WELCOME
Hello, my name is Jordyn Leathers, an Event Professional based out of Orlando, FL (originally from Tampa!)
Since moving to Orlando for my studies in 2021, I have been actively pursuing local work and consistently fell into opportunities to work in the event and entertainment industry. I have worked at the largest and most populated event venues in Orlando. I've also been invited to large conferences and expos for my academic achievements, as well as job shadows, and to volunteer at events. From these I have collected lots of valuable knowledge, giving me a sufficient level of hands-on experience that I can use and apply to put on a successful event.
My experience as a freelance creator prior to attending college allows me to apply real-world experience and networking skills toward being resourceful to the people I do business with in the industry today.
Profile
Education
Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Science in Event Management Graduating in Fall 2023
Top 10 UCF Knight Knight of Distinction
Campus Activities Board Member Centsible Knights Advocate
Pegasus Music Group Member
Awards
Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators Recognition May 2021
5th Annual Inspiring Women Leaders (IWL) Conference March 8-9, 2022 Scholarship Application Award
Computer: Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Virtual meeting platforms and Google Workspace, Photoshop
Soft: Organized, Focused, Active listener, Detail-oriented, Proactive,
Conflict Resolver, Team player, Adaptive, Personable, Collaborative
Social Media: Proficient with use of Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest
Certification: Florida Food Service License
Class D Florida Security License
TABC Certification
S k i l l s
Values
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Shamelessly being yourself
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Serving others
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Diversity and Representation in work environments
Initiative: To create the best possible experiences for fans, staff, venues, and its partners and promote female leadership.
Experience
Personal Statement
What brought me to the industry was my love for listening to music as a hobby combined with my personal experiences at events. I enjoyed and still do occasionally attend concerts, conventions, and volunteer at various events of my interest. During the process of exploring my creative passions for leisure, I was able to make so many amazing memories and connections that have heightened my desire for the industry.
I am a proactive and self-motivated individual, who is willing to do whatever it takes to reach success. I have an open mind, willingness to learn, outstanding communication skills, and enjoy working with like-minded individuals. I am determined on getting the job done and am passionate about making creative ideas come to life. I thrive in unpredictable work environments and enjoy being on my feet. I have adept experience in guest service, retail, and security. These transferable skills cultivated from relevant experiences allow me to not only satisfy but exceed the demands of any company’s expectations.
I value creating meaningful first and last impressions with clients and fulfilling creative visions through the process of event planning. Planning and management is my strong suit because of my ability to think outside of the box and knack for curiosity and detail.
My needs and the lifestyle I desired for myself at a young age is what pushed me to venture out into the world with such courage, and despite outshining my peers, I remain humble in my nature and prioritize maintaining my finances, health, education, and current relationships.
Knowledge
Lessons Learned
My current studies and work experience perfectly align with what I aspire to do in my career. With the endless amount of work in the area of entertainment and events, I want to be the one to conquer the challenges and demands of the market.
I currently study all of the positions that need to be fulfilled to in order broadcast a successful event and would also like to master event operations like setup, audiovisual, and logistics.
By just reaching out and connecting to professionals on Linked In and at the University of Central Florida is what gave me exposure to the amazing experiential opportunities I have had access to.
My experience working at the Addition Financial Arena, Amway Center, and Camping World Stadium has allowed me to see a lot of behind the scenes that goes into putting on various large productions. I learned staff management from my supervisors and through observation prior to the start of my shifts. From watching other employees — (production technicians, security, etc.) who are with different companies while they are working, and by asking questions, I gained an understanding of the value of the different "pieces of the puzzle"have on forming the final image for an event.
I expand my vocabulary through working gig jobs as a server, and by receiving training and feedback from others around me who have more industry experience. Every gig job that I have done has allowed to me to try new tasks and make connections from past experiences.
The things I have seen and experienced in my work life fuel confidence in my ability to create value for others. I have also gained a greater sense of self and continue to develop communication skills.
Overtime, I have become more comfortable with talking to various people regardless of how high their position or status is. This is how I build momentum to keep shooting for the opportunity, and to this day, I continue to build a network of supporters.
Some general tidbits that resonate with me is that events take a long time to plan and execute, even if it the event is just an hour or two long. A lot of the time there may not even be a profit involved, sometimes the objective is to obtain more exposure for the host and their business.
On the other hand, unfortunately, there are some people who overspend on event costs without working out any logistical kinks and negotiations. In this case, they typically won't host an event for another 6 months to a year due to the amount of preparation time, and risks of going over budget.
For all events, it is important that the event manager be proactive in taking responsibility and controlling the chaos because most likely no one else will notice the little details that need to be taken care of or is even accountable for those protocols and mishaps.
Working in this industry has allowed me to explore and work with different types of people too. It can be a challenge, but I have learned to know my worth. Having thick skin and persistence is beneficial in any career path, especially in this one because there is a lot of trial and error involved. Others may try to knock you down, and work conditions may not be ideal, but I make effort to maintain a fair judgment and sense of integrity, and when I make mistakes, I try not to dwell on them and instead, persevere.
