Alana Rafiee.
BA in Public Relations & Strategic Communications. Washington, D.C
(978) 809-7995
HELLO, I'M
Alana Rafiee.
Strategic PR & Communications Professional
Who Am I?
NOW THAT'S A SECRET I WILL TELL
I am a passionate communications professional with over four years of experience since graduating from American University's School of Communication. My professional focus and personal passions align seamlessly in the non-profit, food & beverage, entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, hospitality, and travel industries. A lover of pop culture, culinary adventures, and creative expression, I’m driven by the opportunity to shape narratives that resonate.
Fostering meaningful relationships has always been at the heart of who I am. Whether collaborating with coworkers, staying connected with friends and family, or celebrating my Iranian heritage, building connections inspires me daily. My enthusiasm for creating authentic relationships extends into my work, where I strive to help organizations and brands connect with their audiences in impactful and memorable ways.
Originally from northern Massachusetts, I’ve embraced life in the DMV area, where I’ve grown personally and professionally.
Experience
WHERE I'VE WORKED
Nov. 2022 – Sept. 2025| Arlington Food Assistance Center | Arlington, VA
August 2022 – Oct. 2022 | simoneink | McLean, VA
Marketing & Communications Manager (promoted from Associate in July '24)
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Managed integrated content and email marketing strategies, including monthly newsletters and three annual solicitation campaigns that raised nearly $500,000
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Led a complete website redesign with an external creative team, overseeing the project from conception through execution and coordinating a professional photo and video shoot
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Spearheaded content strategy across four social media channels, developing consumer-facing content that strengthened brand presence and community engagement
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Created and distributed press releases and media alerts, developing targeted story angles to increase media coverage and public awareness
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Led cross-functional marketing efforts for donor events, food drives, and community engagement initiatives through coordinated social media and email outreach
Media Relations Assistant
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Supported communications for 20+ food, beverage, and hospitality accounts, including Brennan’s New Orleans, Bas Rouge of Bluepoint Hospitality, and Buffalo & Bergen DC
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Monitored industry news, cultural conversations, and emerging trends daily to identify timely opportunities and inform compelling, audience-relevant story angles for clients
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Developed targeted media lists of 50+ journalists and outlets and assisted in creating press releases and other brand communications designed to generate media interest
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Authored social media copy for agency channels, helping strengthen the agency’s digital presence and showcase its food, beverage, and hospitality expertise
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Coordinated client and journalist communications across email and phone, managing commitments and supporting multiple accounts in a fast-paced agency environment
Sept. 2021 - Dec. 2021| TAA PR | Washington, D.C.
Intern
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Developed social media copy and content for clients including Rosewood D.C., Riggs D.C., and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport & Dulles International Airport
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Assisted with planning and executing community events for hospitality and lifestyle clients to increase brand awareness
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Supported day-to-day PR and social media initiatives through research, content development, and client coordination
Skills & Languages
WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
Image & Design Software
Content Writing & Editing
Project Management
CMS & CRM Management
Email & Direct Mail Marketing
Social Media Management
Event Planning & Promotion
English
French
The PR Interlude
MY 5-9 AFTER MY 9-5
