Experience & Writing Samples

In the years since graduating college, I’ve been blessed to work alongside three incredible non-profit organizations to expand their reach, engage the media in sharing their mission, establish brand messaging, writing and facilitating programming for 400 – 700 person events, and casting vision/leading a team on a year-long mission trip. These experiences have given me a depth of knowledge on strategic communication, event planning and execution, leadership, networking, and collaborating with external publics. Here are brief descriptions of duties held under each position:

WELLSPRING LIVING                                                                                    Tyrone, GA           Communications Manager                                                                        July 2011-September 2012

Established first official public relations and social media process for the organization. Managed media relationships and pitching for three annual events and all third party events. Coordinated scheduling of all media interviews for local and national media outlets with Wellspring Living staff. Managed the public relations firm See.Spark.Go to establish a national media presence. Established and curated all social media outlets (blog, Facebook, Twitter). Managed and led trainings for speakers representing Wellspring Living. Planned and executed three annual events: 5K with over 500 participants and raised $37,000, fall charity gala Recreate Her Future with 400 participants in attendance and raised over $80,000, and a Golf Tournament with 125 participants and raised $69,000. Researched and cultivated new corporate sponsors for each event. Established an Event Sponsorship Network connecting event sponsors and growing relationships throughout the year. Hired and managed marketing team intern.

ADVENTURES IN MISSIONS, THE WORLD RACE                                             Gainesville, GA           

Team Leader                                                                                                        July 2010-June 2011

Managed a team of seven volunteers ages 22—27. Traveled around the world and partnered with a new organization each month for one year. Projected vision and team dynamic each month individually and the year as a whole. Maintained relationships with the head contacts for each organization by setting up ministry/work schedules, days off, handling conflicts with contacts, and disseminating information to the team. Managed spending team budget of $80,000 for the year. Confronted and dealt with interpersonal team relationships, conflicts, and resolving team as well as individual issues. Handled direct communication with Squad Leaders about each team member’s personal, spiritual, and overall growth throughout the year.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD, SAMARITAN’S PURSE                          Alpharetta, GA

Media Relations Specialist                                                                         July 2009-December 2009

Implemented publicity campaign in 196 media markets in a four state region to promote the collection of over 8.2 million gifts for impoverished children worldwide. Wrote press releases and pitched local and national story angles. Arranged over 15 radio, TV, and print interviews with local volunteers and Operation Christmas Child staff. Assisted with a national press event featuring Franklin Graham in Charlotte, N.C. Coordinated and managed a 12-hour family day event with 20 staff/volunteers and 658 children-participants under the age of 12. Analyzed over 700 media hits to find themes in media coverage. Served on a national task force to consult on a grass roots media strategy to encompass over 300 media markets.

Examples of Work: