Veronica Figueroa

Experience

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  Orlando Weekly

  Jan 2012 - Apr 2012

  Editorial Intern

  • Fact-checking intern• Contributor to special edition publication: Annual Manual 2012-2013, consisting of reviews of events and activities in Orlando• Researched, interviewed and wrote over 10 print and web articles• Covered the following beats: news, sports, special events, entertainment and music

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  Orlando Business Journal

  Aug 2012 - Jan 2013

  News Intern

  • Researched, interviewed and wrote over 20 print and web articles• Wrote and edited photo captions• Photographer• Covered the following beats: finance, healthcare, law, real estate, restaurants and retail

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  SPJ Will Write For Food 2012

  Sept 2012 - Sept 2012

  Features Writer
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  Feeding Children Everywhere

  Jan 2013 - Mar 2014

  Communications Coordinator

  - Collaborated on and executed seasonal campaigns, while implementing social media strategies across multiple platforms. - Organically grew the organization's social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. - Wrote, edited and ensured the effective dissemination of press releases, website blogs, and monthly email newsletters. - Acted as a spokesperson at Hunger Projects across the nation. - Supervised 4 communications interns per semester.

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  Experience Kissimmee

  Aug 2014 - Mar 2017

  Media Relations Manager, Latin America

  - Researched, developed, and executed strategic communications including press releases, pitches, blog posts, and talking points creating awareness of Kissimmee as a destination of choice for leisure, business, and sports travelers. - Arranged travel, coordinated, and conducted international media missions, and destination familiarization tours. - Assisted the VP of Communications in developing communication plans, strategies and budgets on an annual basis in support of the organization and destination. - Cultivated relationships with international travel journalists, international representation firms, and industry partners. - Represented Experience Kissimmee and acted as spokesperson during industry trade shows related to respective international markets. RESULTS: - Generated over 235 articles and coverage in major national and international outlets including Clarin, Pagina 12, Folha De Sao Paulo, UOL, and El Tiempo. Show less

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  Hemsworth Communications

  Mar 2017 - Oct 2018

  Senior Account Executive

  - Managed accounts and client relationships for Driftwood Acquisitions & Development, Driftwood Hospitality Management, Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Massanutten Resort, and Sefira Capital. - Supervised and oversaw the tasks of three junior staff members.- Researched, wrote and copyedited press releases, pitches, invitations, internal communications, reactive statements, presentations, and award submissions. - Created timelines, worked with vendors, and led the planning of client events, including groundbreaking ceremonies. - Monitored media coverage and reported results on clients on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. -Provided trade show assistance.- Conducted national media familiarization trips. RESULTS: - Conducted a press trip for Massanutten Resort which resulted in 51 million media impressions through ten published articles including Blue Ridge Outdoors, Parents, and The Daily Meal. - Assisted in Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s groundbreaking ceremony in Summer 2017 which resulted in more than 2 million media impressions within 24 hours, 35 editorial placements, and a website conversion rate of 11.7%.- Spearheaded and hosted an award-winning, behind-the-scenes tour of Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Spring 2018, resulting in over 50 editorial and social media placements, equaling 31 million impressions and an unprecedented website conversion rate of 4313%.- Established and nurtured relationships with local and national media. Show less

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  Laughing Samurai

  Oct 2018 - Aug 2020

  Public Relations Strategist

  - Conducted and oversaw public relations initiatives including writing and researching for ad copy, blog posts, press releases, pitches, reactive statements, website copy, social media, and award submissions. - Established long-range public relations and influencer marketing objectives with clients and the strategies to achieve them. - Developed reputation management strategies for clients. - Researched, wrote and generated SEO-optimized content for the Laughing Samurai Culture blog. RESULTS:- Secured media placements in national print, online publications including Coastal Living, Food Network, Travel Weekly, and WebMD for multiple clients.- Pitched and secured story ideas to local television programs including “Good Day Orlando” on FOX 35 and “Chef’s Kitchen” on Bay News 9. Show less

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  PRSA Orlando

  Feb 2019 - now

  President Elect

  - President Elect (January 2024 - present)- VP of Finance, Board Member (January 2023 - December 2023)- Assistant Treasurer, Board Member (January 2022 - December 2022)- Diversity & Inclusion Chair, Board Member (January 2020 - December 2021); 2021 PRSA D&I Chapter Award winner- Social Media Chair, Board Member (March 2020 - December 2020)- Diversity & Inclusion Committee (2019)

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  Reunion Resort

  Oct 2020 - Jun 2021

  Marketing & Communications Manager
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  Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA)

  Jun 2021 - now

  Communications Manager