Project Coordinator

NICOLE MENDEZ

St. Petersburg, Florida 863-***-**** ******.**********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/nicolemendez0412 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Mission-driven project coordinator with a background in marine biology and project management, and experience in community outreach, marketing and communications, event coordination, and data tracking and reporting. Proven ability for managing logistics for virtual and in-person events, creating social media content and presentations, and building lasting relationships with diverse partners. Fluent in Spanish and English with a passion for all things climate, environment, collaboration, organization, engagement, and community. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Florida Institute of Oceanography, St. Petersburg, FL Aug 2022 – Present Project Coordinator

• Coordinate 15+ events each year, working with partner organizations and managing logistics including scheduling and agenda creation, venue setup, and creating marketing collateral for 200+ attendees.

• Develop annual reports summarizing event outcomes, fiscal budget, and engagement data to inform growth and future department decisions.

• Design slide presentations and maintain Microsoft Teams operations during meetings including approving attendees, chat moderation, breakout room support, and screen sharing.

• Lead weekly research vessel tours for current and prospective students, executives, and members/partners to showcase how FIO assets can benefit Florida’s coastal and ocean environment.

• Create follow-up communications such as emails, surveys, and resource-sharing to maintain current partnerships and generate new organizational relationships. NOAA’s AIS, Inc., Southeastern U.S. Sep 2021 – Jul 2022 Fisheries Observer

• Deployed on commercial fishing vessels to collect data on fish catch and bycatch.

• Submitted detailed reports to NOAA to inform future fishing regulations. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL Jun 2021 – Aug 2021 Camp Counselor

• Facilitated weekly themed environmental experiences for camp students grades K through 9th

• Coordinated engaging activities for campers such as hands-on learning, animal encounters, and tours. Florida Institute of Oceanography, St. Petersburg, FL Feb 2021 – May 2021 Student Assistant

• Managed leadership calendars, coordinated team meetings, and supported the coordination of events.

• Created marketing collateral for social media and tracked engagement through post-cruise surveys. USFSP Campus Recreation, St. Petersburg, FL Aug 2019 – May 2021 Aquatics Program Assistant/Head Lifeguard

• Facilitated monthly staff trainings for 25+ student employees using diverse learning approaches.

• Recruited and onboarded new lifeguards; conducted annual evaluations and emergency planning. PROGRAMS & VOLUNTEERING

Peerside Program (FIO), St. Petersburg, FL July 2023 Program Assistant/Peer Mentor

• Assisted in the development of the program by providing administrative support to the program manager and serving as peer mentor for undergraduate students during the pilot year of the program and beyond. R/V Western Flyer Transit (FIO), St. Petersburg, FL February 2023 Travel Assistant/Content Creator

• Traveled to Panama City, Panama to board R/V Western Flyer during its transit from California to St. Petersburg, FL, serving as the main point of contact and translator for the FIO team while in Panama. FLSARC (SPCA FLORIDA), Santa Fe, NM May 2022

Animal Rescue Team Member

• Deployed under Florida State Animal Response Coalition to assist the ASPCA and Helping Paws Across Borders with the care of displaced dogs due to the local fires, spending one week on-site for full workdays consisting of daily cleanings, feedings, walks, and animal enrichment, working alongside a diverse team of veterinarians, animal care staff, and volunteers.

EDUCATION

University of South Florida, Tampa campus

Master of Science in Management May 2025

• Concentration: Project Management

• Graduated with Highest Distinction

University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus May 2021 Bachelor of Science in Biology

• Concentration: Marine Biology

• Graduated Cum Laude

TECHNICAL SKILLS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Skills: Microsoft Word/Excel/Power Point, Hootsuite, Canva, Constant Contact, Google Docs/Sheets.

• Languages: Bilingual (Advanced fluency in Spanish and English).

• Certifications: PADI Open Water Diver certification (SCUBA), Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications (expired but renewable).

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