EDUCATION

Ryan Leshock

I've collaborated with MrBeast, Kraft Heinz, Highdive, DDB Chicago, and the Big Ten Network to create native social content that viewers actually want to watch all the way through.


Follow me where I create content!

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign  |  B.S. Advertising, Media Production Minor  I  3.96 Overall GPA

  • Kappa Tau Alpha: Top 10% of my Graduating Class by Cumulative GPA

  • Dean’s List 2020 and 2021: 4.0 GPA, Top 20% of all College of Media students

  • James Scholar 2020, 2021, 2022: Top 20% of College of Media Class and above a 3.5 GPA

  • College of Media Student Board: One of 12 members providing insights and creating College of Media events

  • Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society: Attaining a 3.5 GPA or higher

PRESS

Fast Company: “From Clinique to Kraft, how TikTok became a kingmaker of brands for Gen Z”

Forbes: “Associate producer Ryan Leshock and producer Joe Orlandino on the set of independent film Rain Beau's End.”

As A Creator Podcast, Guest

Dynasty Podcasts, Guest (coming soon)

Illini Media: “Stand Out Illini - Ryan Leshock” and “Student producer’s TikTok trend goes viral”

AWARDS

EMMY - Creative Arts Scholarship I 2022 EMMY Mid-America

Department of Advertising Scholarship I University of Illinois I 2021-2022

  • Outstanding achievement as an Advertising student

Procter & Gamble Excellence in Leadership Award I University of Illinois I 2022

  • Sole recipient. Based on outstanding achievement in leadership

Holle Award and Black Warrior Film Festival Nominee I University of Alabama I 2022

  • One of five films honored for best narrative short film made by an undergraduate student

Student of the Quarter  I  Neuqua Valley High School Media Department  I  Fall 2018

  • One of 200 students recognized for high involvement in media with great academic standing

First Place Award, "7 Day Challenge" Category, Short Film I Midwest Media Educators Association I Spring 2019

  • Out of 20+ schools. This category requires students to create a short film from idea to submission in just 7 days total

Comedic Narrative Nomination  I  All American High School Film Festival  I  Fall 2019

Distracted Driving PSA Scholarship Winner  I  Naperville Police Department  I  Winter 2018

  • Created a PSA video in competition with two high schools for scholarship from local police department

Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society

  • Attain a 3.5 GPA or higher