Welcome to My Website!
Welcome to my personal website! Here you will find my cover letter, resume, and portfolio showcasing my work. Feel free to browse through and get to know me better.
Ava DeFrances
STUDENT & ASPIRING PROFESSIONAL
404-901-4646
Email:
Location:
Athens, GA or Dunwoody, GA
Year of Birth:
2003
Phone:
EXPERIENCE
At Get Engaged Media, I supported both new business and client strategy initiatives, contributing to research, outreach, and planning for high-profile brands across beauty, fashion, and food & beverage. I curated and maintained a master list of prospective clients, identifying key decision-makers and supporting outreach efforts through both research and direct communication. I also designed and delivered mini slide decks for prospective clients, helping streamline outreach with polished, on-brand collateral that supported business development efforts.
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On the strategy side, I conducted research that helped win and onboard a top prestige beauty retailer, contributing to partnership development and integrated social, influencer, and community management planning. I built a competitive influencer comparison deck for a major shoe brand that played a key role in influencing their partnership decision, and supported client-facing calls where my research and presentations were shared directly with senior stakeholders. In addition, I monitored industry and client news alerts, delivering daily summaries to leadership to inform strategy, and helped onboard a major restaurant group by developing a multi-market social media strategy to support new location launches.
MAY 2025-OCTOBER 2025
INTERN
GET ENGAGED MEDIA
2023-2024
MARKETING COORDINATOR
STELLAR STRATEGIES CREATIVE MARKETING
At Stellar Strategies Creative Marketing, I managed multi-platform social media and content strategy for a Berkshire Hathaway agent and WIT Commercial Furniture, supporting audience growth, engagement, and lead generation through data-driven campaigns. I conducted competitive analysis to identify industry trends, refined content strategies using performance analytics, and maintained a structured content calendar to ensure brand consistency across channels.
Working closely with the CEO, I gained hands-on experience in brand building, client acquisition, and entrepreneurial strategy, contributing to scalable branding and content systems for growing clients. This role strengthened my ability to think strategically, take initiative, and adapt quickly, skills I continue to apply as I build toward launching my own digital media platform.
2021-2022, Summer 2024
At Hayes Wealth Advisors LLC, I partnered directly with the CEO, providing analytical support on high-value client projects, including market research and financial strategy development. I played a key role in developing and optimizing data-driven financial models and client tracking systems, improving decision-making efficiency within the firm. Additionally, I led the development of a brand positioning strategy to drive client acquisition, leveraging market research to align messaging with the firm’s growth objectives. Through this experience, I engaged in high-level business discussions, refining my financial literacy, strategic advisory skills, and corporate communication strategies—skills that continue to shape my approach to business and marketing today.​​
INTERN
HAYES WEALTH ADVISORS LLC
2020-2022
CEO
AVA'S JEWELS
At Ava's Jewels (2021-2022), I founded and scaled an e-commerce jewelry brand, managing branding, digital marketing, and customer acquisition from the ground up. I developed and implemented a revenue-driven marketing strategy, leading to a 400% increase in online sales and customer engagement. Through pricing and market analysis, I positioned products competitively, improving conversion rates and optimizing inventory turnover. Additionally, I designed and launched visually compelling social media campaigns, leveraging growth-hacking tactics to enhance customer retention and brand affinity, driving sustained business growth.
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NANNY
PRIVATE FAMILY
As a nanny, I oversaw and coordinated daily childcare routines, creating a structured and enriching environment that supported child development. I planned and executed educational and recreational activities, fostering cognitive growth, social development, and creativity through structured learning experiences. Additionally, I managed travel logistics, ensuring seamless transitions and positive experiences during travel, while maintaining a safe and engaging environment for the children in my care.
2018-2024
EDUCATION
2022-Present
University of Georgia
Undergraduate
Terry College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
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Expected Graduation: 2026
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Terry College of Business Student – Strong foundation in brand positioning, digital strategy, and market research.
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Marketing & Brand Management Experience – Gained real-world expertise through Stellar Strategies Creative Marketing & Hayes Wealth Advisors LLC.
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Leadership & Campus Involvement:
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Alpha Phi Sorority – Active member, contributing to philanthropic initiatives and leadership development.
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Guard of Alpha Phi – Trusted leadership role, ensuring organizational values and traditions are upheld.
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Women in Business Member – Engaging in networking, professional development, and mentorship opportunities.
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Resilience & Drive – Continued excelling in coursework and internships while recovering from major surgery.
