Vincent Balistreri Straka
Chicago,IL
Summary
I’m a results-driven public relations professional with over four years of experience elevating brand identities through creative advertising, strategic PR, and digital content. I specialize in podcast and media production, social media storytelling, and cross-team collaboration, using a creative yet strategic approach to build audience connections, and drive meaningful campaign results.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Media Specialist - Freelance
Chicago Makeup School
Chicago, Illinois
12.2025 - Current
- Implemented videography and video editing for photo shoots and runway shows hosted by Chicago Makeup School.
- Assisted in managing advertising campaigns promoting courses to increase enrollment.
- Collaborated with creative director on innovative campaign ideas for photo shoot execution.
- Executed new tasks alongside the creative director, expanding skill set beyond social media work.
Hospitality Worker
Lettuce Entertain You
Chicago, IL
01.2025 - Current
- Accumulated over five years of experience in upscale bar and restaurant environments.
- Demonstrated strong menu knowledge and adaptability in fast-paced settings.
- Delivered elevated guest experiences through confident food and cocktail recommendations.
- Facilitated clear communication and effective teamwork under high-pressure conditions.
Assistant Director of Writing
Boundless Media USA
Los Angeles, CA
04.2024 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with Senior Director of Writing to develop press releases aligned with client branding.
- Created performance reports to evaluate media outreach and audience engagement for campaigns.
- Utilized EIN Presswire for efficient press release distribution and generated Google News reports.
- Developed in-house analytics to monitor press release activity and track yearly client outputs.
Associate Marketing Intern
Versasoni
New Jersey, NJ
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Created engaging social media content and crafted compelling titles for diverse client profiles.
- Employed targeted writing techniques to align content with audience demographics and preferences.
- Managed and analyzed client data in Excel to inform content strategies and enhance performance.
- Leveraged Hootsuite to schedule, publish, and optimize posts for increased visibility.
Public Relations/ Social Media Intern Remote
Asna Beauty
New York, NY
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Produced and organized over 30 marketing content pieces monthly in collaboration with CEO, enhancing SEO and social media outreach.
- Oversaw influencer marketing initiatives, negotiating deals to maximize brand growth.
- Managed social media accounts, including video editing, caption writing, and content posting to boost online presence.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Public Relations, Marketing
University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05.2023
Skills
- Public relations and influencer marketing
- Podcasting and production
- Video editing and content creation
- Event management and marketing
- Sales and inside sales
- Project management and strategic planning
- Brand management and market research
- CRM and customer engagement
- Photography and visual storytelling
Timeline
Social Media Specialist - Freelance
Chicago Makeup School
12.2025 - Current
Hospitality Worker
Lettuce Entertain You
01.2025 - Current
Associate Marketing Intern
Versasoni
05.2024 - 09.2024
Assistant Director of Writing
Boundless Media USA
04.2024 - 01.2025
Public Relations/ Social Media Intern Remote
Asna Beauty
07.2023 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Public Relations, Marketing
University of Wisconsin- Whitewater