Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my virtual portfolio! The internet has grown to become such an important source of information sharing in today's world - so what better way to further reach employers than online, with just the simple touch of a button. I have created this blog to not only showcase my achievements, but to also provide you with a quick but meaningful look into extra information that cannot be displayed on my resume: a brief biography, samples of my academic coursework, community service and more. Furthermore, I can exercise my passions for graphic design and creativity at the same time!

In addition to my resume, I hope my virtual portfolio provides you with extra ways to learn about me as an individual as well as my professional goals. Please feel free to click on any of the bolded links - they will take you to additional websites for further information.

Letter of Intent

Dear Viewer,

As of August 2011, I proudly graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Business Management. Throughout my work experience and college studies, I have attained valuable experience that I can place into practice in the Communications field: efficient use of written, verbal and media communication, acute attention to detail, excellent organization skills, and project management skills used for the planning and implementation of annual events. I have also designed effective marketing and event materials such as flyers, informational one-pagers, brochures, letterheads and more. And finally, I can now be found on several social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogspot and other blogging sites, and my own website I created for my grandfather.

I appreciate you taking the time to look over my information and qualifications, and I look forward to hearing from you to discuss further opportunities. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email at melissakricardo@gmail.com, or through any other of my previously mentioned online profiles!

Sincerely,

Melissa Ricardo

Resume

I have a proven ability to work in a fast-pace environment, while using strong organization and multitasking skills. I am experienced in carrying out projects involving event planning, public relations, social media, fundraising, and customer service. I am capable of designing effective marketing and event materials including flyers, informational one-pagers, and letterheads. I have exercised excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.


Please click to view my full Resume.

Portfolio Samples

The following links provide several contents taken from my work portfolio. The documents include a sample press release, event flyers, and program materials I created during my Assistant, Special Event Coordinator position at The Family Resource Network. (Please note- background about my work experience at The Family Resource Network can be found in the next section, titled "Work Experience."

Work Experiences

Princeton Marriott Hotel at Forrestal
Guest Services Specialist
In July 2011, I accepted a position to work in the Guest Services department at The Princeton Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The hotel is widely used among high-profile business executives and holds countless corporate meetings, conferences and social events. Within this position at the Princeton Marriott, I have gained valuable experience in providing customers with the utmost customer service experience. As a front desk associate, my first (and last) impression on the customer will be a lasting one, and it is my duty to promote the brand in its highest form. This position provides me with a great opportunity to use and enhance my interpersonal skills while marketing my company's brand to its clients.


Assistant, Special Events Coordinator
In June 2010, I excitedly began my first internship at The Family Resource Network(FRN) in Trenton, New Jersey. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing over 50 programs and services to families with continuing needs and disabilities such as autism, epilepsy and Down syndrome. FRN is made up of four unique affiliate organizations: Autism Family Services of New Jersey, Caregivers of New Jersey, Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey, and the Family Support Center of New Jersey.

As a Resource Development intern, I gained valuable experience within the organization's special events and public relations. I composed press releases to gain awareness for the upcoming events, researched and used blogging sites to further promote the events, solicited sponsorships and donations, and learned the extensive process of planning and implementing a fundraising event. When the summer internship ended in August 2010 and my senior year began, I anxiously took on the title of Assistant Special Events Coordinator and continued to work part-time at FRN until this past May. Under this title, I worked to plan and promote the organization's 2nd annual Shore Walk for a Brighter Tomorrow held in Seaside on May 15, while also creating various design elements for the organization's programs.


Hostess; Waitress
I have had the pleasure of working at The Stockton Inn for the majority of my college career. This wonderful family-owned business, located in Stockton, New Jersey, is an elegant combination of a fine dining restaurant, overnight inn, tavern bar, entertainment gatherings, and great location for corporate and special events.

As an employee at The Stockton Inn, I have gotten the opportunity to practice my communication skills in a variety of job positions and tasks. As a waitress, I served customers in a strict, fine dining setting while exercising the proper etiquette and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, my duties as a hostess required me to promptly and effectively respond to customers' questions, needs, and concerns. I have also had the opportunity to witness countless weddings and special events that have been held at the Inn, and observed the many details that are involved in the process leading up to the final event.