Volunteering
2024
This past summer, I travelled through Sri Lanka, immersing myself in various volunteering efforts and environmental projects. I spent time planting trees in the rainforest, working in hospitals where I gained insight into healthcare complexities and a better understanding of the medical field, as well as volunteering in orphanages, supporting disabled children with their educational needs.
I also worked at a turtle sanctuary, administering medication, cleaning the tanks, caring for baby turtles and participating in their release into the ocean. Additionally, I took part in beach and river cleanups and joined the Elephant Freedom Project, gaining hands-on experience in wildlife conservation and the human-animal relationship.
On a personal note, I trekked to Adam’s Peak, a holy site for Buddhists, which was recommended to me after volunteering in one of the temples. Through these experiences, I gained a lot of on-site people & animal experiences across the world as well as key skills such as adaptability, meditation, multitasking and working on the go.
List of Volunteering and Wildlife Initiatives:
Worked in a turtle sanctuary, cleaning and maintaining tanks, administering medication, and assisting with the release of turtles into the ocean.
Planted trees in the rainforest, contributing to the growth of local vegetation.
Volunteered in hospitals, gaining on-ward experience and observing surgeries and medical practices.
Participated in weekly beach and river cleanups, helping remove pollution from the local environment.
Attended temples with Buddhist monks, learning about mental health, meditation, yoga, and the importance of communication.
Volunteered at the Elephant Freedom Project, caring for elephants ethically and gaining insights into conservation efforts.
Worked in orphanages, assisting with the educational needs of disabled children, painting the orphanage, and participating in their sports day.
Winchester Film Festival
2022-2024
Role: Assistant Director/ Marketing Manager
At the Winchester Film Festival, I assisted the Festival Director with various aspects of festival preparation for WFF_2022-2024 and planning for future years. I collaborated closely with the Festival Director and Associate Directors to plan and execute the festival. My responsibilities included recruiting, organising, and leading the team, and overseeing and co-ordinating the team tasked with Filming interviews and Q&A sessions during selected screenings. I managed the coordination of volunteer festival stewards and photographers at screening venues, ensuring smooth operations throughout the event.
Additionally, I acted as the main point of contact for volunteers, guests and talent, organising regular meetings, and maintaining up-to-date volunteer records. I liaised with participating film directors and producers, coordinated screenings, and assisted in sourcing venues and managing relationships with external suppliers.
Beyond these duties, I took on the role of Marketing Manager in 2024, where I was focused on the festival’s marketing and social media strategies. I developed campaigns that heightened the festival’s visibility and engagement, contributing significantly to its success along with creating social media content valuable to the festival.
Lush
2022-2024
Role: Events worker/ Promoter/ Assistant
During my time at Lush, where I worked as both a shop assistant and at events, I attended numerous training seminars and events to effectively promote our values and products. I successfully achieved and exceeded sales targets through effective upselling, consistently surpassing average spend targets.
I worked on various events, including the Lush Lounge, Clean Up the Beach initiative, and the Barbie event. I hosted engaging Lush parties, showcasing creativity by crafting products like bath bombs and ensuring a fun environment for guests. I improvised as needed to create enjoyable and memorable experiences.
Additionally, I attended many conferences at the London office to stay up to date with the company's goals and needs, participating in training seminars to stay informed about product knowledge, sales techniques, and company updates. This contributed to my continuous personal and professional development. My efforts in both roles consistently met and surpassed sales targets, demonstrating a commitment to achieving and exceeding performance expectations.
Lived perspectives
2023-2024
Role: Floor Manager
I have been a volunteer and floor manager at the Lived Perspectives Festival for the past two years. This film festival, which I am very passionate about, aims to highlight neurodivergent and disabled filmmakers.
This homegrown festival is a beautiful part of the community in Winchester, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the film industry.
Cult's Film Festival
2024
Role: Organiser & Marketing
I was part of a group of students who organised 'Cults,' a horror film festival. We saw this as an opportunity to reach out to filmmakers and engage with the film community. Hosting the festival allowed us to connect with creators and showcase their work, providing a platform for independent horror films and fostering a sense of community among filmmakers and enthusiasts.
Film Production lecturer Jake Hawkins, said: “[The students] have faced challenges along the way but they have overcome these and maintained a really professional ethic throughout. As module leader I am personally extremely proud of all of them and what they have achieved so far.” - Quote from: filmstories.co.uk
Winchester 'FMP' Premier
2023
Role: Director/ Marketing Manager/ Organiser
In my first year at the University of Winchester, I dedicated myself to both creating films and organising film-related events. One of the highlights of this journey was the FMP Premier, an event I spearheaded to showcase the final major projects of our full-time students. Until then, these remarkable works hadn't been given the public attention they deserved.
Taking the initiative, I put a tremendous amount of effort into planning and hosting this event, employing volunteers, photographers and catering. I was also eager to present my own film, and the FMP Premier provided the perfect platform. The result was a stunning black-tie evening attended by around 300 guests, complete with wine and snacks to elevate the experience.
To further enhance the event, I created marketing content, including sit-down interviews with the filmmakers. These interviews added a personal touch and provided insight into the creative processes behind each film. You can explore these interviews in the dedicated segments on my website, where I delve into the stories and inspirations of the filmmakers.
Held at our University, the event was enriched by the involvement of our lecturers, who hosted different segments throughout the night. The success of the FMP Premier was overwhelming, and it has since become a staple at the University of Winchester. We now aim to make this celebration of student creativity and dedication an annual tradition.
Camera Assistant for Julian Benjamin
2023
Role: Camera Assistant
As a Camera Assistant for Julian Benjamin in March 2023, I was responsible for handling and maintaining camera equipment, ensuring its smooth setup and transport on set. I assisted with the preparation of lighting setups and backdrops, contributing to the visual elements of the shoot. Additionally, I played a key role in coordinating with clients, helping manage timing and communication to keep the production on schedule. My experience in this role sharpened my technical skills and reinforced my ability to support a creative team in fast-paced environments.
Cafe Giardino
2018-2022
Role: Barista/ Waitress/ Kitchen/ Food Prep/ Supervisor/ Key Holder
During my time at Café Giardino from December 2018 to December 2022, I held multiple roles, including Barista, Waitress, Kitchen Porter, Food Prep, Supervisor, and Key Holder. My responsibilities ranged from opening the shop and preparing the counter to making a variety of hot and iced drinks, as well as preparing food. I ensured a welcoming environment by greeting customers, maintaining clean tables, and keeping the café well-organised. As a key holder, I was entrusted with opening and closing the store, restocking supplies, and upholding high standards of cleanliness and efficiency, demonstrating my competence in multitasking and leadership.
