About me
Hey there!
My name is Courtney Ray. I am an Alabama native with a passion for writing. I've been a writer for most of my life — throughout my childhood, I would craft short stories and creative pieces as an outlet for my boundless imagination. After high school, I attended Jacksonville State University and earned a Bachelor's degree in English with a Creative Writing concentration, as well as a minor in Professional Writing. I am currently residing in the Birmingham area.
When I'm not writing, I like spending time outdoors, crafting, reading, and hanging out with my cat, Willow!
Fun Fact: I love music! I play multiple different instruments, and even played the oboe in concert ensembles throughout my college career. I've also had the pleasure of singing the National Anthem at a professional sporting event — Go Barons!!
Resume
Education
Professional
Experience
English, B.A.; Professional Writing Minor
Jacksonville State University
August 2019 - April 2023, Jacksonville, AL
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3.95 GPA
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Graduated Summa Cum Laude April 2023
January 2023 - April 2023
Internship — Social Media Content Strategist | Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), All in Alabama Campaign
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created content and copy for social media posts
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managed content calendar & scheduling of social media posts
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measured KPI's & campaign growth across multiple social media platforms
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oversaw ordering & production of branded merchandise
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represented ACHE at Alabama Governor's Summit on Talent Retention & Work-Based Learning
Fall 2022
Project Manager — All in Alabama Campaign
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managed a team of 18 students in creating content for the "All in Alabama" Campaign, led by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE)
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implemented team/individual schedules, timelines and deadlines to be followed throughout the project
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led workshops and "brainstorm" sessions among peers to generate new content ideas and strategies
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communicated with ACHE partners on behalf of creative team
Spring 2023
Venecia's Foundation — 501c3 Nonprofit
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developed client's overall brand, voice, and style
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created guiding brand documents to assist client in developing a cohesive & recognizable online presence
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compiled social media guide documents to aid client in the proper utilization of social media platforms
Spring 2021
Internship — Editorial Assistant | Gigantic Sequins: A Literary Arts Journal
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managed projects & schedules of editorial team
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managed submissions & communications from magazine patrons
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revised and edited final copies of Gigantic Sequins literary magazine (13th Issue)
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assisted in management of social media platforms
Fall 2019 - Spring 2023
Various Projects in collaboration with Jacksonville State University
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redesigned Faculty Commons web page to be more accessible & user friendly
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redesigned the Gigantic Sequins: Teen Sequins web page
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designed multimedia promotional materials for JSU English Department
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created accessibility documents for faculty and staff in conjunction with JSU Disability Services
Awards & Distinctions
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Graduated Summa Cum Laude / Jacksonville State University
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Outstanding English Major in Professional Writing / Jacksonville State University
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Excellence in Creative Writing / Jacksonville State University
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Sustained Excellence by a Senior English Major / Jacksonville State University
Indeed Assessments
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Social Media - PROFICIENT
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Marketing - PROFICIENT
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Written Communication - PROFICIENT
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Work Style: Professionalism - PROFICIENT
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Proofreading - PROFICIENT
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Project Timeline Management - PROFICIENT