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Hi, I'm Mary!

Welcome to my portfolio.

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About

About Me

Hi! I’m Mary Mckenny, a senior public relations major/business minor student at the University of Texas at Austin. I strive to use my creative strengths to help businesses reach their goals. With knowledge and experience in influencer relations, content creation and media relations, I hope to use the knowledge I have gained to propel forward in the PR industry. I thrive when challenged and am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to current and future teams I work on, as well as collaborate with like-minded individuals in the PR industry.

Writing and Content Samples

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News Literacy Project Campaign Deck

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Defend the Dream Campaign Deck

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The Good Hippie Campaign Deck

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Austin City Limits Hotel Packages Pitch

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100 Black Men of Austin News Release

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Hilldale Coffee & Tea News Release

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UT Feature Article

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UT Hard News Story

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Sample Media Alert

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Sample Influencer Brief

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Radio Flyer 90s Summer Blog

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Radio Flyer At-Home Games Blog

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Radio Flyer Commute to School Blog

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Football Watch Party Pitch

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881 Launch Pitch

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Back to School Pitches

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PRSSA Social Media Post

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Austin Speech Labs Social Media Post

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Art from the Streets PR Wrap Report

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Round Rock Honey Campaign Deck

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Radio Flyer Thanksgiving Activities for Kids Blog

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Radio Flyer Turkey Crafts for Kids Blog

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New Menu Pitch

Resume

Media Playground Public Relations

Public Relations Intern (November 2024-Present)

Radio Flyer

Public Relations Intern (June 2024-Present)

  • Wrote engaging blog posts for the company website, enhancing brand visibility and driving traffic.

  • Developed pitches for affiliate partners, fostering collaboration and increasing partnership opportunities, and secured coverage in Motherly for our Fourth of July sale through a successful pitch.

  • Researched and prepared award applications for the company’s app, highlighting key features and achievements.

  • Created key internal messaging documents to ensure consistent communication across teams.

  • Designed a comprehensive campaign proposal to support marketing initiatives and goals.

  • Managed and generated content for the CEO's LinkedIn, increasing professional engagement and visibility.

  • Created and maintained numerous media databases for internal use, streamlining outreach efforts.

  • Tracked media coverage of the brand to assess public perception and inform strategic decisions.

  • Organized and produced 49 media kits, providing essential information for press and partners.

  • Compiled end-of-month reports for the affiliate program, PR coverage, and CEO's LinkedIn, presenting findings to the brand communications department.

  • Utilized Meltwater to monitor and track the company’s online presence and media mentions.

  • Recruited over 150 potential affiliate partners, expanding the network and increasing collaboration opportunities.

  • Created engaging content for media releases, brand announcements, and other communications, while processing media sample orders to strengthen media relations.

  • Assisted with affiliate marketing programs by drafting pitches, recruiting new partners, and conducting performance reports.

  • Executed event marketing efforts for the Radio Flyer Store and Flyer Electric Bike promotions, contributing to successful communications projects.

Giant Noise Public Relations and Digital Media Agency

Public Relations Intern (May 2023-Present)

  • Selected as Project Supervisor for the 2024 intern project with Art From the Streets, a nonprofit supporting the unhoused community, overseeing intern assignments and monitoring progress while serving as the liaison between the client and agency.

  • Managed logistics for various events, including outreach to potential influencers and coordination with internal and external PR teams.

  • Developed press materials, including media alerts, press releases, and promotional content, to generate attention for events and clients.

  • Maintained communication with media outlets and event partners to ensure successful event coverage.

  • Managed up-to-date event calendars to guarantee accurate listings and attract attendees.

  • Conducted research to identify trends and opportunities within the event and hospitality industry.

  • Expanded the influencer network to target new audiences and enhance brand visibility.

  • Created media lists of contacts, influencers, and media outlets for effective communication and pitching for various client events.

