Elena Ali
Huntington Beach
Summary
Dynamic,creative and result-oriented TEAM LEAD, Event and Public Relations professional seeking to utilize my proven industry skills and extensive knowledge in an exciting, fast-paced fashion-oriented company.
Experienced leadership professional prepared to guide teams effectively. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving results, ensuring adaptability with changing needs. Proficient in project management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Reliable and flexible, fostering cohesive and productive team environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Lead of Voting Centers
Orange County Registrar of Voters
11.2021 - Current
- Led daily operations at high-volume Voting centers
- Supervised and supported poll workers; assigned duties, managed breaks, and ensured coverage
- Ensured compliance with election laws, procedures, and voter accessibility requirements
- Opened and closed the voting center, following strict chain-of-custody and security protocols
- Resolved voter issues, escalated concerns, and procedural questions professionally
- Troubleshooting
- Maintained a safe, neutral, and inclusive environment
- Completed required documentation, reports, and ballot reconciliation accurately
- Trained and guided staff on proper voting procedures and customer service standards
Team Lead, co-owner of fashion showroom
Italian fashion showroom
05.2016 - 08.2021
- Delivered elevated, personalized client experiences aligned with brand standards
- Led and motivated a team of sales associates to exceed daily and monthly sales goals
- Acted as Manager-on-Duty, overseeing floor operations, opening/closing, and staff coverage
- Built and maintained strong client relationships through proactive clienteling and follow-ups
- Coached team members on styling, selling techniques, and luxury service etiquette
- Managed high-value transactions, special orders, and VIP client requests
- Ensured visual merchandising and store presentation met company’s standards
- Resolved escalated client concerns with discretion, professionalism, and service recovery
- Supported inventory control, stock replenishment, and loss prevention procedures
- Collaborated with co-owners on product launches, in-store events, and promotions
Writer and Anchor
Premier Russian Radio
03.2015 - 03.2016
- Authorial Life Style program at Radio Premier. Interviews, talk-shows etc.
- Responsibilities
Freelance fashion review writer and PR advisor
Fashion magazines
01.2010 - 04.2015
- Fashion and trend reviews for various Russian glossy publications and digital media. Trend analysis, designer reviews for digital media and show rooms. Adaption and translation of brand press releases for the Russian market.
Director of PR and Events
ESCADA AG, Russian head office
08.2005 - 06.2009
- Ultimately responsible for creating and upholding ESCADA brand recognition throughout Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Lead the cooperation with industry media and publications utilizing planned press releases, press days, special events and TV projects. Wrote or had final content approval on all press releases and special promotions in conventional and digital media. Management duties included planning and oversight of the yearly advertising, PR and events budget for the Moscow office.
- Managed hands-on the planning and execution of all seasonal fashion shows, retail store openings, client days and sponsorship events. Special duties included brand relationships and cooperation with national celebrities through special events, red-carpet presentations, photo-shoots and TV appearances.
Director of Promotions
OVA-Press Publishing House
03.2002 - 07.2005
- Responsible for the day-to-day realization of the publishing house’s marketing and promotion strategy.
- Lead the monthly and quarterly analysis of communication effectiveness, detailed planning of brand communications, advertising, and Below-The-Line and PR campaigns.
- Key contributor in continuous market segmentation analysis and market niche evaluation. Authored and had final approval on all key press releases and articles. Day to day management responsibilities also included leading the planning and execution of strategic media planning, public relations and promotional campaigns in close cooperation with key media partners.
PR Manager
Moscow Independent Broadcasting Corporation TV-6
09.1995 - 02.2002
- Raised brand awareness through consistent marketing efforts and product campaign launches.
- Wrote and edited articles, web content, advertising copy, periodicals and publications for internal and external audiences.
- Wrote press materials and delivered presentations to media representatives.
- Defined and achieved project and overall organizational vision, strategies and tactics.
- Researched, negotiated, implemented and tracked advertising and public relations activities.
- Collaborated with external PR firms, as well as internal sales and marketing managers, to determine branding, product positioning and media messages.
- Communicated with media weekly to build relationships and optimize press coverage.
- Drafted and edited content for organizational publications, employee newsletters and stockholders' reports.
- Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
- Developed brand media relations strategies that bolstered community awareness and knowledge.
- Coordinated press releases and handled press inquiries for the company.
- Conducted market analysis and monitored competitive activity.
- Built professional relationships with distributors, customers and media staff by attending trade shows.
- Represented organization to customers, public, government officials and other external sources. Developed key and valued relationships with customers, public, government officials and other external sources by resolving issues quickly and implementing Type process.
Aide to the CEO for Public Relations, Sr. Manager International PR Department
"TV-6" Moscow Broadcasting Corporation
09.1995 - 02.2002
- Ultimately responsible for building the International PR Department from the ground up, including day-to-day operations, media planning, event planning, writing and approval of press releases, and below-the-line activities.
Education
Master in Marketing And Public Relations - Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising
Russian State Social University
Moscow, Russia06.1998
Master in Engineering - Power Engineering
Moscow State University of Railway Engineering
Moscow, Russia06.1992
Skills
- Over 20 years of team leading, event, public relations and promotion experience in the fashion and media industries
- Extensive knowledge of the European fashion market
Languages
Russian
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Limited Working
Timeline
Team Lead of Voting Centers
Orange County Registrar of Voters
11.2021 - Current
Team Lead, co-owner of fashion showroom
Italian fashion showroom
05.2016 - 08.2021
Writer and Anchor
Premier Russian Radio
03.2015 - 03.2016
Freelance fashion review writer and PR advisor
Fashion magazines
01.2010 - 04.2015
Director of PR and Events
ESCADA AG, Russian head office
08.2005 - 06.2009
Director of Promotions
OVA-Press Publishing House
03.2002 - 07.2005
PR Manager
Moscow Independent Broadcasting Corporation TV-6
09.1995 - 02.2002
Aide to the CEO for Public Relations, Sr. Manager International PR Department
"TV-6" Moscow Broadcasting Corporation
09.1995 - 02.2002
Master in Marketing And Public Relations - Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising
Russian State Social University
Master in Engineering - Power Engineering
Moscow State University of Railway Engineering