Career Experience

As an Event Marketing Intern at San Diego Magazine, I played a key role in the management and execution of three major events, demonstrating strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. I led a team of approximately 15 volunteers and supported the marketing team in coordinating with 60 local vendors for each event. My responsibilities included researching potential partners, vendors, and sponsors, ensuring each collaboration enhanced the event's success. These efforts contributed to hosting events that attracted 2,500-3,000 attendees each, showcasing a robust engagement strategy. Additionally, I was involved in researching industry insights, compiling notes, testing strategies, and proofing event deliverables to ensure optimal outcomes.

During my tenure as a Public Relations and Social Media Intern at J Public Relations in San Diego, CA, I developed and executed strategic communication materials, including compelling pitches, media blurbs, and backgrounders for six hospitality accounts. I also crafted social media captions, stories, and content calendars using HeyOrca for four hospitality accounts, demonstrating strong content management skills. My role involved managing community engagement by curating approximately 100 user-generated videos and photos to enhance the social media presence of these accounts. Additionally, I facilitated partnerships with like-minded entities for events and campaigns, significantly boosting the brand's visibility and engagement. Notably, I managed direct interactions with over 200 clients' Instagram followers, contributing to an 18% increase in engagement through proactive community management and content creation.

During my internship at J Public Relations, I managed and created Instagram posts for Dodo Bird Donuts, one of the five accounts I was responsible for. Utilizing Canva, I designed engaging content that effectively represented the brand's unique identity on social media.

Additionally, during my internship at J Public Relations, I managed the Instagram account for Paradisaea, creating and overseeing its social media presence alongside other key accounts. This role involved curating content, engaging with followers, and strategically enhancing the brand’s online visibility.

During my internship at J Public Relations, I also managed the Instagram account for MacArthur Place, which became my favorite account to work with. This picturesque property provided stunning imagery that I used to create beautiful Instagram stories via Canva, enhancing the visual storytelling and appeal of their social media presence.

For the Fort Worth Stockyards account during my internship at J Public Relations, I was responsible for researching influencers who aligned with the brand's rugged and historic personality. I actively reached out to these influencers through both email and Instagram direct messages to foster partnerships that would enhance the Stockyards' presence and engagement on social media.

For the Hotel Drover account, also during my internship at J Public Relations, I focused on enhancing brand engagement by identifying and connecting with influencers who embodied the hotel's distinctive charm and elegance. I reached out to these influencers through email and Instagram direct messages to establish collaborations that would elevate the visibility and allure of Hotel Drover on social media platforms.

During my internship at Bex Brands, I had the opportunity to delve into the rebranding process. It was incredibly interesting to see how the team approached product photography, art integration, and competitive analysis to ensure our products stood out on shelves. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the strategic elements involved in effective branding.

As a Marketing and Service Representative at Parisi Speed School, I communicated with prospective and existing clients via phone and email, enhancing their interest and engagement with our services. I kept clients updated on the latest membership options and pricing, and successfully promoted the benefits of our packages, achieving the goal of selling 12 memberships.

As a Marketing Micro-Influencer for Black Sheep Marketing, I significantly boosted apartment occupancy by showcasing the complex's lifestyle through social media and events, consistently attracting about 100 attendees per event. I also grew the apartment's Instagram following by 109 followers and influenced 55 app downloads. Collaborating closely with the marketing team, I helped develop effective strategies targeted at engaging college students.

As a College Marketer for Atlas College Marketing, I played a pivotal role in a campaign that significantly exceeded expectations by achieving 121 application downloads for a new app, surpassing the initial goal of 50 downloads. This success involved strategic coordination with social media, public relations, and other internal teams, alongside the creation of engaging Instagram content tailored to resonate with our target college demographic.

In my general portfolio, I included a project I did on Vuori, a brand I've long admired, not only for its innovative products but also because it started right here in San Diego. Working on this project was particularly thrilling; it combined my personal enthusiasm for the brand with my professional skills. I carried out thorough research and brainstorming sessions to develop strategic recommendations that could help Vuori continue to thrive and expand. It was incredibly fulfilling to apply my insights to a brand I feel so passionate about.

Together with my peers, we developed a marketing strategy for Coca-Cola aimed at connecting more authentically with the Gen Z audience. We conceptualized the idea of a "Coca-Cola Diner," a modern twist on the classic American diner that leverages nostalgia while creating a new 'third space' for young people to gather. Understanding that Gen Z values both nostalgia and communal experiences, our strategy focused on these areas to revitalize Coca-Cola's brand engagement. This setting would not only allow Gen Z to "share a Coke" in a nostalgic environment but also foster connections with each other, enhancing the social and communal appeal of the brand.

