by Samantha Furry
Next up in our Member Spotlight series is Jennifer Paladino, who is the marketing coordinator at Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo/ Rodeo Austin and on the Board for AWC Austin.
AWC AUSTIN: How long have you been a member of AWC Austin?
JP: I have been a member since May of 2008. I had an internship with Renee Trudeau, who is an AWC Austin member. She encouraged me to join.
AWC AUSTIN: What do you use your membership for?
JP: Networking, expanding my social circle, and finding people who are like me. There are seasoned professionals, but also a younger niche and it’s great to meet all of them. I’ve also used the local and national job banks.
AWC AUSTIN: Have you served any roles on AWC? What did you learn from that experience?
JP: I’m the Arrangements Co-Chair. With the help of my co-chair, we organize the logistics of the monthly luncheons. I am excited for the leadership responsibility – and being able to see what goes on behind the scenes is a big plus.
AWC AUSTIN: How would you describe your job?
JP: I’m the Marketing Coordinator for Rodeo Austin. We’re a nonprofit organization that funds scholarships for central Texas students. We employ 13 full time staff and we have over 2,000 sponsors and donors. The marketing department oversees the magazine, media relations and online advertising buys; everything is done in-house from concept to execution. This is only week five for me, but it’s great!
AWC AUSTIN: At what times do you feel most satisfied – where you can sit back and say, “I nailed that!”?
JP: Overall, I have a to-do list and when I get to check something off that guy, it’s pretty fantastic. Most recently, I created a season ticket flyer. From concept to copy, that was my “Yay!” moment.
AWC AUSTIN: What surprised you most about working for Rodeo Austin?
JP: I think how it all just flows together. The flow of communication is constant. They want you to know every aspect, what we’re working towards, and for every department to work cohesively. It’s a very understanding organization that is open to ideas. We recently went on a staff retreat in San Antonio for three days and held an “Amazing Rodeo Race.” It was our version of the reality show “Amazing Race.” We even visited with the Director of Operations and Director of Marketing at Sea World and got to pick their brain. It was interesting to see how they work and what they do well since their structure is similar to that of Rodeo Austin.
AWC AUSTIN: Like me, you’re a millennial. How do you feel that helps or hinders you?
JP: I’m going to say it helps me because Rodeo Austin is very innovative and forward thinking. Social media is a growing industry and I’m able to bring new ideas to the table.
AWC AUSTIN: I see you’ve had a lot of professional level experience for someone your age. You’re obviously very driven but what other aspects pushed you in your career?
JP: It started from growing up with independent and encouraging parents. I started working when I was 15 at a movie theatre in Kerrville. In college, I took a part time job at Ann Taylor and over the summer in Kerrville, managed the same movie theatre. I also had three internships in college. For me, it is really important to do my best and be independent and self-sufficient. I think Renee would encourage me to ask for help now and then! But I always try to surround myself with knowledgeable, positive people and am constantly reaching out to anyone with particular insight or expertise. Networking can be scary but it is well worth it.
AWC AUSTIN: I noticed you’re spearheading something called Rodeo Tech? Can you walk me through what Rodeo Tech is and its goals?
JP: Rodeo Tech is centered on monitoring our web site, iPhone application, mobile site and live streaming of Pro Rodeo events through our website or Pay-Per-View, which is free for military service men and women. It also ties into amping up our Facebook page, our Twitter account and our presence on YouTube.
AWC AUSTIN: Do you have a favorite food on the midway?
JP: Chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick.
Connect with Jennifer online!
LinkedIn
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