Sophia Handley

sjhandley123@gmail.com | (954) 439-4382 | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiahandley/

EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Mass Communication, Public Relations
University of Florida | Gainesville, FL August 2025
GPA: 4.0/4.0

Bachelor of Science in Advertising, Persuasive Messaging

University of Florida | Gainesville, FL May 2024
Minor: Innovation
GPA: 3.56/4.0; magna cum laude

EXPERIENCE
Account Executive
The Independent Florida Alligator | Gainesville, FL May 2021 – May 2024
• Sold advertisements for one of the largest student-run newspapers in the country with a reach of 90,000 individuals
• Managed sales and researched accounts within two territories: University of Florida facilities and local businesses
• Developed connections with prospective customers through cold-calling, in-person visits and email
• Oversaw three undergraduate interns to help improve their skills in communication, sales and organization

Copy Editor Intern

Alison South Marketing | Fort Lauderdale, FL June 2023 – August 2023
• Edited and reviewed content including social media posts, articles and infographics for quality and accuracy
• Communicated with the creative team to ensure content was published for over 100 clients

Account Executive Intern

Mad 4 Marketing | Fort Lauderdale, FL May 2022 – August 2022
• Created online content for clients including The Las Olas Company, Water Taxi and Palm Beach Medical Society
• Attended professional meetings with clients to learn more about their brand to produce compelling content

INVOLVEMENT
President
Relay for Life of University of Florida | Gainesville, FL June 2022 – May 2024
• Ran weekly meetings and events to increase involvement and participation within the organization
• Planned and executed annual main event by coordinating logistics, obtaining speakers and organizing activities
• Raised over $29,000 for the American Cancer Society over the last two years as an organization
Outreach Director June 2021 – June 2022
• Recruited over 20 on-campus teams and hosted bi-weekly meetings to promote fundraising and participation

Vice President of New Member Education

Alpha Epsilon Phi Alpha Tau Chapter | Gainesville, FL January 2022 – December 2022
• Created and facilitated a semester-long new member process for 80+ women during their transition into the chapter
• Conducted weekly meetings, planned events and developed agendas while managing a budget of over $30,000
• Collaborated with executive board members to develop programming for a chapter of 200+ women
• Coordinated Bid Day logistics by liaising with external vendors and implementing a cohesive event theme

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
University of Florida: College of Journalism and Communications | Gainesville, FL January 2024 – May 2024
• Conducted research for the project “Turning to Influencers for Health and Science Information”
• Collaborated with other members of the research team to analyze data and report results

SKILLS
Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel