Education

Graduate Certificate, public relations                                                                                      2005

Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, ON  

Bachelor of Arts, religious studies                                                                 

2003

McMaster University, Hamilton, ON  

Work Experience

Manager, Marketing and Communications

 Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada, Toronto, ON                                         

June 2007 – present

·         Designed and executed elements of public relations campaign for Willow’s annual fundraising event; reach of over 9,000,000 persons in broadcast, online and print media and garnered media impressions valued at over $250,000

·         Managed multiple agencies, partners and developed copy to create all marketing collateral for the organization’s annual signature fundraising event on time and within tight budgets

·         Recruited and managed volunteer committee of five public relations professionals for fundraising gala; complimented by senior public relations professional on organization, professionalism and leadership

·         Negotiated $91,000 in in-kind advertising for Willow through national magazine public service announcement campaign

·         Collaborated with agency and executive director to produce customized annual report; report presented to the board of directors and used to increase corporate support  

Communications / Marketing Services Manager

Scotiabank International, Toronto, ON                                                 

September 2006 – March 2007

·         Lead the development and execution of the annual Deposits Regional Campaign Staff Incentive program for 29 countries across the Caribbean and Central America with a budget of $800,000; campaign to be launched April 2007

·         Successfully coordinated various details of the Scotia Excellence Awards Celebration of Stars Awards Gala; attended by over 550 people

·         Co-edited Scotiabank International’s International At A Glance quarterly newsletter which is distributed in two languages to over 40 countries

·         Scripted executive presentations, organized logistics and partnered with special events company to execute the Keeping You Informed Town Hall Forum and Webcast; attended by 400 employees in Toronto and 300 colleagues from the field in 25 countries

·         Managed details for the Senior Executive Fall Offsite conference; liased with large Toronto hotel to ensure all requirements were completed as directed; praised by executive vice president on the success and extraordinary execution of the week’s events 

Intern Publicist

Pennant Media Group, Toronto, ON                                              

September 2005 – November 2005

·         Created press releases for high value customers at small size public relations agency to generate media excitement and awareness; release utilized in Globe and Mail newspaper

·         Successfully trained two interns to write press releases, compile media lists and manage client relationships 

·         Developed and strengthened client relationships through creative, customized and strategic public relations campaigns targeted to specific needs

·         Coordinated ad hoc interviews between celebrity attendees and local media at Toronto International Film Festival event

·         Managed media guest list of over 200 for Lush magazine launch party; recognized, welcomed and briefed media at event attended by 800  

Program Coordinator, York University and Community Colleges

Hillel of Greater Toronto, Toronto, ON                                                 

August 2003 – December 2004

·         Created four new Hillel groups on college campuses with no previous Jewish programming; membership reached over 100 students in less than eight months through on-campus events and promotion

·         Managed budgets efficiently for each Hillel group for all programming and promotions; saved over $2,000 on sound equipment by researching needs and negotiating with rental company

 SKILLS

Computer Skills

·         Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and all internet systems 

·         Trained in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, QuarkXPress and Macromedia Dreamweaver  

Volunteer Experience and Interests

Public Relations Consultant

Salon Voltaire, Toronto, ON                                                                   

March 2005 – December 2006

·         Counselled a new venture on generating excitement and media coverage for events; average attendance grew from 40 to 60 attendees resulting in five consecutive sold-out shows in three months 

Community Relations Consultant

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., Belize City, Belize                                                 

March 2006 – May 2006

·         Successfully solicited $100,000 for the betterment of Belize’s education system through creation of Scotiabank Belize Education Fund

·         Conceived district specific projects through research and brainstorm sessions with Scotiabank’s managing director and UNICEF representative to Belize; projects implemented by end fiscal year 2009  

Chairperson

Ontario Hillel Partnership, Hamilton, ON                                                

September 2002 – June 2003

·         Initiated grassroots organization by recruiting 20 Ontario student leaders from 10 campuses and solicited funds from various organizations  

Interests

·         Backpacked through Belize, New Zealand, Thailand, Israel, Costa Rica and the United States

·         Blogging my travels; most recent adventures can be found at http://belizetelpner.blogspot.com

·         Completed canoeing certification and enjoy camping trips

·         Anything new

Society is obsessed with celebrity culture. Many dream of becoming a star. Reality television has allowed everyday people their fifteen minutes of fame. Samantha Gutstadt is becoming an actress the old fashioned way. With time, committment and hard work Gutstadt is making her dream come true.

