Vincent Mendoza’s journey reflects LIU Brooklyn’s Roc Nation School’s growing industry impact
Despite a stacked resume, Mendoza says graduating will be his “proudest moment so far,” though it’s still 18 days away. “I look forward to seeing my family and friends come and celebrate—it’s a celebration for them, honoring their commitment and dedication to me… I wouldn’t be here without any of them.”
Mendoza enrolled in the Roc Nation School at LIU Brooklyn to pursue a degree in sports communications. He serves as Chief Sports Editor for the campus newspaper, Seawanhaka LIU News. He uses the school’s hands-on connections to carve out a spot for himself within the industry.
Over the past several years, Mendoza has worked with CBS Sports, Live Nation, Interscope Records (and many others), and even moderated a fireside chat with NFL legends like Bart Scott, Carl Banks, and Perry Williams. Throughout all these experiences, humility seems to be of the utmost importance for Mendoza, but talking to him, it feels natural.
Mendoza always praises the people who helped him reach his current success. He credits the school’s hands-on approach with opening doors to many different opportunities: “the school knows who you are and what your dreams, goals, and aspirations are, and on top of that, how to set you up for that.”
He says walking into the NBA office marked the moment he realized he was exactly where he belonged. “We took trips to CBS, Paramount, Roc Nation offices, GMA, and all those different places… those experiences ignite a fire in you and make you think, how can I obtain this?” Mendoza leans back and shakes his head, almost as if he’s right back in the office, reflecting, “But the NBA office… it feels unreal.”
Mendoza takes full advantage of the resources Roc Nation provides and hopes future attendees will do the same. “Don’t say no too often. If you have boundaries, it’s okay to enforce them, but if you’re on the fence, just say yes. You never know who you’ll meet, and one opportunity can turn into five.”
Mendoza hopes to continue his career with CBS Sports. He wants to continue writing, even though the current landscape feels uncertain due to AI. Passion drives him, not money. He stays present and tells amNY that he doesn’t plan his future to the tee: “I dream big, but the world is so uncertain.”
At his core, Mendoza says empathy and consideration are his two biggest principles. He urges people to be kind and to hold their judgment, “you have to see things from other points of view”, he said.
Mendoza wants the world to slow down, for people to sit with themselves, even “take a walk through the city.”
He ends the interview by appreciating the moment, the conversation, and the readers. He demonstrates that the man makes the accolades, not the other way around.