Reflection
Frequently I find that I am able to apply the material that I learn in my college coursework to the real world.
The ups and downs of my experiences help develop me into a strong person, and I strive to always be my best self so that I can continue to grow and take more action, as opposed to doubting myself in fear of failure. The more experience I allow myself to have, the more resourceful I can be for others, and the better quality of a leader I can be to others.
Experience
Clients
Spectra, Orlando Magic, Orange County Convention Center, Encore Global, C3 Presents, Fahntoosh, Dr. Philips Center,
Florida Citrus Sports, CSI DMC, Hello! DMC, Amway, Andy Frain, Tim Webber, NASCAR Foundation, Orlando Pride, Insomniac, Live Nation, Tyson Foods, Cricket Wireless, ArtHeartsFashion, On Location, Yondr, Marriot, LMG, ShowMasters, UCF, Lineleap, Kia
Job Shadow
Attended
FBLA Leadership Conference 2021
Viacom Summit 2021 (Virtual)
Orlando Magic Innovation Challenge 4/1/22-4/3/22
2022 Monster Jam-Working Guest Facilities and VIP Suite wristbanding
UCF Job Shadow Program
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL 12/14/21
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Observed behind-the-scenes process of preparing AV services for a client with LMG
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AKC Dog Show behind-the-scenes
Encore, Orlando, FL 12/16/21
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Shadowed Rafi Rivera and explored different departments
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Learned from the HR manager about the company’s impact, goals, and nationwide outreach
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Spoke to Sales and Property Manager about the Step-by-Step process once receiving clientele
Entertainment Technology Partners Orlando, FL 3/11/22
Mentorship
Peer Knights Participation
ChargeOn Mentorship program
Internships
Event Coordinator for Third Thursdays with City District Orlando (Non-profit) Jan-April 2022
Event Assistant Elite Dream Creations Indian Wedding Reception - Weekend Jan 14 &15
MVK Music Group Artist Management- Jan-May 2022
Employment
2021 Orlando Magic Merchandise Specialist
2021 Addition Financial Arena Guest Services
2021 TEF Staffing Agency Guest Services
2021 Kiddie Sports Consultations/Feedback Receiver
2022 Encore Business Center Representative- Part-Time
2022 Andy Frain Guest Services, Security- Part-time
2022 Chamber of Commerce Events Manager Full-Time
2022 Photo Booth/Entertainment Staffing for Corporate Events-Weekly
2022 Licensed Security at Playlist Live Orlando
2022 Seasonal Entertainment Tech for Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld
2022 On Location Brand Ambassador
Volunteer Experience
Food Share Christian Service Center with Volunteer UCF
National Coalition for the Homeless- Donation organizer and Guest Service Desk
Humane Society
Florida Citrus Sports Cheeze-It-Bowl 12/29/21
7 Cups Active Listener Online
Dr Philips Center Volunteer for the Masked Singer Tour
Orlando Urban Film Festival Promotions and Check-In table
Gasparilla Music Festival- Tampa 2022- VIP/Higher Grounds tent
UCFest Speaker Night with Laurie Hernandez- Campus Activities Board
2022:"Health Meets Food" Culinary Conference at Rosen College
References
Available upon request
Accomplishments
Graduated in the Top 4% of my class with Honors, 6.4 GPA, National Honors Society stole and over 250 volunteer hours
Awards from 2020-2023
2020-2021
Iris and Hubert
Tampa Delta Alumnae
Tampa SISTUHS
Plant City Junior Woman’s Club
National Coalition of Black Women
Unity in the Community
Plant City Lions Club
Brandon Ladies of Elks
National Association of Business Accountants
2021-2023
PepsiCo Leadership Program
UCF SGA Leadership
Venues I have completed work at:
Addition Financial Arena
Amway Center
Camping World Stadium
Raymond James Stadium
Hyatt Regency Ballroom
Hilton on I-drive Ballroom
Venue 1902
Loews Hotels
Dezerland Park
Crystal Ballroom at Lake Mary
Sheltair Aviation Hangars
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Lake Eola Park (for Orlando Pride Festival)
Central Florida Fairgrounds
Gaylord Palms
Caribe Royal Convention Center
Universal Music Plaza
Faena Forum
Bayfront Park in Miami
Tampa Hard Rock Event Center
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando World Center Marriot
House of Blues
The Vanguard
Knight Library
Notable people I've worked along side of
Zedd
Tinashe
Denzel Curry
Maverick City
Billy Joel
Green Day
The Lumineers
Neon Trees
Garth Brooks
Bad Bunny
Laurie Hernandez
DJ Diesel (Shaquille O'Neil)
Subtronics
gRiz
Tame Impala Production Crew
Def Leopard
Motley Crue
DJ Khaled
Natalya Neidhart
Andy Grammer
Fitz & the Tantrums
Bad Bunny
Tana Mongeau
Kevin Hart
Dan & Shay
Bea Miller
Conan Gray
Big Time Rush
Pitbull
Iggy Azalea
Sabrina Carpenter
Daddy Yankee