Bridget Bonnette

Experience

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  The Daily Gamecock

  Sept 2013 - May 2014

  Staff Writer

  Staff writer responsible for developing written content for daily publications.

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  Pilot Media Solutions | The Virginian-Pilot

  Jun 2015 - Aug 2015

  Independent Contractor

  Worked as a journalist intern and independent contractor for a daily newspaper with a print circulation of more than 125,000 and an online readership of over 5 million.Authored articles and took photographs under strict word count restrictions and time deadlines Developed articles based on assigned story topics by writing, interviewing, and attending community functions Edited final draft articles of staff reporters

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  Avis Budget Group

  May 2016 - Aug 2016

  Loss Prevention Impound Intern

  Contacted impound lots and police departments to verify rental vehicle statuses Updated rental contract info into a Wizard system and completed additional clerical functions, as assignedOne of 10 interns who collaborated and raised $1,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Foundation, the AVIS corporate social responsibility charity organizationRequired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (oral & writing)Strong time management, planning, and organizational skillsSolid PC skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, and AccessStrong interpersonal skills Show less

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  University of South Carolina

  Aug 2016 - May 2017

  Originally produced a 1-2 minute multimedia project of still photos combined with audio. Completed a project that demonstrated extensive collegiate learning and skillsPresented this project information at a seminar with a board of faculty members Created an E-Portfolio (bridgetdonovan.weebly.com) with About Me, Key Insights, and Leadership sections to demonstrate extensive, purposeful engagement within and beyond the classroom As a Visual Communications major, I created a portfolio of original photography and graphic design work using Adobe Suites software.

  • Photovisual Communications Multimedia Project

    Jan 2017 - May 2017

  • Graduation with Leadership Distinction in Global Learning

    Jan 2017 - May 2017

  • Senior Portfolio

    Aug 2016 - May 2017
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  The Daily Gamecock

  Sept 2016 - May 2017

  The Daily Gamecock Special Publications Team

  One of ten students selected based on strong writing skills and ability to meet strict deadlinesAttended weekly meetings to contribute to theme and content brainstorming Editor for Carolina Insider primarily responsible for all elements of assigned articles; to ensure all writing adhered to AP style, meticulous fact checking, ensured names, places and businesses were spelled correctly, and that facts and dates were all accurateStaff writer for Best of Carolina responsible for developing written content for publicationsEvaluated Public Affairs impact of potential Best of Carolina feature storiesEstablished and maintained a social media presence regarding The Daily Gamecock publications Disseminated information for Best of Carolina through Survey Monkey in order to receive community feedback and review information that should be published Show less

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  YMCA of South Hampton Roads

  May 2017 - Aug 2017

  Summer Camp Counselor

  One of 21 “Tribe leaders”Guided and supervised groups of campers ranging from ages 5-12 years’ oldFacilitated camp activities including swimming, crafting and outdoor sports.Collaborated with a team of other counselors to develop creative, innovative, and age-appropriate free time activities every week.Established and maintained effective relationships with leadership personnel, parents, and children.

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  Old Navy

  May 2017 - May 2018

  Directed the morning shipment process, overseeing a team of 15-20 members while implementing coaching and motivation strategies. Maintained vigilance over productivity targets and upheld rigorous service standards. Leveraged data insights for strategic product placement decisions and optimized merchandise handling to align with budgetary and efficiency objectives.Provided comprehensive feedback to senior management, ensuring alignment with quarterly check-ins, individual development plans, and annual performance evaluations. Vigilantly communicated performance concerns to management and upheld company-defined practices to meet service, merchandising, and operational benchmarks.Engaged in collaborative partnerships with the Assistant Store Manager of Merchandising to drive results through effective merchandising strategies and presentation guidelines. Championed sales growth and profitability through meticulous attention to departmental presentation and product placement.Fostered open communication channels to relay merchandising achievements, identify opportunities, and propose effective solutions to management. Engaged in strategic store walk-throughs with senior management to maintain consistency and quality in merchandising execution. Show less

  • Assistant Store Manager – Merchandising Specialist

    Nov 2017 - May 2018

  • Sales Associate

    May 2017 - Nov 2017
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  Air Force Special Operations Command

  Jun 2018 - Jan 2020

  Public Affairs Specialist

  Planned, coordinated, executed, and assessed multifaceted command information, media, and community engagement initiatives, fostering seamless information dissemination within Air Force and Special Operations Forces (SOF) communities to bolster morale, readiness, productivity, and retention. Contributed to the development and execution of internal and external communication strategies, notably supporting comprehensive coverage of Master Sergeant John A. Chapman’s Medal of Honor ceremonies and associated events.Oversaw management of all command-level social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, assuming the role of primary content creator for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) commander’s Facebook page. Implemented stringent verification measures across platforms to mitigate misinformation and combat the proliferation of fake accounts. Unified branding efforts by rebranding all accounts under the @AFSpecOpsCmd handle to ensure uniformity across platforms.Conceptualized and orchestrated an exclusive social media campaign to amplify visibility and engagement surrounding MSgt John A. Chapman’s Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., leveraging various social platforms and the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) livestreaming services. Show less

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  1st Special Operations Wing

  Jan 2020 - Feb 2021

  Public Affairs Specialist

  Led production of the most visible products of the command information program. Supervised all PA products for 10 Airmen, increased overall CI output by 195%. Revamped CI readiness: initiated calendar, checklists, COVID-19 communications plan, and enabled 240+ training hours. Planned, researched, wrote, localized, edited, and produced news and feature articles, commentaries, fact sheets, biographies, newsletters, briefings, and other informational products. Provided public affairs advice and support for commander's calls, town hall meetings and government access channel programs. Ensured all command information messages and products adhere to local and higher headquarters’ policy. Planned, arranged, and supported external coverage of the installation’s mission. Show less

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  Peterson Space Force Base

  Feb 2021 - May 2022

  Public Affairs Specialist

  As the primary liaison for community engagement initiatives, collaborated with external agency points of contact to orchestrate installation tours, ensuring seamless coordination while adhering to protocol and mitigating conflicts with other unit activities and base events. Crafted tailored itineraries to accommodate both installation requirements and requester preferences.Facilitated comprehensive coordination efforts with unit representatives, Security Forces, Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS), and security managers to ensure logistical support, security clearances, and other necessities such as dining arrangements and photography services were arranged according to the unique specifications of each tour.Maintained meticulous records of engagement metrics, including tour frequency, visitor numbers, and representation at public affairs events, providing essential data for both calendar and fiscal year reporting. Spearheaded the organization and execution of annual public affairs events, exemplified by the State of the Base address.Actively participated in community engagement forums, including Military Affairs Committee meetings, and other relevant gatherings, serving as a prominent ambassador for the base and commander, and fostering enduring partnerships to enhance the installation's standing within the community.Initiated a comprehensive overhaul of 7+ social media platforms within the newly established Peterson-Schriever Garrison framework, ensuring uniform verification processes and coherent messaging strategies across all channels. Show less

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  National Space Defense Center (NSDC)

  May 2022 - now

  Chief of Public Affairs

  Develops informational material for various audiences to meet the organization’s needs. Identifies communication needs, develops, and executes communication strategies, goals, and objectives, processes, and materials to meet those needs while synchronizing and integrating communication messages with U.S. Space Command Headquarters. Informs external audiences of the task force’s mission to facilitate public understanding of a highly technical and classified organization.