The Higher Collection represents the next level of cannabis, seamlessly integrating the delivery system and bridging the gap between the entertainment and cannabinoid industries. As a minority-owned and female operated entity, the Higher Collection is redefining the norms of the industry and striving to boost diversity through the expansion of opportunities to minorities.

The Young Group, LLC. is a multi-tier boutique public relations firm specializing in the development of large and small strategic communications/ media relations campaigns for clients which include athletes, entertainers, politicians, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. • Media interaction coaching • Create press releases and media alerts • Event booking, organizing, styling, venue scouting and management • Social Media management and monitoring • Campaign development and contact establishment within the hair care, parenting, sports and fitness disciplines • Past and present clients include to Youth in View Foster and Adoption Agency,Trent Richardson (NFL), Kevin Jones (NBA/Euro League), Doodle Doo’s Children’s Hair Salon & Gift Boutique, Kim Council for NYC Council, Movement First

• Increased YoY mainstream media placements by 65%, diversity in media placements by 100% and executive spotlights in media by 100%• Spearheaded the development of internal and external diversity and inclusion organizational strategy • Serve as lead liaison between organization and contracted agencies• Draft, review and distribute press materials• Coordinated and monitored media interactions• Establish streamlined communications strategies for internal and external processes• Develop short to long term media relations plans to increase earned media opportunities• Develop and implement crisis communications plans • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media professionals• Align media retention objectives with departmental and company-wide mission• Lead diversity efforts including Employee Resource Groups and staff related cultural observance events

• Develop strategic content plans that include audience development, competitive landscape analysis, content ideation and amplification strategy• Identify pre-existing content and create new content for the ongoing marketing calendar and evaluating results• Produce internal and external communications, including press releases for media outreach and inter-company announcements• Seek and establish strategic partnerships with relevant industry organizations, brands, influencers and publications with the goal of increasing brand exposure• Create shareable, engaging and educational social content, appropriate for specific networks, to enhance reach, engage followers and help convert audiences• Lead SEO efforts for content, including researching and identifying target keywords for content• Continually refine tactics and processes by monitoring and reporting on performance of campaigns and channels on a regular basis

• Served as the principal liaison for client accounts Saint Lucia Tourist Board and Main Street Hospitality • Developed client facing campaign plans, presentations, and proposals • Drafted, reviewed and edited media lists, news releases, web content, pitches, social media posts and other related material in support of the client’s public relations initiatives• Conceptualized and implemented strategic social media campaigns to increase website traffic and brand notoriety • Established partnerships with top-tier digital media outlets to create online sweepstakes resulting in the increase of client email databases by over 500,000 addresses• Spearheaded the development of press trip themes, sourced media attendees and hosted visits• Streamlined work processes and managed account teams • Supervised junior staff and delegated day-to-day tasks support campaign execution

• Managed and launched more than 15 new marketing sites within the Oxford Research Encyclopedia project in two years; also serving as site HTML developer and maintainer• Developed new marketing strategies to increase site usage and product subscriptions• Coordinated targeted media outreach and pitches with public relations department• Established over ten partnerships with innovative external companies to improve business productivity and marketing opportunities• Managed external vendor relationships to produce collateral, ads, catalogs, and websites• Allocated and maintained product marketing spending to stay within budgets• Increased site usage by 65% and increased overall product subscription sales by 30%• Notable Projects: Encyclopedia of Social Work, American National Biography, Oxford Research Encyclopedias, Oxford Biblical Studies Online, Oxford Islamic Studies Online

• Coordinated and managed all media interactions for Deion Sanders about Prime Time Association• Managed external resources, including event planners, sponsor, and vendor relationships within markets served• Developed public relations campaigns, including creating pitch lists, crafting releases, media outreach, and interview set-up• Oversee event management; coordinate with external event planner, scout venues, hire vendors, negotiate contracts, garner sponsors, organize guest lists, secure celebrity guests and maintain red carpet flow• Launched internship program to continue expansion of community participation• Garnered top national media placements including Forbes Magazine, Fox News, The View, iHeartRadio, ESPN, New York Times, Dallas Morning News and Atlanta Journal-Constitution

-Strategize and develop events-Create and edit press releases, media alerts, bio’s, and invite copy -Develop press lists-Arrange book signings and appearances-Devise campaign angle for client branding and media relations-Organize national press tour and collegiate speaking engagements

-Assist with event management and logistics-Edit bio’s, press releases and other copy-Oversee the creation of press lists-Devise unique campaigns for client branding and media relations

Drafting press releases, managing and posting on social media, managing client email accounts, coordinating media outreach and media gifting

• Worked directly with President of Publicity, in dealing with all clients and events; occasionally taking lead roles on projects.• Developed media strategy for new and upcoming artists, events and organizations.• Created and organized databases.• Established important media contacts and relationships.• Managed and guided staff interns in daily company dealings and interactions.• Crafted client and staff calendar and daily itinerary.• Created and pitched stories to local and national media. • Prepared event and client media placement recap