PORTFOLIO
Laura Mae T. Dizon
Marketing & Communications Specialist
ABOUT
Nice to meet you!
My name is Laura Dizon and this is my portfolio.
I currently serve as a Marketing & Communications Specialist with the City of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS). Over the past three years, I have been an integral part of the communications team and have had the opportunity to step into managerial roles for a cumulative period of five months
My education reflects my passion in communication systems and human behavior.
University of San Francisco
August 2024 - Present Master of Arts in Professional Communication
University of California, Irvine
Corporate Communications Certificate
Springboard Bootcamp
UI/UX Design Certificate
San Jose State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
June 2024
June 2021
June 2020
I have over five years of experience in graphic design. I am an expert in industry-standard design software, marketing and public relation principles, photography and videography, and digital media.
I am seeking a full-time position in communications while pursuing my graduate degree on a part-time basis.
I am a self-starter with a strong eagerness to learn and grow. As a professional communicator, I prioritize creating informative and inclusive messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
Feel free to browse through my work, and if you'd like to get in touch, you can reach me at:
Lauramtdizon@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramtd/
*Aphotoofmeand,moreimportantly,mypuppy.
MARKETING CAMPAIGN
2022 - CURRENT BEAUTIFYSJ #BSJPROUD
BeautifySJ.org
BeautifySJ is a City of San Jose initiative to clean up and restore our San José community. This government program is committed to supporting residents in their efforts to beautify their neighborhoods and create a cleaner and more vibrant San José
I served as the lead designer for the BeautifySJ 'BSJProud' campaign, which launched in early 2023. The campaign aimed to:
Highlight the BeautifySJ Program and its mission to empower residents to reclaim public spaces and express pride in our city.
Raise awareness about the reporting features available on the San José 311 app, website, and phone line for addressing illegal dumping and graffiti.
Encourage residents to avoid littering, participate in litter cleanup efforts, and host neighborhood litter pickup events to help keep San José clean.
To achieve these objectives, I contributed by researching, planning, and producing a variety of marketing materials and content.
billboard & transit shelter designs
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
2022-2024 VIVACALLESJ INSTAGRAM COUNTDOWN SERIES
https://www.vivacallesj.org/
Viva CalleSJ is a free entry recreational program that hosts open street events that engages San jose’s most eclectic and historic neighborhoods These events bring in approximately 100,000 participants every event
I produced 3 series of countdown posts to be posted to the City of San Jose Parks, Recreation & Neighbrohood Services Instagram and Facebook accounts and VivaCalleSJ via collaboration. I primarily used Canva and Adobe Lightroom to quickly create these posts and have them ready for team reviews.
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
2023 BEAUTIFYSJ PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT SERIES
In a 5-part post, I highlighted BeautifySJ’s FY22-23 department statistics with a mix of photography and custom made iconography. I used Adobe Illustrator to create the illustration assets, then imported them into Canva to create a mixed media look using textures, gradients, and colorgrading
MARKETING (PRINT/DIGITAL)
2022 - Present CSJ PRNS Food Distribution Digital/Print Flyers
Every winter holiday season, City of San Jose’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services releases a catalog of info detailing local organizations that offer food distribution services.
These are posted to social media channels daily and distributed as prints at every San Jose community center. I designed these flyers with style and information architecture in mind.
BRAND IDENTITY & DESIGN
2024 ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE
The City of San Jose held its second annual neighborhood conference, where I was responsible for creating a visual identifier to be featured in marketing materials and merchandise. Additionally, I designed a data poster showcasing key metrics for our BeautifySJ services
WRITING SAMPLES
BLOG POST FOR PARKS, RECREATION & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES NEWS
https://www sanjoseca gov/Home/Components/News/News/6039/5103
#PRNSBEST TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUMMER RECREATION LEADERS
Over 250 recreation leaders participate in quality and safety training for the summer
POST DATE: 07/11/2024 9:00 AM
*This is a special feature from the City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
"As a teen working here, I had some of the best summers of my life," said Erica Rendler, Senior Safety Officer, and spoke to over 250 Recreation Leaders attending the City of San José's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) Summer Recreation Leader Training.
Our recreation leaders play a crucial role in PRNS. Their work demands a high level of customer service, interpersonal skills, and communication skills. Many are assigned to summer camps, aquatic sites, after-school programs, and other youth programming that require training to meet California Education Code standards.
Recreation leaders are the backbone of many recreation programs, providing guidance, support, and a fun atmosphere for kids.