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Real-World Marketing Application – Applied business strategies in internships, personal brand projects, and leadership roles.
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​At UGA, I’ve gained hands-on experience in consumer behavior, digital marketing, brand strategy, and data-driven insights. My coursework and real-world experiences have strengthened my strategic mindset, adaptability, and passion for impactful marketing.
While balancing academics, I also overcame the challenge of an unexpected major surgery and recovery, completing all but two courses, which I will finish this semester. This experience reinforced my ability to manage competing priorities, time management skills, problem-solve under pressure, and stay committed to my goals.
2018-2022
Dunwoody High School
High School Diploma
Certificate of Finance
Certificate of Marketing
Dunwoody, GA
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Honors Society | Top 20% of Class
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Finance Academy Graduate
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Extracurricular Activities & Leadership:
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Key Club & Volunteer Club – Dedicated to community service and philanthropic initiatives.
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Spanish Club – Engaged in cultural learning and language development.
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Girls Up United – Advocated for female empowerment and leadership initiatives.
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Varsity Golf Team – Competed at the highest level while developing teamwork and discipline.
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Completed high school education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and volunteering.
PORTFOLIO
The following showcases Instagram Reels, posts, and branded content I created while managing social media accounts for two clients of Stellar Strategies Creative Marketing. My work focused on:
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Content Creation: Designed engaging Reels and graphics to enhance brand presence and audience connection.
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​Social Media Strategy: Developed posts tailored to each brand’s audience to increase engagement, visibility, and reach.
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Brand Consistency: Maintained a cohesive visual and messaging strategy across platforms, ensuring alignment with each brand’s identity and goals.
SKILLS
SKILLS
Digital Marketing – Intermediate
Document Drafting - Advanced
Project Management - Advanced
Creativity & Campaign Development – Intermediate
Client Communication - Intermediate
Adaptability & Problem Solving -
Advanced
Leadership - Advanced
Collaboration - Advanced
PASSION PROJECT
I am actively working on building a new digital media platform designed to educate, inspire, and empower Gen Z women. As a self-starter, I have been deeply involved in:
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Researching brand names
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Copyright considerations
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Competitor strategies
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Audience trends
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Media engagement techniques
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Content creation
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Entrepreneurship
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Website Building
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Ensuring this platform stands out and resonates. With a mix of blogs, an interactive forum, and curated resources, it will be a space that blends entertainment with meaningful conversations, bridging the gap between pop culture and personal growth. Beyond creating a community, I am committed to making a real-world impact—each year, a percentage of earnings will be donated to a different philanthropy supporting women and children, ensuring that this platform is not just about conversation but also about action and change.​
ABOUT ME
I’m Ava DeFrances, a driven and ambitious senior at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, pursuing a BBA in Marketing with a passion for branding, consumer engagement, and social impact marketing. I thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments where strategy meets creativity, and innovation drives meaningful change.
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I am a natural leader, educator, and lifelong learner. Whether I’m breaking down complex ideas for children I’ve nannied, training a dog new tricks, or developing marketing strategies that resonate with audiences, I believe the best ideas come from curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. I approach every challenge as an opportunity to grow—both in what I know and how I apply it. I don’t just want to contribute; I want to be mentored, challenged, and pushed to think bigger.
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My journey has been shaped by resilience. In high school, I faced the unexpected loss of my father, and more recently, I underwent a major surgery with a long recovery due to an unknown cause that has since been fully resolved. These experiences pushed me to develop perseverance, adaptability, and a deep sense of empathy. Rather than letting challenges define me, I have used them as fuel for growth—learning to navigate adversity, stay committed to my goals, and continually push myself forward.
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I also value connection and community. Growing up, I moved frequently, which taught me how to adapt, build relationships quickly, and approach new environments with an open mind. Whether in professional settings, academic environments, or personal relationships, I thrive in collaborative spaces while embracing leadership opportunities.
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I am deeply committed to social justice, education, and advocacy. Whether through volunteering, philanthropy, or my professional work, I believe in using marketing as a force for good. Brands have the power to shape culture, drive conversations, and create meaningful impact—and I want to be at the forefront of that movement.
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At my core, I am someone who does whatever it takes to get the job done. Inspired by my 7th-grade teacher, Mrs. Camp, who always said, "Find a way, make a way," I approach every challenge with determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. But just as much as I am driven to lead and execute, I am eager to learn from those around me, take on new perspectives, and expand my skill set in environments that push me to grow.
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I’d love the opportunity to connect—because I’m always looking to learn, create, and make an impact.