Emily Whitaker
Public Relations Specialist
ABOUT ME
My name is Emily Whitaker and I am a recent graduate from DePaul University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising. As I was a pre-med student before switching to public relations, I have developed a passion for healthcare and corporate communications. I am currently seeking a full-time role where I can share my strengths and have the opportunity to continue growing in public relations and communications.
Professional History
My Experience
Weber Shandwick
Corporate Affairs Intern
Sept. 2019 - Feb. 2020
Developed daily, client-facing monitoring reports across four separate accounts to identify trends and opportunistic stories, increased brand awareness and issues preparedness, reaching an average of 515 employees across all accounts. Created a Proactive Issues Report once a month for an executive-level client to predict trends in the grocery and retail industry that then allow issues planning and messaging preparedness in advance. Owned and pitched 23 media references landing, on average, six placements per story. Vetted media, celebrity and influencer requests for product samples and communicated with clients to ensure samples arrived to media in time for broadcast segments, feature stories and influencer posts. Wrote pitches and compiled media lists of over 30 reporters spanning across trade and consumer outlets in preparation for product launches and nonprofit award announcements. Drafted and delivered recommendations on different speaking events for a national grocery retailer’s executive and senior leaders
Clients: Aldi, Instant Pot, Grant Thornton, Gallagher and Project Bullseye (new business)
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Global Communications Intern
June 2019 - Aug. 2019
Worked across corporate, consumer, field and loyalty teams to identify opportunistic stories for Hyatt brands and executives. Created an integrated communications plan for Hyatt House brand's 100th hotel opening outlining individual launch tactics for stakeholders including colleagues, owners, and media. Vetted speaking opportunities, conferences and events for senior leaders and executives. Developed month-long social media content calendar for Hyatt's CEO, gathered assets and drafted content. Drafted and published stories for company's intranet on topics such as awards and milestone openings, reaching an average of 2,558 global Hyatt colleagues.
AJ Publications
Freelancer
May 2018 - Jan. 2020
Coordinated and facilitated communication between magazine and airlines, maintenance and possible features. Identified story opportunities that appealed to readers and brainstormed leads and trends for the next year. Edited and published four personal stories for print improving editing, writing, research and interviewing skills.
The Disney Store
Sales Associate
April 2018 - June 2019
Created Magical Moments for guests and cast members from different cultural backgrounds forming listening, understanding, and empathizing skills. Performed quickly in one of The Disney Store's leading flagship locations while continuing to display Disney's Four Keys of safety, courtesy, show and efficiency. Supported Disney Store mission of "Creating Magical Moments for Guests of all Ages," performed scripted and non-scripted events for guests and found solutions to best meet all needs for either guests or fellow cast members.
Disney College Program
QSFB
Aug. 2018 - Jan. 2019
The Disney College Program taught a strong work ethic and gave real-world experience that applied to course work. Created Magical Moments for guests and cast members from different cultural backgrounds forming listening, understanding, and empathizing skills. Performed quickly in one of the world's busiest quick service restaurants while still maintaining accuracy and Disney's Four Keys of safety, courtesy, show and efficiency. Served over 150 guests per hour gaining skills in a fast-paced and high energy environment.
Work Samples
Here you will find examples of work I have done throughout the beginning of my career.
For more examples including issues and crisis work, please reach out through email for special permissions.
Weekly Monitoring Report Example
Included in the link below is an example of a weekly monitoring report for one of my client accounts I worked on during my time at Weber Shandwick. I had the opportunity to take lead in the daily development of the report during the holiday break and oversaw team members and ensured that all coverage was included in the report and summarized correctly.
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