The all-day training was a comprehensive program, featuring staff-led presentations and courses that covered a wide range of topics. These included Enrichment Basics, Field Trips 101, and Navigating Difficult Conversations, among others.
"Most people doing these presentations are veteran recreation leaders, subject matter experts, and specialists in their programs," said Nick Georgoff, a Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Supervisor. "Our partner, Santa Clara County Public Health, is also hosting a CATCH Kids Club Training."
CATCH is an evidence-based physical activity curriculum that PRNS preschool programs use.
Camden Community Center hosted this event and served as a learning environment for participants eager to learn new skills for their summer jobs. Michael Ramos from Camden Community Center shared his excitement about the training, stating that he's excited to learn new skills to work in CampSJ.
"I've been working the front desk at Camden for a year, and I saw the amazing work that CampSJ does. This is my first-time training to work for CampSJ, and the courses are very informative. They teach you what to do and what not to do. Since we're working with kids, we must be responsible, " he noted.
Recreation leaders all bring unique experiences to the table, whether it’s their first or tenth year on the job.
Many participants expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn the necessary skills for their seasonal position For these recreation leaders, this summer is not just a job, but an opportunity for professional growth while contributing to their community
PRNS Deputy Director Maria De Leon thanked the crowd of recreation leaders and shared an inspirational anecdote: "I want you all to understand that [as a Recreation Leader] you will be a role model to the kids you could be overseeing. You're going to be a positive influence on their lives, and at the same time, you're going to learn great skills that will help you with your career." Working as a recreation leader has its challenges, but also its rewards. Recreation leaders have the opportunity to advance critical skill sets that can help shape their future.
This training provides the participants a road towards career advancement supporting our community. The skills they learn provides the tools they need to pursue their dream career paths while also giving them a summer to remember!
The City of San José will be hiring recreation leaders again soon. To learn more about opportunities to become a recreation leader and to explore the wonders of our recreation programs firsthand, visit bit.ly/PRNSJOBS.
If you would like to learn more about PRNS, please visit sanjoseca.gov/prns. The ActivateSJ Strategic Plan is the City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) plan to maintain, improve and expand our facilities, programs, and services. The plan guides how we care for and develop a diverse park system and an abundance of recreation programs and services for all in San José.
ActivateSJ’s mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. To learn more about our department’s plan and vision to move forward, visit activatesj.org
WRITING SAMPLES
MOVING FORWARD BLURB FOR CITY OF SAN JOSE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/parks-recreation-neighborhoodservices/general-information/activatesj
That’s a 2023 wrap!
MOVING FORWARD
PRNS wraps up an eventful year implementing ActivateS community-based principles while planning for a future continues to improve, protect, and expand our various f programs and services. ActivateSJ’s 20-year strategic pla as our department’s north star and guides us on our pa towards service-driven and people-focused community
As the 12th largest city in the nation, our department ov a continuously growing population of diverse residents. adapt our essential services to meet the continuously ch needs of our community members. At the start of the ye parks were tested by a historic amount of rain, leading t necessary closure of parks and trails. Our staff member essential for the protection, recovery, and restoration o facilities and out-door places and the safety of our resid
We oversee more than 1,800 developed parkland acreag neighborhood and community parkland, over 62 miles o and over 555,000 square feet of community centers. To with our nearly 1 million residents, we provided award-w recreational activities and programs such as our Placem Team’s Viva CalleSJ series and our Therapeutics Recreat Service team’s various programs to name a few. Both te were honored with awards that recognize our sta mem dedication to San José residents.
As PRNS moves forward towards fulfillment of our Activ promises, the department benefits from the support of residents, business communities, and investments. We with limited resources to meet the growing needs of our and require adequate sta ng to meet the essential serv needed by our residents With suffcient investments, we support and provide our residents with the programs an services they need and deserve.
DIGITAL NEWSROOM PROJECT FOR USFCA MAPC PROGRAM
Press Release For The Walt Disney Company
Walt Disney Launches a Month of Mindful Magic Content for World Mental Health Day
For Immediate Release
Fremont, Calif., October 2, 2024 – In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Disney is proud to launch its new initiative, Mindful Magic: Embracing Mental Wellbeing. This campaign features an innovative 3-episode spin-off series, starring beloved characters from Disney Pixar’s Inside Out, Frozen, and Encanto. These familiar faces will guide audiences, especially younger viewers, through powerful themes of emotional awareness, resilience, and mental health, offering a relatable and comforting way to explore these important topics.
To further amplify these messages, Disney will release a creative music video designed to help audiences express and process their emotions. The campaign aims to normalize conversations around mental health, reduce stigma, and make these essential topics more accessible to people of all ages.
