About Olivia
Olivia Basura
I spent twelve years in school where the dress code left little room for style, and I was only able to wear blazers, culottes, and boat shoes. Somehow, that structure is what sparked my interest in branding; I’ve always been curious about how people present themselves and how brands do the same.
Now, as a graduate of UC Santa Barbara who studied Communication and Professional Writing, I’ve built a strong foundation in media, marketing, and strategic messaging. My coursework, which ranged from copyediting and business writing to media industries and persuasion, has helped me understand how to craft clear, compelling narratives across platforms. Most recently, I edited a memoir that discussed environmental exclusion and fast fashion, and this experience allowed me to combine my writing, leadership, and storytelling skills.
Outside the classroom, I’ve put these lessons to work, contributing my skills to multiple industries, such as biotech and lifestyle, which gave me a versatile understanding of audiences and voice. As a Fashion and Wellness intern at Dietch PR, I helped launch a foreign fashion brand into the LA market, planning an event that generated over 50 influencer stories and social posts. I’ve written press releases, pitched campaigns, and built brand partnerships, all while keeping the pulse of what makes a moment media-worthy.
Now, I am looking to begin my career in PR. I aspire to work at an agency where I will be working with multiple clients across industries and applying all of the skills I have acquired over the last four years.
Education & Experience
Aug 2021 - Jun 2025
Communication
Professional Writing
UC Santa Barbara
Relevant Coursework: Relevant Coursework: Copyediting, Business Writing, Creative Nonfiction Writing, Multimedia Writing, Persuasion, Marketing, Media Effects, Media Industries, Entrepreneurship, Interpersonal Communication, Media Entertainment, Leadership
FEb 2025 - Jun 2025
Editor
Freelance for Writing Fellow
Edited a 100+ page multimedia memoir blending photography, interviews, and cultural commentary.
Provided developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting, shaping structure, voice, and style.
Created and managed editorial calendar, setting deadlines to facilitate progress and timely revisions.
Used Track Changes in Microsoft Word, adhering to Chicago Manual of Style standards.
Jun 2024 - sept 2024
Health, Wellness, & Fashion PR Intern
Dietch PR
Wrote press releases and used wire services to secure media placements, enhancing publicity efforts.
Built relationships and negotiated partnerships with brands and influencers through email.
Planned and hosted a launch event to introduce a foreign brand to the Los Angeles market, collaborating with micro-influencers to generate over 50 stories and posts.
Conducted in-depth brand research and pitched findings to supervisors.
mar 2024 - Jun 2024
Public Relations and Writing Intern
Vascular BioSciences
Wrote and edited copy for marketing materials, such as press releases, newsletters, and web content.
Rewrote sections of the website to enhance the presentation of brand values and achievements.
Collaborated cross-departmentally to align communications and marketing strategies.
Conducted competitive analysis to identify trends and propose strategies to stand out in the market.
SepT 2023 - Jan 2024
Media Relations Intern
DM Baker Media
Designed promotional materials, including event posters and social media campaigns.
Researched and authored a survey that helped secure funding grants for a startup initiative.
Tracked information for clients and developed, updated, and analyzed data using Excel.
UCSB American Marketing Association
Adobe Case Competition
Team Lead
Selected as Team Lead for UCSB American Marketing Association chapter project based on demonstrated leadership ability and problem-solving skills
Led weekly team meetings, developed meeting agendas, and delegated tasks to team members to ensure project milestones were met on schedule
Managed project timeline and deliverables, coordinating with AMA board and external partners to successfully complete project objectives
SEAVEES Marketing Project
Team Member
Collaborated within a team to plan and implement SeaVees’ student ambassadorship program
Demonstrated commitment to project success through mandatory attendance at team meetings and timely completion of assigned tasks, ensuring professionalism and adherence to deadlines.
Engaged actively in brand research and competitor analysis, contributing insights to inform strategic decisions in ambassadorship assignments and program development.
Sheth foundation case competition
Research Team Member
Awarded Honorable Mention in National Competition
Conducted research on sustainability marketing trends across global markets.
Implemented sustainability marketing tactics through campaign strategy, using both creative design and written mediums.