My name is Olivia Dawson and I am a Communications, Experience and Engagement Specialist at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. 

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As a Communications, Experience, and Engagement Specialist at NVAR, I leverage my diverse skill set, including digital marketing, graphic design, copywriting, event planning, photography/videography, reception, and project management, to deliver world-class customer service to our members. My education in public relations from The University of Alabama provides a solid foundation for building relationships, managing communications, and fostering positive brand experiences. I excel in creating visually appealing content, crafting compelling messages, organizing successful events, and capturing captivating visuals.

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I graduated from The University of Alabama magna cum laude, May 5, 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations (PR) and a concentration in sports and entertainment communications management and a minor in communication studies. My time at the Capstone has been valuable, as I have learned so much about the industry in a rich environment. 

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Looking back at my four years at the University I've worked hard to achieve several accomplishments.

 

In 2019, I was the only freshman selected to participate in the College of Communications and Information Sciences Industry Immersion educational business trip to Nashville. On this trip, we met with professionals such as the Communications Director for the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team and producers with the Country Music Television (CMT) media company.

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At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was selected to join the highly competitive Country Music Association’s education program (CMA EDU). We spent the year working in small groups on a capstone project about diversity in the country music industry. The first semester was spent researching and planning. My group ended up pitching my idea, which was a docuseries that would be aired on YouTube and feature top country artists as well as minority artists and executives. After our pitch was accepted, we spent the Spring semester implementing a marketing plan for our project. We presented our project to many CMA employees in different departments at the end of the semester.

 

My second year with CMA EDU as a junior, was spent working on a market research project in a small group focused on award shows and planning a future award show, as well as networking with industry professionals through Zoom seminars. During my fall semester of senior year I was chosen to work as a temporary media staff at the 2022 CMA Awards.

 

Public relations and communications is my passion and is reflected within my experience and the relationships I have built with my colleagues, peers, professors, and mentors.