Disney is partnering with Mental Health America (MHA), a leading non-profit organization that has long been dedicated to advancing mental health care and reducing stigma. Through this collaboration, Disney and MHA will raise awareness about the importance of mental health, ensure access to vital resources, and promote mental well-being as an essential part of overall health
“We are excited to partner with Disney in reaching families and individuals across the nation, helping to make mental health care a more accessible and normalized part of everyday life,” said Arual Nozid, Director of Mental Health America. “Together, we can ensure that people have the support they need to prioritize their mental well-being and thrive.”
As part of the campaign, fans will have the chance to receive exclusive Mindful Magic merchandise, including limited-edition hats, t-shirts, water bottles, bags, and more—all designed to inspire and spread awareness.
Disney is committed to prioritizing mental health year-round and is honored to spotlight this vital issue throughout the month of October in support of World Mental Health Day.
Media Contact: Laura Dizon
The Walt Disney Company Laura Dizon@disney com (111)222-3333
WRITING S S
Instagram Post for The City of San Jose’s @sanjoseparksandrec account
Neighborhoods are the HEART of San Jose! ��
A huge thank you to the neighborhood leaders and residents who attended our 2nd Annual Neighborhoods Conference last week. We gathered as a community to inspire discussions and innovative ideas for the future.
Special shoutout to BeautifySJ for putting together this event and bringing our neighborhoods together at City Hall.
To learn more about BeautifySJ and get involved in your community, visit the link in our bio!
#BeautifySJ #BuildingCommunityThroughFUN #CityofSanJose #sjparksandrec
Instagram Post for The City of San Jose’s @sanjoseparksandrec account
Thank you to everyone who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Golden Oak Park, the vibrant new neighborhood park in Council District 2!
On Saturday, January 28, PRNS, the Council District 2 Office, the Great Oaks Neighborhood Association, and community members came together for a day of fun and celebration
Attendees enjoyed delicious ice cream tacos while exploring the new 1.6-acre park, which features exciting amenities such as two playgrounds, a picnic area, a fitness equipment station, and lounge seating areas. It’s a perfect space for residents to relax, unwind, and enjoy their community.
#BuildingCommunityThroughFUN #CityofSanJose #sjparksandrec #ActivateSJ #AlvisoCommunityGarden
Media Advisory Template for The City of San Jose’s Newsroom
Media Advisory: City Opens Pet-Friendly Cooling Center at Roosevelt Community Center
Residents are encouraged to beat the heat and stay cool during the active heat advisory
Post Date: 00/00/2024 0:00 AM/PM
CONTACT Ed Bautista, Public Information Manager, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department 408-460-4468; Ed.Bautista@sanjoseca.gov
Event
Cooling Center Day, Month 00, 2024
0 – 0 a.m. / p.m
Where Roosevelt Community Center
901 E Santa Clara St , San José, 95116
Who
Background
The City of San José now allows pets to visit Roosevelt Community Center’s cooling station to beat the high temperatures.
During active Heat Advisories, Roosevelt Community Center will now allow dogs andcats to stay in their cooling centers with their accompanying owners.All pet owners are expected to follow the guidelines listed below.
Dogs must be leashed at all times. Cats must be brought in crates or in a harness ifthey are harness trained Unrestrained pets are not allowed Any pets that displayaggression or disruptive behavior towards any other pet or attendee will be required to leave the center
Owners are fully responsible for their pets and must bring their own food, water, andsupplies to care for their pet.There will be designated pet relief areas. All pet owners are responsible for assistingtheir pet with clean up should any accidents occur.
The cooling center will provide access to bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and outlets to charge devices.
San José community centers and libraries are also open during regular business hours for residents to stay cool. Visit bit.ly/sjcommunitycenters for a list of all community centers and www.sjpl.org/locations for a list of libraries.
For additional cooling tips, visit the Santa Clara County website.
For regular updates, please visit www sanjoseca gov/prns or follow @sjparksandrec on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
VIDEOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
CIR animation
I was the lead project manager and editor for the PRNS Wrapped animation, a 4:45 minute video based on the booklet version
We primarily used After Effects, Illustrator, and Canva for this project
This video was presented to the San Jose City Council and Parks and Rcreation Commission team (PRC).
The video is available for public viewing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMX0J2DXY&t=3s
PRNS Park Highlight Video
I helped create a series of Park Highlight videos for the @SJparksandrec account. These short form videos featured a fun mascot to encourage viewers to visit local parks and playgrounds.
Watch video at https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChDFmFIp tn/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
