ASHTON STEPTER
Tarpon Springs,FL
Summary
Cultural photographer with extensive experience at NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, focusing on brand storytelling and media outreach. Skilled in digital content creation and strategic communications, enhancing community narratives through impactful visuals. Bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese, excels in collaborative settings.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Cultural Photographer
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Raleigh, NC
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Produced a photographic narrative for the Africa to Carolina project, documenting community events and public engagement tied to Gullah Geechee cultural heritage in southeastern North Carolina
- Partnered with cultural coordinators and program staff to elevate visibility through media-ready visuals and authentic public-facing documentation
- Delivered digital content used across state-sponsored websites, event promotion, and social media, strengthening public engagement
Event Storyteller
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
Beaufort, SC
12.2024 - 12.2024
- Documented culturally significant community events through photojournalistic storytelling and heritage preservation.
- Produced a digital collection for social outreach, media coverage, and branding efforts.
- Initiated long-term collaboration with Corridor as visual media partner for cultural narratives.
Marketing Communications Intern
Big Media Agency
North Bethesda, MD
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Supported the design and rollout of public relations campaigns targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences for a national client
- Researched trends, organized outreach databases, and contributed to the team’s email marketing strategy
- Participated in client meetings, offering creative and strategic input on messaging alignment and social engagement
Freelance Photographer
Disney Dreamers Academy
Lake Buena Vista, FL
04.2024 - 04.2024
- Captured immersive visual assets aligning with storytelling campaigns and social media distribution for a flagship Disney program.
- Served as an on-ground brand ambassador, engaging with cast members and guests to convey the mission of Disney Dreamers Academy.
- Collaborated on-location with Disney's marketing and PR team, ensuring cohesive brand visuals across digital channels.
- Supported public relations goals through strategic visual content creation.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Supported science communication initiatives through climate data analysis tied to agriculture and environmental shifts
- Translated complex weather and climate data into visual and written narratives to support interdisciplinary project communication
- Created Python-based visualizations to enhance understanding of environmental impacts across academic and public audiences
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Technology
University of Maryland Global Campus
College Park, MD05.2024
Master of Arts - Public Relations
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FLSkills
- Strategic communications
- Media outreach
- Brand storytelling
- Email marketing
- Content development
- Cultural communications
- Photography skills
- Digital storytelling
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Canva design tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Keynote presentations
- PowerPoint expertise
- SQL programming
- Python coding
- ChatGPT utilization
- Web mapping skills
- Data visualization techniques
- Market research analysis
- Project management proficiency
- Communication strategy planning
- Audience targeting methods
- Data analysis skills
- Zotero referencing tool
- Environmental research insights
- Cultural research knowledge
- Strategic thinking ability
- Editorial writing skills
- Collaboration techniques
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Visual communication skills
- Creative problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Cultural fluency
- Spanish bilingualism
- Portuguese bilingualism
Phone
cell, 614-597-3521
Honors And Awards
- Disney Dreamers Academy 2024 Alumnus
- Dean’s List Fall 2018
- North Carolina A&T Honors Scholar
Websites
Timeline
Event Storyteller
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
12.2024 - 12.2024
Cultural Photographer
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
09.2024 - 01.2025
Freelance Photographer
Disney Dreamers Academy
04.2024 - 04.2024
Marketing Communications Intern
Big Media Agency
01.2024 - 05.2024
Undergraduate Research Assistant
North Carolina State University
10.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Applied Technology
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master of Arts - Public Relations
Full Sail University
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