Resume:

AVA J. BATTINELLI

(201) 561-2196 | avabats@gmail.com

EDUCATION

Marist University – School of Communications and the Arts (2022-2026)         

  • Bachelor of Arts, GPA: 3.9 | Graduated Summa Cum Laude, May 2026

    • Major: Communication; Concentration: Journalism; Minor: Photography

  • Honors: Marist University Dean’s List (Fall 2022 – Spring 2026), Emerging Leaders Program Certificate, Student Ambassador for the School of Communication and the Arts

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Editor-in-Chief of the Marist Circle, Poughkeepsie, NY (July 2025 - June 2026)

  • Lead a team of 25 writers, 15 editors, and four content creators to produce 14 high-quality publications, in circulation to a 6,000-student body, while meeting deadlines and ensuring editorial standards.

  • Oversee editing, fact-checking, and proofreading to ensure accuracy, consistency, and brand voice.

  • Manage content calendars in Google and ensure the timely delivery of 30 articles per publication every other week.

  • Recruit, train, and mentor editorial staff during our bi-weekly office hours.

  • Oversee the website to increase our engagement of over 20,000 views each month.

Assistant Editor of Center Field, Poughkeepsie, NY (September 2025 - May 2026)

  • Write and edit various articles on volleyball, water polo, and softball games and features for Marist Athletics.


Co-Managing Editor of the Marist Circle (January 2025 - May 2025)

  • Oversee editing, fact-checking, and proofreading to ensure accuracy, consistency, and voice.

  • Lead a team of six writers covering five campus events each week and related topics.

  • Manage content calendars, assign stories, and send emails to staff.


Photographer for the Marist Circle (September 2023 - June 2026)

  • Capture the best images to document an event, tell a story, convey a message, and support the printed word.

  • Organize photos in Google Sheets to ensure they are in line with the Marist Circle’s style book and formatting.


WORK EXPERIENCE

Reporter and Photographer for The New Pine Plains Herald, Pine Plains, NY (June 2025 - August 2025)

  • Researched, investigated, and wrote seven compelling news and feature articles for a weekly published, digital newspaper reaching over 7,000 people per month. 

  • Conducted four in-depth interviews with sources, ensuring accuracy and integrity in reporting.

  • Capture the best images to document an event, tell a story, convey a message, and support the printed word.

  • Managed deadlines, collaborating with editors and fellow reporters on a team of 15+ people.


Documentary Filmmaker, Poughkeepsie, NY (September 2025 - December 2025)

  • Directed, produced, and edited The Uncle of Urban Ecology for The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies through Documentary Production at Marist University. 


Photographer for Hudson Valley Watershed Alliance, Marlboro, NY (June 2024 - Present)

  • Capture the best images at various events, conferences, and gatherings with over 200 people in attendance. 

  • Edit hundreds of photographs promptly and communicate with management.

Writer for Bergen County Magazine, River Vale, NJ (May 2024 - September 2024)

  • Researched, investigated, and wrote one compelling new story and three feature articles.

  • Conducted three in-depth interviews with sources, ensuring accuracy and integrity in reporting.


SKILLS AND INTERESTS

  • Skills: Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro

  • Professional communication, public speaking, leadership, and global travel (studied abroad in Florence, Italy).