Hello! I'm Rikki
I've been an entrepreneur by nature since I was 10 years old with businesses developing from babysitting to my own piano studio to eventually running a marketing agency. Since attending Old Dominion University, my love of entrepreneurship has paired with a passion for Public Relations and Hospitality. This caused me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations, Advocacy & Persuasion and a minor in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management. This combination has proven to overlap my passions perfectly! I've dabbled in several Public Relations areas ranging from Government to Social Media to Events Planning. Although I am an aspiring Public Relations Professional, my entrepreneurial nature allows me to constantly be open to new opportunities to follow my passions for Hospitality and Communication.
Rikki Eskelund
Event Coordinator & Hospitality Manager
Email:
Virginia Beach, VA
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EXPERIENCE
2017-2018
Internship
May 2016 - August 2017
May 2017 - August 2017
Strategic Initiatives Intern
National Pro-Life Alliance
Responsible for mailing surveys to political candidates, scanning and entering surveys when they returned via mail. Responsible for member correspondence - sending emails, mailing postcards, surveys, petitions and letters. Lobbying assistant for lobbying program on Capitol Hill
March - October, 2014
Wedding Coordinator
Andrew and Jordan Nuce
Responsible for organization of decorations as well as assisting with theme and color selection. Responsible for set up and clean up of reception. Provided day-of coordination for the ceremony and reception.
2017-2018
Internship
COMPANY NAME
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EXPERIENCE
January, 2018 - November 2018
Sales & Event Coordinator
COURTYARD & TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT
Responsible assisting the Director of Sales with administrative tasks such as email follow ups and group block setups. Conducting hotel tours with clients while explaining event packages and selling hotel rooms. Booking and coordinating events while maintaining communication with the client and ensuring proper communication between operations departments such as food and beverage and maintenance.
January, 2018 - November 2018
Event Coordinator
HOORAY! SMILES, SLIDES & COFFEE
Responsible for giving clients tours of the facility along with information of party packages. Once party is booked, responsible for securing all outside vendors. Responsible for day-of coordination ensuring all vendors arrive on time as well as follow-ups to determine client satisfaction.
February - September, 2018
Wedding Coordinator
Andrew and Yessenia Eskelund
Responsible for assisting with color and theme selecting. Responsible for securing ceremony and reception venues as well as catering. Responsible day-of coordination along with creation and set up of reception decorations.
May, 2017 - May, 2018
General Manager
MARKETECH MEDIA
Responsible for client communication, scheduling meetings and phone conferences. Maintaining company and client social media pages including daily posting and targeted advertising. Responsible for creation of unique marketing strategy for each individual client. Responsible for all company finances and accounting.
May 2016 - August 2016
May 2017 - August 2017
Strategic Initiatives Intern
NATIONAL PRO-LIFE ALLIANCE
Responsible for mailing surveys to political candidates, scanning and entering surveys when they returned via mail. Responsible for member correspondence - sending emails, mailing postcards, surveys, petitions and letters. Lobbying assistant for lobbying program on Capitol Hill
March - October, 2014
Wedding Coordinator
Andrew and Jordan Nuce
Responsible for organization of decorations as well as assisting with theme and color selection. Responsible for set up and clean up of reception. Provided day-of coordination for the ceremony and reception.
EDUCATION
2016-2019
Bachelor's Degree
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations, Advocacy & Persuasion and a minor in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Hands-on experience in Public Relations Writing and Public Relations projects.
2012-2016
High School Diploma
OAK GROVE ACADEMY
Home-schooled student with very individualized education in classical humanities that made use of living in different environments due to military moves. Allowed flexibility to travel and participate in hands-on learning. Extracurricular activities included competitive forensics and debate.
SKILLS
Sales
Leadership
Public Speaking
Social Media Marketing
Event Planning
Customer Service
PROJECTS
PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING SAMPLE
This project gave me experience practicing each type of public relations writing for one organization. Assignments included a letter, brochure, speech, newsletter etc.
CRISIS COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
This project allowed me to evaluate a company in a crisis situation and develop a strategy to assist them. Project included presentation of research and crisis communication strategy.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2018
As an Event Coordinator Intern, I have been able to gain valuable experience in my desired field. Working with and learning from professionals has made me much more confident moving in to the future. I also had the opportunity to practice Public Relations writing.