Lauren "Ren" Buendia
Santa Cruz,California
Summary
Enthusiastic and tech-savvy university student with a passion for fostering community and empowering creators. Experienced in community building, graphic design, and partnerships, with a proven ability to engage diverse groups and drive collaboration. Seeking to contribute to a thriving gaming scene and shape the future of human interaction.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Club Host
Ender Gaming Clubs
08.2024 - Current
- Serve as a central, engaging personality for over 500 kids (ages 6-13) participating in daily virtual gaming sessions on Zoom, creating a positive and inclusive environment for members to develop social skills and make lasting friendships
- Designed and implemented weekly and monthly gaming plans to engage over 500 children (ages 6–13) in diverse virtual experiences, fostering teamwork, creativity, and communication during interactive Minecraft and Roblox sessions
- Act as a liaison between parents and the club, managing sensitive issues, resolving conflicts, and ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for all participants through direct communication and email outreach
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional content, including video introductions and flyers, which helped redefine the club's branding strategy to better resonate with families and prospective members
Content Creator
Self-Employed
12.2024 - Current
- Built and engaged an online community of over 1.7k followers on Instagram (@rennyykins) through consistent content creation focused on Pokémon cards and gaming streams on Twitch
- Secured a paid partnership with Medusa, managing an affiliate link to earn commissions through promoted content
- Produced high-quality, engaging videos using CapCut to drive interaction and growth across platforms
- Streamed popular video games, fostering an inclusive and interactive environment for viewers
Vice President
Slug Gaming
06.2024 - Current
- Secured a key partnership with the San Jose RazerStore, providing exclusive sponsorship and collaboration opportunities
- Managed administrative responsibilities, including coordinating sponsorships and facilitating club activities
- Hosted monthly club meetings to foster engagement and strengthen the gaming community
- Represented the club at the Red Bull Gaming Hub event, connecting with industry influencers to enhance the club's presence
STEM Summer Camp Instructor
IntelliBricks
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Taught kids (ages 6-14) engineering and coding concepts through LEGO robotics and stop-motion animation
- Developed lesson plans to inspire interest in technology and creative problem-solving
- Engaged non-native English-speaking students in STEM activities, enhancing conversational English skills
- Reduced conflicts among kids by implementing effective behavior management strategies that promoted cooperation and understanding within groups
Graphic Designer
Slug Gaming
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Designed visuals for social media campaigns featuring popular esports titles, ensuring brand consistency
- Increased user engagement by 12% through optimized content strategies
- Collaborated with a team of designers to produce high-quality, visually-consistent materials
Graphic Designer & Teacher's Assistant
Whitney High School Graphics
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Won over 9 design contests, including solo and collaborative projects, for event posters and spirit wear designs
- Mentored students in design principles and Adobe Photoshop basics, fostering creativity and technical skills
- Proposed an innovative redesign of notable campus features, including new gym lobby decals, window wraps, and avenue banners.
- Directed and organized photoshoots for Whitney High School’s music department and theatrical productions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art & Design: Games + Playable Media
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06-2026
Skills
- Technical: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop; Basic coding (eg, LEGO WeDo 20), Frames 6, CapCut Video editing
- Community Building: Event facilitation, conflict resolution, inclusive engagement
- Marketing & Communication: CRM, social media strategy, branding
- Interpersonal: Team leadership, mentorship, public speaking, relationship management
Timeline
Content Creator
Self-Employed
12.2024 - Current
Club Host
Ender Gaming Clubs
08.2024 - Current
Vice President
Slug Gaming
06.2024 - Current
STEM Summer Camp Instructor
IntelliBricks
04.2024 - 09.2024
Graphic Designer
Slug Gaming
07.2023 - 06.2024
Graphic Designer & Teacher's Assistant
Whitney High School Graphics
08.2021 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Art & Design: Games + Playable Media
University of California, Santa Cruz
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