During my time in the marketing club at Point Loma, we embarked on a heartfelt fundraising initiative for the "Free Wheelchair Mission," a nonprofit dedicated to providing free wheelchairs to those in need. Our collective efforts focused on supporting this impactful cause, helping to enhance mobility and improve the lives of many individuals. It was a deeply rewarding experience that brought our club together for a meaningful purpose.

Together with my peers, we launched the "Stamp of Sustainability" campaign, aimed at encouraging companies, particularly in the clothing industry, to adopt more sustainable practices. This initiative was designed to appeal to consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility. Our efforts culminated in the submission of this project to a national competition, where we were honored with an "honorable mention." This recognition was especially meaningful as it came just two years after our chapter's establishment on campus, underscoring our commitment to impactful marketing.

To enhance the visibility and revenue of the Legacy Hotel, I developed three strategic initiatives. Firstly, I proposed the launch of dedicated social media accounts to actively engage with guests and showcase the hotel's amenities. Secondly, I recommended enhancing the hotel's website with updated mission, vision, and value statements to clearly communicate the brand's identity and values. Lastly, I suggested strategies to improve our TripAdvisor ratings, which would increase our visibility and attract more guests. Each of these strategies was designed to not only boost our presence in a competitive market but also to enhance overall guest experience and satisfaction. 

In collaboration with four teammates, we crafted a marketing strategy for San Diego Magazine aimed at addressing the challenge many postgraduates face in finding a community after graduation. To tackle this issue, we introduced the concept of organizing events specifically tailored for postgraduates, designed to facilitate networking and community-building. This strategic initiative has been detailed in a PDF project, which I've included in the portfolio section of my resume for further reference.

In my first year with the marketing club, we brainstormed fundraising ideas for "R.I.P. Debt," a nonprofit dedicated to helping people pay off their medical debt. I proposed a Valentine's Day week initiative where students could send personalized letters to loved ones on campus. The campaign was a great success, raising $5,000, which contributed to alleviating $500,000 in medical debt. This project not only provided financial relief but also brought our campus community closer together.

My first marketing assignment involved a challenge to increase Legoland annual pass purchases by 10% over two years. Alongside my team, we delved into market research to determine the most effective strategy, which led us to understand that our target audience greatly values exclusivity and a sense of belonging. Leveraging this insight, we introduced an innovative concept: an exclusive restaurant available only to annual pass holders. The unique draw was a live-action Lego figure, projected onto diners' plates, "preparing" their meals virtually before the actual dish was served by staff. This project not only sparked my excitement about a career in marketing but also allowed me to explore creative solutions and gain a deeper understanding of consumer values.

As a Brand Marketer at Ando Banking, I effectively increased new customer engagement by highlighting the environmental benefits of our banking platform through targeted social media campaigns and events. I also positioned Ando Banking’s debit card as a competitive alternative to Venmo, which significantly boosted card usage and attracted new customers. Additionally, I designed exclusive Ando swag bags and attire for promotional events, each attended by around 400 students, successfully driving app downloads and enhancing brand visibility.

During my time as an event volunteer, I had the chance to peek behind the curtains of event operations. This experience was incredibly fascinating and valuable, especially since I have a strong passion for event planning within the marketing field. Getting a hands-on look at how events are run from the ground up has only deepened my interest and excitement in this area.

Along with participating in the Sandie Awards, I also volunteered at the CRSSD Festival, which perfectly merged my interests in event operations and music. This was another fantastic opportunity that allowed me to deepen my understanding of the dynamics behind large-scale event management, while also indulging my passion for the music industry.

During my time at KIDS, I embraced the opportunity to volunteer as a soccer coach for children with autism. Always eager to dive into new experiences and broaden my skills, this role was particularly rewarding. It not only allowed me to engage with incredible kids but also presented a fun and challenging environment for personal growth. Coaching these amazing children taught me to quickly adapt my problem-solving tactics and modify my leadership approach to better suit individuals with different needs than my own. This experience not only enriched my ability to lead diversely but also deepened my understanding and appreciation of the unique perspectives and abilities of each child.

During my time at the University of Arizona, I volunteered at a local animal shelter and took the opportunity to foster a dog named Mama. This experience was not only fulfilling because I could help a dog in need, but it also challenged me to become more responsible. Taking care of Mama encouraged personal growth, deepening my sense of responsibility and commitment, which was incredibly rewarding and transformative.

Additionally, I volunteered as a leader for the Vacation Bible School hosted by Canyon Springs Church. At the time, I was seeking ways to deepen my connection to God and challenge myself in a leadership role. This experience was initially daunting but ultimately rewarding, as it shaped me into a stronger Christian and allowed me to grow alongside the students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade.

Reflecting on my empathetic nature, my first volunteer experience was with NFAR, where I helped run a booth with games for children with autism. While initially challenging, it was incredibly rewarding to see the joy on their faces as they played the games we had set out for them. This experience further solidified my passion for helping others and reinforced the importance of empathy in my life.