Hello, I'm Kristyn Russell
I'm thrilled to welcome you here. With a deep-rooted passion for kayaking and a love for immersing myself in nature's wonders, I believe that thinking outside the box is the key to unlocking success for both businesses and nonprofit organizations alike. My journey has been enriched by obtaining a Master’s degree in theology, which not only honed my critical thinking skills but also instilled in me the profound understanding that individuals' stories and belief systems profoundly shape their thoughts and actions.
By delving into the stories and belief systems of your customers, I aim to unite them seamlessly with your brand. Together, we can create a powerful connection that resonates on a deeper level. If you're curious to witness the results of my endeavors, I warmly invite you to explore the Portfolio tab, where you can find a compelling showcase of my work.
Let's embark on this transformative journey together and craft a compelling narrative that will elevate your business or nonprofit to new heights.
Education
Master of Arts
Villanova University, 2012
Bachelor of Arts
Aquinas College, 2010
Minor: Communication and Spanish
Certificates
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Google, 2023
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.”
What I've done
Coordinator of Communication
Blessed Sacrament Parish
August 2018- Present
Midland, MI
Tasks & Accomplishments:
Successfully organized and facilitated visioning sessions and town hall meetings with employees at all levels, encouraging open dialogue and ensuring alignment with corporate values and goals.
Created original, eye-catching, and informative content for social media platforms, resulting in a 50% increase in social media following on Facebook and Instagram within six months.
Utilized the latest trends and algorithms on Facebook and Instagram to drive reach and engagement, significantly boosting post interactions and brand visibility.
Implemented SEO optimization and SEM strategies, leading to improved ranking and increased conversions on Google and BING, resulting in a higher influx of website traffic and potential customers.
Successfully managed and updated the parish website, ensuring seamless user experience and improved SEO ranking, contributing to a 30% increase in website traffic.
Proactively conducted research to stay on top of the latest trends, algorithms, and marketing strategies, implementing innovative approaches that surpassed competitors and maintained the parish's digital marketing as a leading force in the industry.
Expertly managed social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, curating engaging content that resonated with the target audience, resulting in a surge of positive feedback and interactions.
Consistently created and distributed weekly marketing emails, leveraging audience segmentation and personalized content, leading to a 25% increase in email open rates and click-through rates.
Coordinator of High School Youth Ministry
Blessed Sacrament Parish
July 2013- July 2019
Midland, MI
Tasks:
Directed and led comprehensive youth programming for High School-age youth, fostering their personal and spiritual growth through engaging activities.
Organized and facilitated Sunday night faith formation classes, providing a nurturing environment for students to deepen their faith and understanding.
Led the High School Outreach Team, actively reaching out to high school students in the community and creating a sense of belonging within the organization.
Headed the High School Retreat Team and organized impactful retreat weekends, guiding students towards self-discovery and strengthening their connections with others.
Designed innovative and grade-appropriate curriculum, tailoring educational materials to meet the unique needs of students and promote their development.
Successfully recruited and trained catechists, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to effectively teach and foster a vibrant Christian community.
Achievements:
Pioneered the implementation of a student leadership team, empowering students to take on leadership roles within the organization. This initiative resulted in increased engagement and ownership among students, driving program success.
Recognized as a consultant for the Diocese of Saginaw youth events, contributing valuable insights and expertise to enhance youth programs and initiatives throughout the region.
Fostered a cross-denominational young adult group by forming strategic partnerships with other churches. By designing book studies, bible studies, and discussion guides, this group provided a supportive and inclusive space for young adults to explore their faith and build lasting relationships.
What I Can Do
Outstanding Verbal and Written Communication: Exceptional ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively through various communication channels, including presentations, emails, newsletters, and intranet platforms.
Collaborative Team Player: Adept at working in cross-functional teams and independently, fostering open communication and cooperation to achieve shared communication objectives.
Strategic Content Development: Innovative thinker skilled in formulating and executing communication and content strategies that align with organizational goals, ensuring impactful messaging and engagement.
Data-Driven Communication: Proficient in leveraging data and analytics to identify audience preferences and behaviors, enabling data-driven decision-making for targeted and relevant communication campaigns.
Internal Communications Expertise: Experienced in internal corporate communications, facilitating brainstorming sessions, and implementing initiatives to enhance employee engagement and organization culture.
Proficiency in Communication Tools: Skilled in utilizing a range of communication tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), and Adobe Creative Suite, to create compelling and visually engaging content.
Visual Content Creation: Proficient in using Canva and other graphic design tools to craft eye-catching visual elements that support communication efforts and enhance the overall storytelling process.
AI and Technology Integration: Familiarity with leveraging AI resources and emerging communication technologies to optimize communication strategies and stay at the forefront of the industry.