  • Served as Media Correspondent and Social Media Manager for the 2023 intern project for the Defend the Dream Foundation, a nonprofit geared towards improving children's literacy rates, contributing to the completion of KPIs, content calendars, media lists, and influencer relations for the campaign.

Tower and Bridge Communications Agency

Director of Membership (Formerly PR Manager, Social Media Manager & Content Manager) (January 2022-Present)

  • Led recruitment for the 2024 application cycle, achieving a record number of 96 applicants and a 7% acceptance rate as Director of Membership, ensuring the selection of top talent.

  • Scheduled and led interviews for prospective candidates, facilitating a thorough recruitment process to attract the best new talent for the agency.

  • Actively managed The Good Hippie's social media accounts, tracking analytics and leveraging data to optimize Instagram and TikTok content calendars.

  • Fostered community engagement for Austin Speech Labs by creating unique and visually appealing Instagram posts, enhancing brand visibility.

  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients through effective communication and the use of brand kits, mood boards, and aesthetic packages to meet their needs.

  • Recruited and nurtured meaningful relationships with influencers to amplify brand outreach and engagement.

  • Created media lists and crafted pitches to journalists to secure coverage for The Good Hippie’s products and holiday promotions.

  • Collaborated with The Good Hippie’s owner and media professionals to secure promotional opportunities at markets and events.

Jari Mock Photography 

Social Media & Photography Assistant  (January 2024-November 2024)

  • Assisted in photography sessions by capturing behind-the-scenes footage, contributing to the documentation and promotion of creative projects.

  • Created Instagram Reels from behind-the-scenes footage to enhance engagement and visibility on social media platforms.

Crosswind Media & Public Relations Agency

Account Coordinator (December 2022-May 2023)

  • Managed Crosswind’s and the CEO’s social media accounts through content creation, post scheduling, and analytics tracking to optimize engagement and performance.

  • Updated and created media lists to ensure accurate and current contact information for effective outreach.

  • Maintained active communication with clients to understand their needs and ensure satisfaction across various projects.

  • Pitched to media outlets to secure coverage for diverse clients, enhancing their visibility and public relations efforts.

MissBehavin'

Social Media Assistant (September 2022-December 2022)

  • Managed social media accounts to enhance consumer engagement and drive sales through the creation of unique and visually appealing promotional posts.

  • Coordinated and executed photography sessions, modeling clothing and accessory pieces for online content, effectively showcasing products and boosting visibility.

  • Built relationships with top lifestyle and fashion editors while creating and managing targeted media lists to enhance PR outreach and align with client goals.
    • Pitched to secure media placements in leading lifestyle and fashion publications, and monitored media coverage to provide insights for improving PR strategies and client visibility.

  • Provided strategic PR counsel, ensuring alignment with client goals to drive media success and enhance client satisfaction within the fashion industry.

Spring Mortgage

Public Relations Representative (May 2022-August 2022)

  • Revamped and coordinated social media pages, creating a cohesive aesthetic and engaging content, resulting in a 339% increase in Instagram following and a 69% increase in LinkedIn following.

  • Designed promotional materials and graphics to enhance brand image and ensure alignment across marketing efforts.

  • Built and maintained positive relationships with potential and existing clients to stimulate business growth and enhance client satisfaction.

The Woodlands Christian Academy

Marketing Intern (April 2020-August 2020)

  • Designed uniforms and advertisements while implementing new fonts and color schemes to enhance overall brand image.

  • Planned and executed filming and photography sessions, showcasing visual content on the school website and social media accounts to promote engagement.

Boots For Troops

Public Relations Intern (April 2020-August 2020)

  • Actively managed all social media platforms and coordinated outreach initiatives to enhance community engagement and visibility.

  • Authored press releases and promotional articles to boost community and donor support, resulting in a nationally published article on Yahoo.

  • Collaborated with local radio stations to promote various events and concerts, increasing attendance and community involvement.

  • Assisted in the planning and execution of key events, including the annual gala and Concert in the Country, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.