“It all started when I was five. I went to camp with this girl who was in commercials; I wanted to be just like her.” Gutstadt began her career in the entertainment industry early. After some argument with her mother, Gutstadt began attending drama school.

“That was the beginning,” said Gutstadt. From then, Gutstadt dedicated herself to acting and everything it entailed. She trained in various acting methods, dance and singing. She has continued to train over the years. “Acting is like anything else; you have to continue to practice to stay on top of your game.”

As she matured Gutstadt continues to be in commercials. Her most recent include national spots for Tampax, Continental Airlines, Ortho Evra and Casino Rama. “Commercials are fun but I enjoy larger projects.” Her first television appearance as a young adult was on the Comedy Network show, Puppets Who Kill. Gutstadt has also appeared on UPN’s Kevin Hill, Showcase’s The Leap Years and Global’s Tarzan.

Gutstadt enjoys television acting but prefers acting on stage. “My favourite project was the play I did last summer.” Gutstadt was part of the Young Company, a group of eight Canadians now known as the Noble Players. Gutstadt helped produce, publicize and act as one of six in the ensemble cast of In Between. “I loved this play because we started with nothing and turned into a real theatre production.” In Between was performed for five weeks in Toronto.

“I think it’s important to be challenged as an actress; it keeps it interesting and helps me grow as a person,” Gutstadt said. She played the principle role of Tiffany in In Between. Performing as a sociopath serial killer stretched her abilities as an actress. “I had to prepare a great deal for this role. It was hard to not give any of the character traits away and keep it fresh night after night.” Gutstadt spent time preparing a background for her character. As well she took time before every show to get into the character’s mind set.

As much as Gutstadt enjoys performing on stage it is not her only ambition. “I want to make my career in film,” shared Gutstadt. She doesn’t know if she will be on stage or on the screen but her passion lies with the film industry. “I loved producing and publicizing this short film called Life According to Ellie B.,” Gutstadt said. Life According to Ellie B is a short film that screened at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto. The film received the prestigious Norman Jewison Award. “I know as I get older I might not be acting, but I will find a place for myself in the film industry.”

Gutstadt wants the film industry in Canada to improve. “In entertainment Canadians go to the U.S. There is a brain drain for producers, directors and actors too.” Gutstadt feels the Canadian market needs an overhaul. She wants to see a more lively Canadian film market and believes it is attainable. “The biggest communication gap I have ever seen is between the people who fund Canadian films and the young people who try to produce them,” Gutstadt said. “It is a problem. If the system doesn’t take a step back and look at itself Canada will continue to lose talent to the United States.”

Gutstadt is also quick to involve herself in Jewish projects. “I’m really proud of this script I wrote about my grandmother surviving the Holocaust.” Gutstadt also took part in a documentary about third generation Holocaust survivors. “Our history is fascinating and important.”

Gutstadt knows actors who have changed their names once they entered the industry. “Some people do but I never would; I’m proud of my Jewish roots.” Gutstadt recently went to Israel for the first time with the birthright Israel program. “When I got off the plane in Israel everything felt familiar. I felt like I was coming home.” What does Judaism mean to her? “It is a sense of community and a sense of belonging.”

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Armani Group Canada

The Manulife Centre
55 Bloor Street West, Suite 405
Toronto, Ontario M4W lA5

(416) 945-4455

TOPIC: Introducing Luanda Deever, Armani’s newest designer

TO WHOM: Media and invited guests at the clothing launch and store opening.

