Sonia Awan

*** ****** *****. ********, ** *****

Phone # 818-***-****

A highly talented Public Relations Specialist with over 12 years of experience in developing and implementing public relations plans to promote company's policies and positions; publicizing events, research, and other news to audiences through the news media and other venues.

Education

California State University, Northridge

B. A. in Journalism – Emphasis in Public Relations 1999

Summary of Qualifications

• Over 12 years of solid experience.

• Extensive knowledge of public relations practices.

• Effective and comfortable communicating with various individuals and groups.

• Proven track record of working successfully with print, broadcast and social media.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Exceptional aptitude for detail and accuracy; having the ability to work independently.

• Demonstrated ability to organize time and schedules efficiently, with excellent professional demeanor.

• Sound physical stamina to travel and work long hours on location needed.

• Proficient with a variety of computer software for analysis and presentation purposes.

• Uncommon ability to create, maintain and nurture an active network of media contacts.

• Strong, creative team player who seeks opportunities to build on team efforts and propose innovative ideas, alternatives and/or solutions to routine issues and projects.

• Remarkable ability to logically analyze and develop appropriate responses to customer, employee and media inquiries as an element of communications plan implementation.

• Strong ability to develop/write messages and present diverse ideas in a logical and concise manner.

Professional Experience

Social Media Marketing Consultant

July 2014 – Present.

Creating and implanting social Media marketing for several Oxford based clients, including Oxford Writing Services, A Little Party Box Event Planning and Mothers Moving Forward.

Duties include but not limited to:

Conducting online advocacy and open stream for cross-promotions.

Developing and expanding community outreach efforts.

Creating designs (i.e.: Facebook Timeline cover, profile pic, thumbnails, ads, landing pages, Twitter profile, and blog).

Designing, creating and managing promotions/social ad campaigns.

Freelance PR Consultant

(Graham and Associates and various other independent clients )

May 2008– March 2014

I have been working with several PR agencies/private clients throughout US, virtually as well as in person in an as needed basis.

Clients including but not limited to:

Safari Books Online - Founded as a joint venture of pre-eminent technology publishers O’Reilly Media Inc. and Pearson Technology Group, is the leading on-demand reference and learning platform delivering expert content from the world’s thought leaders in business and technology innovation.

Nav N Go –A Hungary-based global GPS navigation solution provider, offers the latest solutions for 3D satellite navigation, mobile applications and content/community services on a variety of platforms to more than 70 renowned global consumer electronic brands such as HP, Sony PSP and Clarion.

General Duties include:

Plan, develop and implement media action plans to support and positively position various clients within the agency.

Promote brand/company/product/service awareness and recognition by creating news, pitches, speaking engagements, attending trade shows and conferences in order to secure media/community/industry coverage.

Work independently to develop a variety of communications materials, including but not limited to fact sheets, special notices, press releases, by lined articles, expert opinions and other media outreach tactics.

Use social media to update up to the minute news, announcements and interviews.

Update and maintain various media databases such as Cision and Vocus.

Director of Public Relations

Panda Software US, Glendale, CA April 2006 to February 2008

Duties:

Plan, develop and implement media action plans to support and positively position the company.

Identify and implement interesting ways to actively manage and promulgate the corporate reputation.

Serve as backup to the Corporate Spokesman, working collaboratively to manage incident reporting, on-call shifts and similar events.

Work collaboratively with Media Relations/Crisis Communications colleagues to develop communications plans/strategies for customers, media and other audiences; collaborate with internal communication staff to ensure cohesive communication message.

Serve as second point of contact for the media in absence of Company spokesperson.

Serve as point of contact for internal incident reporting. Work independently to develop a variety of communications materials, including but not limited to fact sheets, special notices, and press releases, blogs and by lined articles.

Maintain a keen awareness of the company's vision, direction, its programs and initiatives at all times. Review and evaluate Unit's media/public relations guidelines, recommend alternative approach and take the initiative to implement recommendations upon approval.

Establish and maintain an active network of industry and media contacts with an eye toward reaching diverse publics (in line with the company's direction, trends, and key initiatives). Build relationships with media to facilitate communication for crisis management and other activities that may draw media interest. Identifies opportunities to partner with and elevate community communications led by public affairs staff.

Develop strategies and plans for joint, smooth execution.

Related Experiences include: (In chronological order)

Assistant Editor – PRNEWSWIRE July 2000 – September 2002

Formatting and proof reading press releases. Coding them before wire distribution. Assisting clients in targeting the desired media and providing customer service to ensure client satisfaction.

Account Coordinator/Assistant Account Executive – Smith Public Relations – December 2002 – April 2004

Providing account support for various clients throughout the agency. Writing media materials. General pitching and media placements. Attending trade shows and other industry events.

Assistant Web Editor – Overture.com (Yahoo!) – Contracting between July 2004 - July 2005

Proofing and coding key terms for Search Engine Optimization. Assisting clients secure top placements through various key words. Providing high level of customer service and quality support for crisis management.

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