About — Leah Santiago

How my Journey Began

I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations and the distinction of Top Honor Graduate. Working full time through college, I spent four years gaining diverse communication experience, from media relations and event planning to marketing and design. With a passion for learning, I’m determined to continue challenging myself, because with every challenge I’m more prepared to handle the ever-evolving communication field.

Account Executive > Senior Account Executive

I contribute creative communication strategies aligned with client goals, manage relationships with journalists and influencers, host FAM trips, and secure top-tier media placements for clients. I represent the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, All-inclusive resort brand AMR Collection, real estate developer Related Group and others.

Successes: For the Miami CVB, I’m charged with regional media relations to promote Miami Spice Restaurant Months (August), Miami Spa Months (July) and Miami Attraction & Museum Months (May). Our 2022 Attraction & Museum Months campaign secured 49 local editorial placements and 361M Impressions.
Media Relations: I earn top placements in national consumer and business publications, Tampa and Miami lifestyle media, U.S & Canadian travel trades, business trades and more.

Assistant Account Executive

I planned and executed strategic media relations campaigns for clients in the medical technology, consumer tech, and financial industries. My main duties included writing, research and media relations to tell client stories and gain strategic media placements that earn valuable exposure.

Writing: I drafted, edited, and proofread press releases, media alerts, pitches, talking points, advertorials, and blogs.
Media Relations: I consistently earned top media placements for my clients, including Forbes, CNBC, Reviewed and INSIDER.

Assistant Account Executive

I joined a very small PR team and, therefore, learned quickly how to complete high-level tasks such as managing client accounts, supervising junior staff and implementing strategic campaigns for clients in hospitality, tourism, nonprofit, consumer products and technology industries.

Writing: I drafted, edited, and proofread press releases, media alerts, pitches, talking points, advertorials, and blogs.
Media Relations: I built relationships with local and national reporters and influencers. I pitched media, staffed media events and interviews, and media trained clients.
Reporting and Analysis: I monitored client coverage using Cision, providing monthly reports and analysis for each client.
Event Management: I planned and staffed grand openings, proclamations, and various media events.

Public Relations Contractor

I supported client accounts such as Universal Orlando Resort, EA, and UCF RESTORES. I aided in the media monitoring efforts of Universal Orlando Resort’s reopening announcement during the Pandemic.

Media Relations: I drafted pitches and press releases, staffed media interviews, and monitored coverage using Cision.
Social Media and Website Audits: I audited new clients’ social media channels and websites, providing best practices and SEO recommendations.
Market Research: I conducted secondary research for new business opportunities.

Global Communications Intern

I promoted Orlando as a top choice for both leisure travel and meetings and conventions through public relations, social media and content development.

Writing: I wrote blogs for Visit Orlando’s website, website copy for Magical Dining Month and social media copy for Visit Orlando’s Latin American audience.
Media Relations: I planned itineraries and hosted press trips for international journalists.
Asset Management: I curated social media content and assisted with film shoots.

Marketing Intern

In a world that combines finance and creativity, I conducted technical communication while remaining personable. I executed strategic communication across multiple platforms (both internally and externally) and learned time management in a fast-paced environment.

Graphic Design: I designed and edited promotional materials including brochures, handouts, digital ads, and social media content.
Event Management: I planned and promoted informational webinars and seminars available to members.
Social Media: I managed the credit union’s social media accounts. I planned, created and scheduled informational and engaging content for members and followers.
Project Management & Script Writing: I planned and implemented the company’s new hire orientation video. I wrote the script, coordinated volunteers, negotiated with videographers, scheduled the filming area and directed the video.
Marketing: I strategized and implemented the 2018 youth promotion. I set campaign objectives, selected key message points, identified communication channels, designed promotional materials and planned a youth celebration hosting 300 members.

What People Are Saying

“Leah is as professional as it gets. She approaches each day with a cheerful, get-it-done attitude, which is a great addition to any team. Leah is kind and cares deeply about her clients, colleagues and community--it shows in her work. Leah was a pleasure to work with and I'd highly recommend her!”

— WHITNEY GONZALEZ
Founder and CEO
Radiate Social

“Leah is a PR unicorn who has surprised and delighted our team from the very beginning. Leah shows a maturity and drive that is exceptional. She strives to be great—not just good—and that desire fuels her eagerness and curiosity to learn and continue developing her professional and interpersonal skills.”

— MORGAN SHEPARD, APR
Director of Brand Communications
HighKey

“The most amazing thing about Leah is that she is a 4.0 student…She [did] all this—perfect grades, Ad Club UCF President—while working full-time to pay for college herself. On top of that, she has done three internships, excelling at each one. Reviews from her employers are glowing, and this does not surprise me at all. That’s the way Leah does everything. She finds out what is expected and she exceeds those expectations.”

— JOAN MCCAIN
Associate Instructor and program coordinator
University of Central Florida

“There is a reason Leah was named one of America's most promising advertising students, and it is the same reason I have no doubt Leah will be a star in the field for her entire career. Leah possesses both the confidence and competence to be a great leader. She is poised and professional, creative and hardworking. As her supervisor, I was endlessly impressed with her dedication to her work, her ability to communicate and work together with individuals of all disciplines and levels, and her genuine passion for the field she has chosen. Not only would I hire Leah myself, but I would also wholeheartedly recommend her for any role in the field of marketing communication. She is truly special.”

— MEGAN PAQUIN, APR, CPRC
Vice President
Poston Communications