San Francisco, CA -- As we come up on Thanksgiving and the eventual end of November, the Academy of Art University women's golf program is in their offseason, honing skills on the course and building strength in the weight room. But as artist-athletes, they are also hard at work in the classroom and building their professional portfolios.

That's the case for senior Melissa Genao, who has taken her skills off the course and has been applying them while working with Jane Yin at JSY on a project for the TypeOneTwo  organization, helping to raise awareness about living with diabetes. As November also represents American Diabetes Month, her current project is seeing the mainstream and also exemplifying the Urban Knights dedication to service in all aspects. 

"I'm really happy to be on this project, as diabetes runs in my family," said Genao. "Since it touches close to my heart, I'm that much more enthusiastic about spreading the word, and helping this foundation reach its full potential. As a graphic designer, one of my main objectives is to always seek opportunities in which I am able to help people, in whatever form that may be. Being a part of the TypeOneTwo project has been a great reward on my end, and I can't wait to see the foundation flourish!"

TypeOneTwo was founded by Gary Forbes, a professional basketball player who is diagnosed with type one diabetes. Gary created the organization under the Gary Forbes Foundation in order to reach out to young adults in the urban youth community who have been diagnosed with diabetes, and need a means of advice and support concerning their diagnosis. Forbes made it his mission to give back to those living with diabetes by starting his Foundation, which strives to give back by giving advice and resources to diabetics or those in danger of becoming diabetics.

"I am really proud of Melissa for taking advantage of the off season to get meaningful work experience in her field," said head women's golf coach Elaine Harris. "She is balancing a large workload, golf practice, workouts, and also this internship.This shirt campaign is not only meaningful for her career; diabetes is an epidemic in our society and it is an issue that touches close to home for her and her family. I look forward to following her work as she brings awareness through her art to the important campaigns she works on."

JSY, the public relations firm that Genao has been interning for, specializes in public relations for athletes and musicians. They do work for sporting events and charitable projects and partnerships, and as part of the TypeOneTwo partnership, Genao designed the shirt that is at the forefront of the campaign. For more information on TypeOneTwo and to participate in the campaign, follow it here.