Who am I?
Hi, my name is Sammie! I am a recent Communications graduate from Denison University, with a passion for people, design, and everything in between.
Education
With a major in Communications, I found my passion in conveying complex ideas through a clear message. I have a strong ability to come up with new ideas, as well as adapt to a dynamic landscape of challenges. My minor in Environmental Studies reminds me of the need for positive change in the world, and aligns with my altruistic mindset, a value fostered in the liberal arts environment.
Professional Experience
Leadership comes naturally to me. As Vice President of Recruitment for Denison Pi Beta Phi, I found that event coordination, supporting new members, and providing a strong sense of guidance for women were core parts of who I am. I also served as Vice President of Administration for Denison’s Women in Business Club, where we overhauled the tired structure of the past and reintroduced our organization to become a well respected group of young professionals highly esteemed by faculty and alumni.
As a sophomore in college I worked as a Marketing and Communication intern for Community Associations Institute (CAI) during which I authored 3 articles published to the company website, attended bi-weekly team meetings, and learned the ropes of a fast-paced marketing environment through Laura Otto and Amy Repke’s mentorship.
Now, I find passion in hospitality. In hopes to integrate my industry knowledge into a PR role in the future, I am currently working as a bartender, server, and shift manager at Mookie’s BBQ. This environment has challenged me to stay alert in a fast paced workplace, while also leaning into my leadership abilities to provide guidance from my 2 years of serving for our younger/newer staff. Having first-hand experience in the restaurant industry puts me ahead when understanding client needs in a Hospitality PR environment.
My Work
Art remains a forever passion of mine. As a child I took painting and art lessons in Great Falls, VA, my hometown, surrounded my nature and horses and leaning into my passion for animals, landscapes and the environment. During high school, I took AP Photography and developed a passion for film photography and working in the dark room, which I still continue to enjoy. While art remains a hobby, I have continued to foster my passion for creating art through work during my time as VP of Recruitment at Denison Pi Beta Phi, creating social media content and physical art projects as well.
During my internship at Community Associations Institute, I leaned into my passion for writing and authored 3 articles that were published to the company website. In senior year of college I took two semester-long writing courses, Virtuous Resilience and Autoethnography: Researching Self as a Cultural Participant. During these courses I spent the semesters conducting interviews and research to craft two final papers which I am extremely proud of. These works demonstrate my ability to delve thoroughly into a topic and create stories that would not have otherwise been told, both about myself and others.