Lois Paula Benavidez Verzosa

E-mail: loispaula@me.com I Phone: 619.948.6440

Twitter: @loispaula I Web: www.loispaula.com

Highlights of Qualifications
Writing and Communication
- Strong writing skills with a knowledge of AP Stylebook
- Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills
- Experienced in writing news articles and features, tactical documents, strategic public relations plans, business reports
and memorandums

Software and Social Media

- Experience with Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Final Cut; photo/video editing software
- Knowledge of and frequent practice with media monitoring and research databases: Cision, Factiva, Lexis-Nexis, Vocus
- Knowledge of and frequent practice with social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Wordpress and Blogspot
- Experience with Web content management & interactive/new media (video production)
- Practice with analytics generator, HTML/CSS, content and asset management systems: Joomla, Cumulus
- Knowledge of and ability to use both Mac and PC

Work Experience
Allison & Partners – Account Coordinator (June 10 – present)
- Contribute to agency's growing national Social Impact practice, which helps companies, organizations and
government agencies drive positive change and strengthen reputation through cause marketing, corporate social
responsibility, environmental responsibility, strategic philanthropy and education.
- Coordinate compilation of company and client deliverables. Conduct media relations – proactive and reactive
pitching, monitor editorial opportunities; create/maintain media lists for targeted market outreach. Conduct research
on behalf of national clientele and firm; provide deadline-driven support for team members. Competitive analysis and
trend tracking – closely monitor client and market news coverage in both online and traditional publications; provide
strategic counsel. Frequent use and knowledge of media monitoring and research databases: Cision, Factiva, Lexis-
Nexis.
- Current/past clients include: Connections Academy, Office of Emergency Services’ ReadySanDiego, ARAMARK
Building Community, After-School All-Stars, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, ARAMARK
Parks and Destinations, Johnny Rockets, Affinity, Inc., Gafcon, HOK Los Angeles, MagTek, Envision Solar.

Port of San Diego - Communications & Community/Government Relations Intern (Sept 09 – June 10)
- Web content management - provided support to the award-winning Web team in maintaining the organization's
output of news and stakeholder relations for the San Diego Bay and working waterfront (content mgt sys Joomla).
- Wrote press releases and informational/promotional stories, shot video and photography for multimedia news updates
to enhance community activism through social media and integrated marketing communications.
- Compiled media database of local and regional media, local governments/municipalities, civic organizations, local
and state legislators.
- Generated internal knowledge-base Wikipedia; maintained asset management system (Cumulus).

YMCA of San Diego County - Public Relations Intern, Consultant (Sept 09 – Dec 09)
- As volunteer PR consultant, developed a strategic PR proposal & website recommendations for future implementation.
- Developed market research to increase efficiency and enhance communication between members and prospective
stakeholders; helped execute various campaigns across the Downtown branch, SD county and national YMCA.
- Coordinated local media relations for 40th Annual Resolution Run, secured coverage on local news outlets.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority - Public, Community & Customer Relations Intern (May 09 – Aug 09)

- Managed the Authority's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and assisted in community relations efforts
to communicate w/ traveling public and community stakeholders regarding the San Diego International Airport's
developments and services.
- Conducted research to enhance customer relations and raise awareness of the airport's ADA compliance/services.
- Assisted in managing more than 320 Volunteer Airport Ambassadors; supported efforts of the Authority's Public Art
Program and Airport Advisory Council of community leaders.
- Worked collaboratively w/ peers for the brand development and webpage design promoting the ACE program for
san.org.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro – Certified National Host Trainer / Server (Oct 06 – May 09)
- As certified trainer, taught new staff to implement company standards and to properly portray and execute the core
values of the company; led promotional activities for new rollout campaigns.
- General clerical/reception responsibilities – guest relations, phone accommodations, administrative duties, constant
customer service interaction in a demanding environment.

Other

Iglesia ni Cristo Television Productions (INCTV Productions) (June 07 – present)

District of Southern California Bureau Officer, Contributing Writer & Correspondent
- Regularly disseminate church news in Southern California for the television network of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Church of
Christ, contributing to both print (magazine - Pasugo/God's Message) and broadcast (television - GEM TV, Direct TV
Channel 2068).
- Coordinate story development, draft scripts and conduct interviews; produce and edit videos, commercials and PSAs;
submit story packages to U.S. bureau for mass media distribution.

Public Relations Student Society of America - Executive Board, Media Editor (Dec 09 – June 10)
- Designed and built the local chapter’s first editorial-driven website. Web content management – created and oversaw
communications committee / contributing writers; managed editorial direction.
- Use social media tools as a channel for content - built awareness, created dialogue and enhanced organization’s SEO,
using Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Flickr.

Iglesia ni Cristo Kadiwa (Church Youth Organization) - Officer (Jan 07 – Jan 10)
Committee on Edification, Secretary
- Oversaw more than 300 members; provide direct counsel for targeted demographics to maintain involvement in
activities/events that promote positive behavioral change.
- Program development / event planning – lead themed/topic-driven monthly membership meetings and activities.
- Creative and organizational development – generated team-building concepts, presentations and skits; produced and
edited videos, commercials, PSAs, PowerPoint presentations, etc., for targeted communication.

Education
San Diego State University (Aug 06 – May 10)
- Bachelor of Arts from the School of Journalism and Media Studies
Major: Journalism, emphasis public relations
Minor: Business administration
- Related coursework: Principles of Journalism, Writing for the Mass Media, Principles of Public Relations, PR Media &
Methods, PR Research Methods, Media Technology, Media Law & Ethics, Media Writing & Reporting, Internet
Marketing, Consumer/Buyer Behavior, Computers & Society
- Certificates: Certified eMarketing Associate (CeMA), eMarketing Association

References

Available upon request