Ashley M. Ray
Education
University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles, CA, Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations, Expected Graduation May 2016
Gemological Institute of America: GIA Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, CA, GG; Graduate Gemologist Diploma, Graduate Diamonds Diploma, Graduate Colored Stones Diploma, Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma expected graduation August 2014
East Carolina University : Greenville, NC, BFA in Art with a concentration in Metal Design, Art History Minor, Communications Studies Minor 2013
ECU Italy Intensives: Summer Study Abroad : Italy, Ancient Art History and Independent Study in Metal Design, 6 credits May and June 2012
Honors
Dean’s List, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Honor Roll, Fall 2010, Fall 2011
Memberships
Gemological Institute of America, Student Body Council Class Representative 2014
Participated in organizing, promoting, and orchestrating student events, mixers, and class trips. Participated in philanthropic volunteering programs such as Habitat for Humanity home builds for disabled veterans on behalf of the school to represent GIA and the student body.
East Carolina University Metal Design Guild, 2011-2013
Participated in organizing, promoting, and running events, jewelry sales, guild fundraisers, and symposiums, and helped in transporting speakers and visiting artists
Publications
Rebel 55, Emerge Gallery, Pitt County Arts Council, Greenville, NC
Honorable Mention in Metal Design page 92 2012
Exhibitions
Natural Progression: Contemporary Jewelry with Organic Roots, Art Avenue, Greenville, NC Senior Exhibition at East Carolina University 2013
Material Topics: Making Marks Symposium Attendees Showcase, East Carolina University Metals Symposium, Greenville, NC 2013
Caffeine & Saw Blades, Art Avenue Gallery, Greenville, NC 2013
Rebel 55, Emerge Gallery, Pitt County Arts Council, Greenville, NC Honorable Mention in Metal Design 2012
Showcase, Pullen Arts Center, Raleigh, NC 2012
Italy Intensives Study Abroad Show, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 2012
Again & Again: Alternative Materials Undergraduate Exhibition, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 2012
Adroit II, East Carolina University, Mendenhall Gallery, Greenville, NC 2012 East Carolina University Undergraduate Exhibition, Gray Gallery, Greenville, NC 2011, 2012
Annual Exhibition, Greenville Museum of Art, Greenville, NC 2011
Experience
Polished- Jewelry Designs By Ashley M. Ray,
Feb. 2012-Present www.etsy.com/shop/AshleyMRayDesigns
-Design and create original production pieces for local venues, events and an online store on the e-commerce website Etsy.com (www.etsy.com/shop/AshleyMRayDesigns)
-Research and coordinate selling events and commission opportunities
-Advertise and promote events and new merchandise in order to boost sales and traffic
-Manage budgets, inventory, and production needs
-Analyze selling patterns in order to accommodate and anticipate demand
University of Southern California-
Cultural Relations & University Events; Graduate Assistant for Academic Events
Sept. 2014-Present 837 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
As part of the Cultural Relations and University Events department on campus, our team designs, produces and manages more than 200 events a year held on campus, across Southern California and around the world.
I assist the lead event manager for Academic Events and Global Conferencing Director in organizing a range of events for the University such as Homecoming, the Baccalaureate Ceremony and Dinner, Commencement, and New Student Convocation.
Furniture Fair; Office Associate/Customer Service
Aug. 2012- December 2013 131 S.W. Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858
General Office Employee. Completed sales, cashiering duties, completed customer payments on contracts, responsible for customer service, directed and answered phone calls, and thoroughly trained in register and computer operations including voids, returns, exchanges, credit applications, sales,credit checks, and credit reporting.
American Eagle Outfitters; Sales Associate
July 2010-Aug. 2012 714 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858
General Retail Employee. Participated in working floor sets, salesperson, cashier, responsible for stocking areas with new inventory, customer service, merchandising, and thoroughly trained in register operations including voids, returns, exchanges, store credit, gift cards, credit application, and sales.
Coach leather goods; Sales Associate
Nov. 2009- Jan. 2010 4325 Glenwood Ave. Space 127, Raleigh, NC 27612
General Temporary Retail Employee for Holiday Season. Salesperson, gift-wrapping handbags and accessories, and greeting customers.
United Colors of Benetton; Key Holder & Sales Associate
Sept. 2006-Feb. 2009 5959 Triangle Town Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616
Shift Leader, Key Holder. Opened and closed the store, completed opening and closing sales reports. Worked shipments, instructed and completed floor moves, and merchandized. Stocked/organized back stock room. Thoroughly trained in register operations including voids, returns, exchanges, store credit, gift cards, and sales. Managed and trained employees. Constantly one of the top sales associates in the store as well as in the district.
References available upon request.