DATE: July 27, 2005

TALKING TIME: 5:00 minutes

Check against delivery

MEDIA CONTACT

Carly Telpner

Media Relations Officer

Good Evening and thank you for coming. Today we celebrate the Reconstructed Armani flagship store and the launch of Luanda Deever’s Reconstructed clothing line. But what I want to focus on is Luanda Deever.

Luanda is the most creative designer today. Her eye for colour and her natural ability to cut the right fabric the right way is outstanding. Reconstructed Armani the clothing, the store and the concept behind the overall product screams Luanda Deever. Her work ethic is endless and her drive relentless. But who is Luanda Deever?

Allow me to show you parts of Luanda’s life. From the time she was a little girl, Luanda showed a love for clothing. When she was 16, Luanda begged her mom to take her to the local fabric store to buy materials to experiment with. Little did her family know that her creativity was just beginning to present itself.

As Luanda matured, she decided to go to Ryerson University for the design and communication program. Luanda was a distinguished student. She was a part of the international Golden Key Society of Students and awarded the Gold Medal of Distinction for graduating at the top of her class. Although Luanda was studying to be a graphic communicator, she still found time to create clothing.

I want to tell you about Luanda’s desire to create. At university, Luanda invented schemes on a computer but yearned to revel in fabrics. On a fixed budget she needed to find different sources for materials. This is when Luanda realized that buying cheap clothing to tear apart and reuse for production was more cost effective than actually buying fabric by the yard. Luanda’s vision for reconstruction of clothing began.

After university, Luanda began her career in advertising. She didn’t love the job but enjoyed the money. It afforded her the luxury of buying fantastic clothes. Of course Luanda got bored of wearing them. This is when Luanda’s journey with Armani truly begins.

Lovely Luanda, we’re thrilled to have you in the Armani Group. I’ll never forget the day I met you for the first time. Executives in my office told me of this woman who cuts haute couture and recreates clothing using the pieces. I had to meet her. I figured this woman would walk into my office a nervous wreck. She cut my creations and put them back together at her will? How could she not be terrified of meeting me? I was wrong.

There was no terror in her eyes, quiver in her lips or knock in her knees. Luanda walked right into my office looked into my eyes and told me Armani Group needed her. She was right then and she is still right now.

The Armani and Luanda stories had merged. Luanda began reconstructing my clothing. To do this well is no easy task, but to reconstruct Armani with greatness is unbelievable. She sees multiple pieces of art and turns it into a singular masterpiece. When Luanda first showed her clothing to some of my executives they were blown away by her confidence that translates so well into her designs.

I want to tell you about Luanda’s vision for her clothing. She is not just a designer. With a background in communications she sees the potential for what the world of fashion can really do for the global individual. She is a big picture person. Luanda will change the industry one step at a time.

So today, at this launch, I don’t want all of you to think of this event as just a mere party and fashion show. I want you to think of this as an unveiling of an amazing woman, strong ideals and an ability to make your own dreams come true.

As I introduce Luanda remember everything I told you about whom she is and how she became a part of the Armani Group. Her life and the road she constructed to get here today. I introduce to you Luanda Deever.

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54 Words

Take an insane journey with

The rendezvous with madness film festival

from November 10^th to 19^th

experience 11 World, 4 Canadian and 10 Toronto film premiers

about the myths and facts of Mental illness

At the Workman theatre Project in toronto

for Film Festival schedules and tickets go to

www.rendezvouswithmadness.com

or call (416) 583-4339

The 10th Anniversary Applause Institute Cotillion Ball Gala is being held on Saturday, October 15th, 2005 at Delta Toronto East Hotel (2035 Kennedy Road), in Scarborough.

Applause Institute’s Cotillion Ball Gala is the pinnacle of the year for black youth and their families from the community who work hard in the Applause Institute’s educational three month program. Debutants, Escorts and Little Sisters who have participated in future development seminars and mentorship program are featured at the Cotillion Ball Gala.

