Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Lena Vazifdar

Walnut Creek,CA

Summary

I am a creative multimedia writer and editor with extensive experience crafting compelling content for brands and within the travel, hospitality, food and culture sectors. I have a proven track record of delivering engaging and impactful content while possessing a deep understanding of industry trends. My versatile skill set and passion for creating memorable experiences enable me to help brands effectively communicate their unique stories.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Evaluator/Editor

Forbes Travel Guide
REMOTE
03.2013 - Current
  • Travel extensively on assignments to evaluate hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas covered by Forbes Travel Guide's coveted five-star ratings program.
  • Submit in-depth 800+ question hotel, restaurant and spa reports covering the property, its facilities, and the service for global luxury markets.
  • Conduct in-depth in-person post-stay debriefs with managerial staff to provide key feedback and an overview of the evaluator experience, focusing on everything from the service to facilities.
  • Assist in training of new evaluators at the headquarters in Atlanta and from various locations around the globe.
  • Mentor new hires and provide ongoing support, mentorship, guidance and training
  • Wrote reviews for Forbes Travel Guide’s website, as well as, tracked, evaluated and reported on market trends in respect to hotels, restaurants and spas.
  • Manage all travel including logistics, budget and reservations.
  • Copy edit reports for accuracy, grammar and style.
  • Received promotion to senior field evaluator from field evaluator role.

Content Manager

The Local Foreigner
New York (REMOTE), NY
10.2022 - 03.2023
  • Developed and implemented content strategies aligned with The Local Foreigner's brand voice and target audience, enhancing engagement across digital platforms.
  • Managed social media and social media accounts, posting regularly on Instagram.
  • Created, wrote descriptions of and managed all destinations, hotels, restaurants, spas and attractions in the company's internal CMS system.
  • Conducted thorough research to produce informative and compelling content tailored to luxury travel enthusiasts.
  • Wrote, edited and curated photos of extensive travel itineraries for high-profile clients to destinations around the world.
  • Attended weekly sales meetings to discuss and implement content needs.
  • Spearheaded and pitched marketing campaigns to hotel partners.
  • Edited and proofread content to maintain high editorial standards and ensure accuracy and clarity.

Contract Copywriter

Stitch Fix
San Francisco (REMOTE)
10.2021 - 05.2022
  • Worked within creative briefs to create engaging content and meet weekly deadlines.
  • Collaborated with designers and marketing partners to write captivating content and meet their business objectives.
  • Followed style and copy guidelines to ensure content is consistent across projects.
  • Participated in weekly copy and design meetings to brainstorm ideas and collaborate on creative concepts.
  • Worked with marketing partners and design team to make edits and answer feedback appropriately and in a timely manner.

Staff Writer/Reporter

33 Universal
New York, NY
06.2012 - 01.2014
  • Wrote daily articles for travelerstoday.com on travel news, destinations and guides.
  • Used SEO practices to gain unique page views.
  • Uploaded all content using CMS.
  • Chose and curated photos, videos and multimedia slideshows.

Associate Editor

Revel in New York
New York, NY
09.2011 - 08.2012
  • Assisted the CEO and Editor-in-Chief in publishing duties for Revel in New York, a guidebook featuring interviews with creative New Yorkers.
  • Curated various online hotel neighborhood guides including The Greenwich Hotel and Chambers Hotel.
  • Coordinated Social Media.

Associate Editor

George Media
London, England
08.2010 - 05.2011
  • Researched, interviewed companies, wrote profiles, front-page investigative features and six news stories a day for The African Business Journal and International Resource Journal.

Assistant Editor

Real Girls Media
San Francisco, CA
12.2006 - 06.2008
  • Assisted the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Editors in editing, proofreading, fact checking, intern management, photo shoot assistance and administrative duties.
  • Wrote and pitched stories for the magazine.

Education

Master of Arts - Journalism

City University London
London
01-2010

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Art History

University of Washington
Seattle, WA
01-2004

Skills

  • CNN Style: Writer
  • CNNcom: Arts Writer
  • Wine Enthusiast magazine: Writer
  • Keys Soulcare: Writer
  • Time Out New York: Writer
  • kimkimcom: Travel Writer
  • Monacle 24 Radio: Producer
  • Spherical Communications: Writer for hotel blogs, The Knickerbocker and The Row
  • SOMA Magazine: Writer and editor
  • Food Delivery App : Copywriter and Editor
  • PR Firm Notions United: Copywriter and Editor
  • Wilder Quarterly: Writer and Editor
  • Mission Tv (now catalystcm): Photo Editor
  • Black Enterprise Magazine: Researcher
  • Brooklyn Exposed: Restaurant Reviewer
  • Eat Me Magazine London: Restaurant Reviewer
  • Current TV: Documentary Producer

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Content Manager

The Local Foreigner
10.2022 - 03.2023

Contract Copywriter

Stitch Fix
10.2021 - 05.2022

Senior Evaluator/Editor

Forbes Travel Guide
03.2013 - Current

Staff Writer/Reporter

33 Universal
06.2012 - 01.2014

Associate Editor

Revel in New York
09.2011 - 08.2012

Associate Editor

George Media
08.2010 - 05.2011

Assistant Editor

Real Girls Media
12.2006 - 06.2008

Master of Arts - Journalism

City University London

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Art History

University of Washington

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