ava portney
Experience
Public Relations Intern| Pat Hogan for Syracuse Mayor October 2024 - Present | Syracuse, NY
• Lead digital campaign and PR strategy for Pat Hogan’s 2025 Syracuse Mayoral Campaign
• Plan and build his entire website linked here; utilize SEO; consider user experience in design
•Created and manage content for LinkedIn; manage campaign email; fundraise through ActBlue
Public Relations Leadership Intern | Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public & Community Service
August 2023 - Present | Syracuse, NY
• Lead social media communication on Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with students, faculty and community partners
• Grew Instagram followers 70% in one year; creatively direct post series; track metrics on Microsoft Excel
• Manage website through WordPress; update/add information; write and post articles; redesigned website in summer of 2024 through WordPress to create new service-learning and transportation sections
Corporate Affairs Intern, DEI Communications |
Bristol Myers Squibb
June 2023-August 2023 | Lawrenceville, NJ
• Worked under DEI and ESG experts with strategy development; learned company DEI commitment strategy
• Managed internal communication: email outreach, weekly newsletters, meeting minutes, event planning
• Assisted external communication: ESG annual report writing, meetings with external advertising agencies, storytell science writing
Print Writer | Tender Magazine
September 2023 - May 2024 | Syracuse, NY
• Pitch, develop and write two articles per issue
• Work closely with editor through brainstorming/editor processes
Secretary | Syracuse University Volunteer Organization
August 2023 - Present | Syracuse, NY
• Carry administrative tasks; database management; emailing and student/community partner volunteer placements
• Assist/trained by president for on-campus bed building volunteer event in collaboration with nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Contact
(803) 800-0286
Education
Syracuse University - May 2026
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
B.S.: Magazine, News and Digital Journalism
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Minor: Visual Culture
Renée Crown Honors Program
Skills
Writing Styles:
MLA, APA, AP
Writing Types:
Print and Broadcast, Reporting, Magazine, Data Analysis
Adobe Creative Cloud
Microsoft Office
Socials:
LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok
Additional:
Graphic Design, Website building, Web Coding, SEO, Fundraising
Languages:
English (Fluent), Korean (Intermediate), Spanish (Intermediate)
Honors
1870 Scholar, 2022
Branham Scholar, 2022
Invest in SUccess Scholar, 2022
Dean’s List, Fall 2022- Fall 2025
International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient, 2022
A.C. Flora First Fifty Years Foundation Scholar, 2022