Ava Epstein
Gainesville
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Media & Outreach Team
Campus Interfaith Coalition
08.2025 - 05.2026
- Spearheaded a grassroots, student-led interfaith network to foster dialogue among religious groups on the UF campus
- Developed brand identity and inaugural social media presence, creating graphics, photography, and messaging for Instagram and Facebook.
Residential Staff & Communications Lead
Gator Wesley Foundation
08.2024 - 05.2026
- Newsletter Founder & Editor (Aug 2025 – May 2026): Created the ministry’s first monthly newsletter. Conducted and transcribed interviews with students and alumni, wrote feature articles, and edited community submissions to showcase campus events and spiritual reflections. Expanded communication reach by introducing regular digital storytelling that increased event attendance and alumni engagement.
- Community Leadership: Planned, promoted, and executed weekly worship, fellowship dinners, and service opportunities for a ministry serving more than 100 students each semester.
- Hospitality & Facilities: Oversaw weekly cleaning and building care to create a consistently welcoming environment for students, visiting speakers, and community partners.
Summer Staff
Montreat Conference Center
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Faith-Centered Recreation Leader: Designed and facilitated daily programming for children and youth, blending spiritual formation with outdoor adventure and creative arts.
- Hospitality & Guest Services: Welcomed hundreds of conference guests each week, offering logistical support and pastoral care to families and youth groups.
- Impact: Helped maintain Montreat’s mission by creating a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment.
Social Media & Outreach Intern
Equally Loved and Social Media & Outreach Intern - Gator Wesley
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed content calendar, copywriting, and graphics across Instagram and Facebook to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith communities.
- Organized and staffed campus service events promoting equity and belonging.
- Coordinated Gator Wesley’s presence at Gainesville Pride, handling logistics, volunteer scheduling, and real-time social coverage.
- Mental-Health Programming: Designed and led Finals Week initiatives prioritizing rest and well-being, including mindfulness events, late-night study sessions, and free meals for more than 100 students.
Account Executive, Social Media Department
Alpha PR Firm
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Directed social media campaigns for multiple client organizations, including content strategy, analytics, and creative design.
- Collaborated with design and copy teams to increase average client engagement.
- Presented performance reports to agency leadership, recommending data-driven improvements.
Family Ministry Pastoral Intern
Church of the Palms, Sarasota, Fl.
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Directed and facilitated a weekly youth group for middle and high school students, providing spiritual guidance and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.
- Planned and executed a summer kickoff event attended by more than 170 people, overseeing logistics, promotion, and volunteer coordination.
- Recruited and scheduled weekly volunteers for meal preparation and other program needs, ensuring smooth operations and consistent hospitality.
- Developed and led small-group book studies, fostering theological reflection and faith formation among students.
- Managed and created content for the church’s social media platforms, increasing engagement and visibility for youth programs.
Youth Ministry Team Member & Student Leader
PALS – Palms Academy of Leadership and Service
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Collaborated with peers to design and lead weekly youth ministry programming, including worship, service projects, and outreach events.
- Team Lead (January – May 2023): Provided direction and oversight for the entire PALS team as part of the Family Ministry Pastoral Internship.
- Organized event logistics, delegated responsibilities, and mentored team members to ensure vibrant, student-driven ministry.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.2026
Skills
- Communications: Newsletter writing and editing, interviewing, copywriting, public speaking, social media management, event promotion
- Digital Media: Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere), Instagram/Facebook Insights
- Leadership & Teamwork: Volunteer coordination, conflict resolution, hospitality management, interfaith engagement
Community Service
Civil Rights & Service Immersion Trip, St. Augustine, FL, 2024-03, 2024-03, Participated in a service-learning experience focused on the history of the Civil Rights Movement., Repainted and refurbished a local residence while engaging in structured dialogue about race, faith, and justice in the American South., Gained first-hand understanding of grassroots activism and its theological implications.
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
- Planned and executed more than 30 campus events across two academic years, ranging from interfaith dialogues to mental-health programming.
- Mentored underclassmen through one-on-one discipleship conversations and small-group facilitation and leadership.
- Regularly invited to preach or pray at Gator Wesley worship nights, blending communication skills with theological reflection.
Timeline
Social Media & Outreach Team
Campus Interfaith Coalition
08.2025 - 05.2026
Residential Staff & Communications Lead
Gator Wesley Foundation
08.2024 - 05.2026
Social Media & Outreach Intern
Equally Loved and Social Media & Outreach Intern - Gator Wesley
08.2024 - 05.2025
Summer Staff
Montreat Conference Center
06.2024 - 08.2025
Account Executive, Social Media Department
Alpha PR Firm
08.2023 - 05.2024
Family Ministry Pastoral Intern
Church of the Palms, Sarasota, Fl.
01.2023 - 05.2023
Youth Ministry Team Member & Student Leader
PALS – Palms Academy of Leadership and Service
08.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations
University of Florida
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