Marketing & Brand Strategist

I thrive on leading cross-functional teams and strategically shepherding projects from concept to execution, with proven experience aligning internal and external stakeholders while managing budgets effectively. My solution-oriented mindset empowers me to navigate complex processes, optimize partnerships, and deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences – delivering results that move the needle for our brand and for our customers.

Professional Experience

TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA

Communications Lead; Plano, TX | Nov 2019 — Present

  • Consult, oversee, and produce internal communications to reach 45,000+ employees across diverse sectors throughout North America.

  • Lead external communications campaigns, providing strategic direction and guidance to amplify the work of Toyota's community partners.

  • Write news releases, articles, social media copy, and scripts for speeches, community service announcements, executive speaking opportunities, videos, and cultural/heritage month recognitions.

  • Oversee vendors and project manage multiple campaigns, including the re-launch of Toyota's giving and volunteer platform, as well as Toyota's Diversity & Inclusion report and awards submissions.

Corporate Communications Senior Analyst; Plano, TX | May 2017 — Nov 2019

  • Implemented multi-faceted communications initiatives, focusing on telling the good-news stories behind the people and brand at Toyota.

  • Guided the launch and growth of Toyota’s first-ever LGBTQ+ award-winning cause-marketing campaign #LoveDrives.

Public Relations Administrator; Torrance, CA | March 2016 — April 2017

  • Supported the public relations team in the development and implementation of external communication products.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Event & Sales Support Specialist; Los Angeles, CA | Feb 2015 — Dec 2015)

  • Managed consumer-facing event activations from concept to execution, working with vendors, corporate staff, and travel agents.

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

Public Relations Coordinator; Orange, CA | April 2013 – Feb 2015

  • Pitched regional media and coordinated all press inquires.

  • Wrote press releases and content for Chapman Magazine and the institutional news blog.

  • Coordinated bands for the Summer Concert Series, bringing in 2,500+ attendees each year.

FREELANCE

Ryan Hines PR & Social Media; Orange County, CA | May 2012 – April 2013

  • Researched trade media targets to develop media lists for pitching.

  • Built comprehensive databases to submit speaker proposals and award entries.

  • Organized media clippings and supported senior-level staff.

  • Developed concept and wrote copy for Orange County Community Foundation annual mailer.

  • Built T&Co. website. Designed web banners, logos, and Constant Contact e-newsletters.

Event, Talent Logistics and Production Support; Los Angeles, CA | Aug 2012 – Feb 2017

  • MTV Video Music Awards – Greeted and managed high-level talent to assist stage managers.

  • City of West Hollywood – Facilitated volunteer teams for the Sunset Strip Music Festival; served as event representative at Fashion’s Night Out; coordinated volunteers at WeHo Reads book fair.

QUIKSILVER, INC.

Headquarters Sales Associate; Huntington Beach, CA | Oct 2011 – June 2012

  • Launched opening of two stores and coordinated sales at CrossFit Games.

Event Marketing Intern; Huntington Beach, CA | May 2009 - Aug 2009

  • Organized event materials; contributed to public facing blog.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Sport Clubs Program Supervisor; Tampa, FL | Aug 2009 – May 2011

  • Launched branding of the Sport Clubs Program: built website and developed marketing materials.

Skills and Professional Engagement

  • Technical Skills – AP style, Graphic Design, Social Media, Website Development.

  • Application Proficiency – Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Windows 95+ and Mac OS X+; Google Applications (Docs, Maps, Calendar); WordPress; Adobe Creative Apps (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); Prezi Presentations; iMovie.

  • Orange County Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Five-year member and 2015 co-chair of PROTOS award judging committee, facilitating entries, judging and prizing of top PR awards.

  • Speaker/Panelist – Includes panel discussion on Critical Mass Radio Show and “Marketing Your Shop’s Personality with Video” at Board Retailers Association (BRA) University at Surf Expo, Orlando.

Education

  • B.A. Mass Communications, Public Relations – Graduated May 2011, University of South Florida