmental and life science research around the world. As a Graphic Design intern, I got a real feel for what it is like working on an in-house marketing team.

At the end of my junior year, I heard about an opportunity to work as a Graphic Designer at UNL’s student-run ad agency, Jacht. I was offered the job, even after answering the question, “What makes you different from our other candidates?” with, “I mean, come on, I’m Cali D’Agosto… what’s not to love?” Despite a brain fart as big as that one, I still got to work with real clients and dip my toes into what agency life entails.

After a semester of working as a designer, I decided it was time for the next step. Leadership applications were opening, and I knew the Art Director position was calling my name. I applied, and in January 2026, I was named Art Director of Jacht Ad Agency.

In addition to being in a sorority, working, and being a student, I was also a Pentel Student Ambassador my senior year. I held six main events across two semesters where I promoted Pentel’s products, engaged with students, and gave away free items. I promoted my events using graphics I designed myself and got to feel like “Pen Santa.” It was awesome.

Overall, my time in college was a whirlwind, but a whirlwind of fun. I learned so much, met so many people, and only embarrassed myself a few times. In a way, I feel like my high school self again- I had a bunch of fun, but I don't really know where I’m going next. All I know for sure is that if it worked out four years ago for 18-year-old Cali, it will surely work out now for 22-year-old Cali.