Applause Institute offers youth essential tools to aid in youths’ positive growth and future development through Inspirational Seminars, spearheaded by outstanding role models within the community, and Enrichment Programs supervised by professionals in their respective fields. Applause Institute encourages our youth to become more progressive and to evolve and excel in their chosen careers.

Tickets to the Applause Institute Cotillion Ball Gala are $100.00 for adults, $75.00 for youth (limited). Ticket sales and yearbook advertisement helps defray the organization’s annual expenses. The registration fees for the Debutantes, Escorts and Little Sisters are the only source of revenue that offset the cost of Applause Institute’s workshops and other related expenses.

Applause Institute has a mandate to develop youths’ social skills, learning the facts about living in an adult world, developing and maintaining a high self-esteem, and encouraging positive behavior. The organization endeavors to create an environment where youth can truly feel respected in the presence of their peers, educators, family members and future employers.

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After a successful 2005 collection trunk show across the United States, Lea-Ann Belter Bridal is bringing a glamorous gown collection to Toronto with a new bridal boutique in the new year. The boutique will carry Lea-Ann Belter’s signature bridal gowns and her upcoming couture evening wear collection of à la mode suits and chic dresses.

The exquisite gowns are designed by a trained couturier and multiple fashion design award recipient Lea-Ann Belter. Since her first custom design bridal boutique in Toronto’s Yorkville area Lea-Ann extended her reach across North America making her gowns accessible in specially-chosen bridal salons. Over the last two decades Lea-Ann has designed for an exclusive group of clientele including notable heiresses and sophisticated brides.

Lea-Ann Belter Bridal designs are recognized for its superior attention to detail with hand embroidery and crystal beadwork using the highest quality materials in French Alencon lace and Dupioni silk. Her designs are “Made to order” exclusively inspired by brides who seek the highest level of craftsmanship and quality along with elegance and beauty.

Lea-Ann Belter Bridal gowns come highly recommended and they are available in select stores across North America most notably in New York, Austin, Texas and Kirkland, Washington locations.

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Toronto: Thursday, October 6, 2005

Christopher Estridge and Bryan Van Dusen, the design team of Ghetto Panda, request the honour of your presence on Sunday, October 16, 2005, between 3 pm and 6 pm at 131 Bloor Street West, PH7. After successful participation at Toronto Fashion Week last year, these new haberdashers of men are releasing limited edition, signed and numbered photo portfolios entitled PANADA PROPOGANDA. The exclusive portfolios will only be released to attendees revealing a preview of the elusive Ghetto Panda’s unique fashion designs.

After their first meeting six years earlier through fate and circumstance in 2001, Estridge paired with emerging musical force Van Dusen to form Ghetto Panda. Their first collaboration was to produce an album showcasing Van Dusen’s lyrical and musical talent as a rapper, with Estridge acting as executive producer.

Estridge’s bold, exciting use of color in design is a reflection and extension of his vibrant personality. A permanent fixture in the art scene his work shows in many cities including New York, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, South Beach and Toronto. Over the years, Estridge has exhibited a large body of work using various materials and techniques. Estridge’s signature style has been characterized by his strong abstract compositions, which are supported by his bold use of intense and dynamic colours.

For last year’s Toronto Fashion Week’s Untamed Fashion Party, Van Dusen had written a special song Fur Sure or the Fur Council’s Design Network fashion show to accompany Ghetto Panda’s urban fur menswear line for the Design Network Program.

Ghetto Panda’s mission has evolved to combine and nurture the design concepts and theories of yesterday, today and tomorrow creating a new global aesthetic. Ghetto Panda brings together the synergy of youth and experience by melding concepts in the fields of fashion, home design, toys, publishing, music, art and entertainment drawing from cultures from around the world. Estridge and Van Dusen use traditional techniques and new technology to bring beauty and functionality into our lives.

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