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Dara Colarusso
Communications and Marketing Specialist, USF Health Development and Alumni Relations at University of South Florida
Professional Background
Dara Colarusso is a seasoned communications and marketing specialist recognized for her dynamic and adaptable approach to advancing organizational goals within higher education and sport management sectors. Currently, she holds the significant position of Communications and Marketing Specialist for USF Health Development and Alumni Relations at the University of South Florida. In this role, Dara leverages her expertise in communication strategy and marketing execution to enhance engagement and philanthropy among alumni and stakeholders.
Dara's career trajectory showcases her progressive experiences, beginning as a Communications Intern at The New York Cosmos, where she rapidly honed her skills in media relations and content creation. This foundational role paved the way for her subsequent positions, notably as a Communication Staff member at the same organization, where she was integral in shaping and sharing the narrative of the brand.
A pivotal chapter of her professional journey involved serving as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator for Development and Alumni Relations at the University of South Florida. In this capacity, she became adept at utilizing various communication platforms to promote the university's initiatives and connect alumni back to their alma mater. Her ability to craft compelling messages has made her a valuable asset in fostering alumni engagement, resulting in strengthened community relations and increased support for university programs.
The marketing landscape is where Dara's creativity truly shines. Her role as Manager at BounceU showcased her capabilities in running strategic marketing campaigns that directly contributed to business growth. Additionally, while working as a Marketing Representative at Hint Inc., she excelled in executing promotional strategies aimed at elevating brand awareness and product visibility.
Education and Achievements
Dara’s educational background laid the groundwork for her successful career in communications and marketing. She pursued her Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management, with a minor in Communication from the reputable Adelphi University. This comprehensive educational experience provided her with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of sports management and the critical role communication plays in engaging with various stakeholders.
Through her education, Dara gained valuable theoretical insights and practical skills that she has continually applied throughout her career. Her academic pursuits have complemented her professional roles, allowing her to bring a unique perspective to the communications challenges faced in the sports and higher education sectors.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Dara Colarusso has achieved significant milestones that highlight her expertise and dedication to excellence. In her current role, she has successfully developed innovative communications strategies that not only resonate with the alumni community but also contribute significantly to fundraising initiatives at USF Health. This success has been reflected in measurable outcomes, including increased alumni participation at events and enhanced financial contributions to various programs.
Dara’s previous work with The New York Cosmos has also positioned her as a creative force in sports marketing, where her contributions were instrumental in revitalizing the brand's communication efforts and strengthening its presence in a competitive market.
Her work history reflects not just a series of jobs, but a journey characterized by passion, commitment, and a drive for continuous improvement. Her versatility enables her to adapt to varying environments and challenges, making her a true professional in her field. Dara's early experiences as a Communications Intern helped her build a solid foundation for her career while also nurturing her love for storytelling in the sports domain.
In addition to her accomplishments in sports management and marketing, Dara has also been engaged in community service roles through her internships, including her impactful position at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. This experience further illustrates her dedication to making a meaningful impact through her professional efforts beyond just profit-driven roles.
Dara also has showcased her skills in brand ambassadorship through her tenure at Kidstrong, where she actively represented brand values, engaged with potential customers, and fostered community relationships. This experience highlights her ability to communicate effectively and build connections that resonate on a personal level.
In conclusion, Dara Colarusso’s blend of education, extensive experience, and passionate commitment to her work positions her as a remarkable communications and marketing professional in the realms of higher education and sports management. Her trajectory is marked by significant contributions and achievements that illustrate her dedication to elevating organizational missions while engaging communities in meaningful ways.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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