Natalia Lopez-Thismon Email & Phone Number

Orlando, Fl, Us

Consult on a variety of projects for different organizations including public relations, social media, and crisis communication plans to help meet organizational goals. Conduct communication audits of current and past PR work. Write and edit copy for print and online publications and PR collateral. Create and execute social media campaigns and consult with small businesses and nonprofits.

Chattanooga, Tennessee Area

Educate future communicators in public relations, public speaking/ideation and speech writing, social media, writing, and intercultural communication. Deliver presentations in class and to faculty on teaching techniques. I manage student workers who create content for departmental social media, as part of my work for our departmental promotions committee, which focuses on recruitment and public relations. I produce and host a department-sponsored podcast for women leaders. I serve in several committees in I advise on internal and external communications. I’ve led student teams to El Salvador with ADRA International to get their hands dirty in humanitarian work. Develop curriculum and teach courses in the School of Journalism and Communication. Advise students as they work on their academic plan for graduation. Lead students as faculty advisor for the Latin American Club, the Southern Accent (university newspaper).

Riverside, California, United States

Develop and teach courses in Communication including Mass Communication in Society, Fundamentals of Speech, Advanced Public Relations, Introduction to Advertising, Communication in Society, and more. Advise students as they work on their academic plan for graduation. Coordinate the Communication department’s internship program including liaising with local and national organizations. Lead students as faculty advisor for Public Relations Student Society of America.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Developed and implemented digital/social media and traditional communication strategies. I translated difficult-to-understand scholarly research and its implications into “English” for the general public and the media. I was responsible for building media relationships to earn positive placement on media outlets including the Huffington Post, New York Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune. I also served as the managing editor for a monthly digest magazine of recent communication research. Participated in managing and recreating NATCOM’s website.

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

Managed and implemented ADRA's public relations strategy using both traditional and new PR tactics. Developed and implemented strategies for meaningful proactive engagement & relationship building with various publics including media, donors, prospective donors, board of directors and administration, private partners such as TOMS Shoes, and staff. Secured positive national and international media coverage including BBC Radio, CNN, New York Times and other major media outlets by building strong relationships with journalists. Led an international emergency communication team after earthquake in Nepal. Promoted and distributed A Closer Walk, a television documentary series using both traditional and digital PR tactics. Produced organizational publications such as Annual Report and brochures. Wrote press releases, scripts, presidential statements, book forwards, and bios. Liaised for the organization at conventions and ADRA Network events, including public speaking on behalf of the organization. Managed advertising buys and media placement. Led freelancers, contractors in varying projects including photography and film. Managed departmental budget. Oversaw two interns and a full-time employee.

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

Developed press releases, story pitches, scripts, presidential statements, book forwards, and bios. Acted as primary spokesperson and liaison with the media. Tracked and analyzed media coverage. Developed A Closer Walk, a television docuseries, from concept to completion, including managing a $500,000 production budget and traveling to nine countries for filming: Thailand, the Philippines, Uganda, Rwanda, Brazil, Peru, Albania, Moldova, and Vanuatu. Managed travel and filming logistics for a crew of four; oversaw film crew in the U.S. and abroad. Collaborated in the creation of digital strategy including social media, email and website. Wrote creative and compelling content for web including social media (Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram) for the launch of ADRA’s new website, and for external publications (such as Mission 360). Sought out and managed media placement. Led internal communication efforts including "Lunch & Learn."

Miami, Florida, United States

Pitched and wrote story ideas for Tipoff magazine (the HEAT's game day magazine), and acted as the magazine's editorial assistant. Proofread Tipoff magazine, press releases, media advisories, feature articles, etc. Tracked broadcast media (TV/Radio) coverage of all HEAT Group business and sponsored related initiatives, promotions, and events and created reports. Assisted Business Communication Manager with assembling materials for Tipoff and keeping up with internal and printer deadlines. Attended events and games and kept a log of media who attended. Escorted media when and where applicable. Updated MiamiHEATPR.com (a resource website for media).

M.A., Communication Studies, 4.0

Master's Thesis: “Like us on Facebook: A social media campaign’s effect on relationship management outcomes.”

B.S., Public Relations

Activities and Societies: Latin American Club Vice President and Public Relations Officer, Alpha Mu Gamma, Southern Accent copy editor

Minor, French