Raquel Manuel
While You're Here...
Welcome, I look forward to working with you! I’m thrilled to invite you to explore my work, skills, and professional experience, and get to know a bit more about me. As you will see, I am extremely fortunate to have worked with some of the largest businesses and organizations in the Acadiana area. These experiences have enabled me to develop relationships and skills which I enjoy sharing with others. Spend some time reviewing my portfolio, then feel free to contact me directly to discuss how we can grow together!
About Me
So what's the story?
I believe that every experience is a learning experience. Daily, we are given the opportunity to learn more about each other, our communities, and our fields of interest.
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I have been fortunate to have begun "working" in the field of marketing at a very young age. As an adolescent working radio remotes with my mother in the state's largest market, to organizing events and fundraisers within my hometown of Baton Rouge to finally putting myself through college working in the for-profit and non-profit fields of public relations, marketing, and communications.
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Once in college, I fell in love with my field of work as well as my future husband. I graduated early and began a journey on a very new learning experience. Becoming a Transplant, CEO, Farmer's Wife, and Mother in 12 months.
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I took this opportunity to learn more about the many unique challenges that businesses and families in rural communities face and developed a passion for helping these communities compete and grow.
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Five years later, following accolades and record-breaking years. I continue to strive for the betterment of our community through commerce, service, and faith. I look forward to working with you on this journey.
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Past Experience
Past Roles
2016 - 2021
President & CEO, St. Landry Chamber of Commerce
Organizational Management: Strategic Planning, Program Development, Budgeting, Human Resource Management.
Public Relations: Grand Openings, Community Education, Public Speaking Engagements, virtual-multimedia presentations, and streaming.
Board and Committees Reengagement, Trainings, Strategic Collaboration, Recruitment, Development.
Community Development: New Business Development, Public Advocacy, Marketing Initiatives, Campaigns
2022- Present
Foundation Director, Louisiana FFA
Fundraising: Donor development and stewardship, industry relations, community development.
Organizational Management: Strategic Planning, Program Development, Budgeting.
Board and Committees Reengagement, Trainings, Strategic Collaboration, Recruitment, Development.
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2014 - 2015
Marketing & Communications Assistant, Hearts of Hope
Marketing and Communication Strategy: 2014 Festival of Trees, 2015 100 Days to 100K, Event planning and promotion, fundraising, and donation development.
Organizational Communication: Public Speaking, Volunteer Outreach, and Development, Professional Writing
2013 -2014
Public Relations Specialist, SIDES & Associates
Advocacy Campaign Strategy: Lafayette Airport Commission, a sales tax initiative, new terminal promotion, membership development.
Event Planning and Marketing Management: Social Media Planning, 2013 Be a Heart Starter Event.
Education & Achievements
2012Â -2015
Bachelors, The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Cum Laude
College of Liberal Arts: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations- Cum Laude
Minor in Business, Focus in Management.
Maintained a 4.0 Average in all Communication Courses.
Acted as Executive Director of 400 Level Strategic Campaigns.
Began thesis on Public Relations Practice in preparation for Master's in Communications Program.
Achievements in Current Role:
- Initiated, Developed, and Implemented New Dues Structure resulting in a 51% increase in revenue within the initial year.
- Attained Accreditation from Statewide organization (LACCE), held by just 16% of similar organizations within Louisiana.
- Seated on Statewide Organization Board (LACCE) representing the North Acadiana Area.
- Awarded 2019 Chamber of the Year Award by Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
- Developed and Implemented new organizational programming and benefits that resulted in a gain of 100+ new business members within three years.
- Established an Internship Program assisting and managing over 22 interns in 3 years.
- Hosted over 36 unique educational events with professional speakers with an average attendance of 30+.
- Currently sits on the St. Landry Parish Broadband Committee
- Worked with Federal, State, Regional, Parish, and City organizations to promote collaboration and community development.
- Completed One Acadiana Building the region Series
- Wrote USDA Community Facilities Grant
- Planned 100 Year Gala with $25,000 and reach 200% Sponsorship Goals for the event
- Founded St. Landry Chamber Foundation, a 501 C 3 Organization
- Founded and Graduated from Class 1 of Leadership St. Landry, parish-wide industry and leadership development course
"Believe you can and you're halfway there"
Theodore Roosevelt
Contact
Manuel Farms Cattle Co.Â
1490 Zenon Rd
Ville Platte, LA
337-692-9992