Involvement

Alpha Chi Omega
Outreach Committee Member

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  • Assisted in community outreach and graphic design efforts to effectively promote Alpha Chi events, enhancing participation and visibility.

  • Composed and distributed monthly alumni newsletters highlighting Alpha Chi’s accomplishments and upcoming events to strengthen alumni engagement.

  • Contributed to the maintenance of the Texas AXO blog by creating and publishing monthly posts, ensuring timely and relevant content.

 

 

Public Relations Student Society of America
Social Media Committee Member & Mentorship Program Member

 

  • Actively created and curated engaging social media content for the Texas PRSSA Chapter’s Instagram and TikTok, enhancing follower engagement and community visibility.

  • Fostered and maintained relationships with local professionals and alumni, featuring their insights and contributions on social media platforms.

  • Partnered with a local mentor to gain industry insights and deepen understanding of the public relations field.

 

 

Bateman Case Study Competition

Graphic Design Manager & Media Relations Assistant

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  • Selected by the Dean of Moody College of Communication to represent UT Austin in the prestigious Bateman national PR competition, one of only five students chosen for the team.

  • Developed a comprehensive strategy deck for the client, News Literacy Project, outlining campaign objectives and key messaging.

  • Cultivated relationships with media outlets and crafted compelling pitches to enhance visibility and coverage for the campaign.

  • Directed influencer relations, coordinated video shoots, and planned events to effectively promote the client’s mission and goals.

  • Managed social media accounts and created engaging content throughout the campaign, driving audience engagement and brand awareness.

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UTalent Record Label
Artist PR Manager

 

  • Managed local artist LUVELLA, overseeing gig scheduling and performance logistics to enhance her visibility and career development.

  • Developed comprehensive media, brand partnership, and venue outreach lists, facilitating strategic engagement opportunities for the artist.

  • Assisted in filming live sets and provided social media coverage, creating engaging content to promote LUVELLA’s brand and performances.

  • Cultivated relationships with key industry contacts, enhancing promotional efforts and increasing attendance at gigs.

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Campus Events and Entertainment
Headliners Committee Member

 

  • Collaborated with a team to plan and execute student events centered around music, enhancing campus engagement and student experience.

  • Assisted in organizing and promoting high-profile concerts, including performances by Diplo and Pitbull, contributing to successful event execution.

  • Participated in discussions regarding the university concert budget, ensuring financial resources were effectively allocated for events.

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YoungLife & YoungLives
Leader & Social Media Assistant

 

  • Assisted in creating social media posts for the YoungLives Austin Instagram account.

  • Developed engaging captions to enhance audience interaction.

  • Collaborated with the team to align content with brand messaging.

Skills

Software Skills: MuckRack, Tagger, Talkwalker, HARO, TVEyes, Canva, Adobe Lightroom, Premier Pro, Lightworks, Loomly, Trello, Slack, Basecamp, Cision, Sendible, Mailchimp, Google Suite, MS Office, AvantLink, Meltwater, Pixlee
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter (X)
Technical Skills: SWOT Analysis, AP Style

Additional

  • Google Ads Creative Certificate

  • Google Analytics Certificate

  • Google "Get Started Using Google Analytics" Certificate

  • Google "Manage GA4 Data and Learn to Read Reports" Certificate

  • Google "Dive Deeper into GA4 Data and Reports" Certificate

  • PR Council “Agency-Ready” Certificate

  • LinkedIn Learning “Slack Essential Training” Certificate

  • LinkedIn Learning “Social Media Monitoring: Strategies & Skills” Certificate

  • LinkedIn Learning “Writing a Compelling Blog Post" Certificate

  • LinkedIn Learning “Tips for Better Business Writing” Certificate

  • LinkedIn Learning “How to Write a Press Release” Certificate

  • MuckRack Academy “Fundamentals of Social Media” Certificate

  • MuckRack Academy “Fundamentals of Media Relations” Certificate

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