Zoe Bowden

Zoe grew up in sunny Sarasota, Florida where her love for horses and the outdoors first emerged. She began riding at a young age and that interest in the equine industry has continued to thread through her life. She came to the University of Florida as an undergraduate student to study equine science.

As a student, she competed on the horse judging team and as part of the UF Equestrian Club, on the western and dressage teams. Though she majored in animal sciences with an equine specialization, through exploratory courses she found her passion for media marketing and communications. Zoe’s interest in her communication coursework led her to seek out media internships with equine organizations. She was fortunate to learn the basics of journalistic writing, advertising, and event planning while interning at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

As a media intern for the Pinto Horse World Show in Tulsa, OK in the summer of 2018, she experienced event media coverage in the fast-paced setting of a large international competition. Later that fall, she began working for Horse Capital Television where she had the opportunity to interview equine industry stakeholders in Ocala, FL, and produced educational video content.

Her experiences through these different organizations solidified her desire to pursue a career in communication. She began her graduate program in 2019 and worked as a graduate assistant to the Strategic Communications Manager for the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Zoe was hired by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences in 2020 as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor and Communication Specialist. In the spring of 2021, she completed her Master’s of Science in Agricultural Communication at UF. In her thesis research, Zoe identified the demographic characteristics and professional skills of American equine journalists. She accepted the position of Marketing Manager at Big Lick LLC, an equine conglomerate in central Florida in August of 2021.

Experience

Marketing Manager | Big Lick, LLC | Aug. 2021 – Present

Black Prong Equestrian Village | Big Lick Stall Rental | All-In Removal

• Plan and create social media content across Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok and LinkedIn for multiple companies within Big Lick LLC.
• Manage websites for Black Prong Equestrian Village, and Big Lick Stall Rental.
• Design brochures, logos, newsletters, fliers, print advertisements, and on-site signage.
• Photograph events, and facilities across various properties for use in social media, for the web, and advertising purposes.
• Write press releases, blog posts, newsletters, and research reports for our various companies.
• Develop marketing strategy for all companies to meet the unique business objectives of each operation.

Undergraduate Academic Advisor and Communication Specialist | UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences (ANS) | Jan. 2020 – Aug. 2021

• Webmaster for the ANS website and multiple UF/IFAS Extension sub-sites in TerminalFour.
• Created and scheduled social media content across Facebook, Instagram,  and Twitter to connect with industry stakeholders and recruit prospective student and donors.
• Created 360° virtual tours of the research and teaching units for ANS that are used as course material and for public outreach.
• Educated 30+ faculty members on virtual teaching technology through the COVID-19 pandemic so that their courses could shift to the online platform and for future use in the development of online extension programming.
• Produced video course content for online classes, extension education videos, and promotional videos highlighting research and student opportunities in the department.
• Designed logos, handouts, educational signage, social media, website and digital display graphics.
• Collaborated with the Communication and Engagement Manager to execute integrated marketing strategies that advance the ANS mission.
• Wrote research, awards, and student stories for the ANS blog and the newsletter Have you HERD?
• Met with undergraduate students to develop graduation plans, register for courses and provide career coaching.
• Coordinated student events as part of the academic programs office to encourage student engagement and foster peer connections.

Graduate Assistant | UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)| Jan. 2019 – Jan 2020

• Created social media content across Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter and LinkedIn to promote the CALS brand.
• Produced promotional videos highlighting student stories and opportunities.
• Designed brochures, logos, newsletters, t-shirts and recruitment banners.
• Assisted in website development and maintenance in TerminalFour.
• Wrote press releases and blog posts for CALS, and sought out unique stories for CALS Connection, the bi-annual alumni newsletter.
• Promoted CALS events to increase attendance, and managed social media outlets during events to drive engagement.

Assistant Videographer | Kaplan Advertising | May 2018 – Present

• Filmed unique equine stories and events in for Horse Capital Television, an online TV show covering all equine disciplines while showcasing the Ocala/Marion County, FL region.
• Edited footage to create complete episodes and promoted them on social media to increase viewership.

Server | Leonardo’s 706 | Oct. 2016 – Dec. 2018

• Developed a comfortable rapport with my guests so that they were at ease and fully enjoyed the dinning experience
• Effectively communicated with my team to achieve the most efficient output of dishes.

Intern | Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association | Jan. 2018- Aug 2018

• Aided the publication department by proof reading editorials, producing promotional videos, designing page layout and writing stories for Horse Capital Digest.
• Attended industry events to promote the Florida Thoroughbred influence, and interviewed key players to create meaningful editorial and video content for the association’s publications and online presence.

Marketing and Communications Intern | Pinto World Championship | Jun. 2018

• Interviewed exhibitors and wrote stories for the daily Pinto World Championship Press and Pinto Magazine.
• Photographed the competition and developed and executed social media campaigns throughout the show.

Horseback Riding Instructor | Haile Equestrian Center | Aug. 2016- Aug. 2017

• Taught horseback riding lessons to students of all skill levels, specializing in jumper and dressage disciplines.
• Prepared students for competitions and coached students at horse shows.

4 Week Study Abroad Intern | Haras du Rambert | Jun.-Jul. 2016

• Developed my French language skills while working on the farm, caring for 50 horses, managing the barn and helping organize and host a regional jumping competition.

• Taught horseback riding lessons to children and adults of all skill levels to help them work towards their competitive goals.
• Communicated with students and parents directly to schedule my independent section of 80-100 riders.

Achievements

Co-Captain | University of Florida Dressage Team | Aug. 2016-Aug. 2018

• Organize competitions, ensure my team members complete all their required duties and encourage the development of a cohesive team.

Cecil M Web Scholarship | University of Florida Animal Science | May 2017

• Animal science student exhibiting academic strength and leadership.

National League Of American Pen Women | Sarasota Branch | Mar. 2015

• Third place in art for recognition of excellence and creativity.

Scholastic Art & Writing Award | Sarasota County Schools| Jan.  2015

• Gold Key award for excellence in visual arts.