My NRC Experience: FWVGA Team

Angelina Scozzafava - FWVGA TEAM

Last year I heard about North Roads Communication from another student that had been a current member. I applied after hearing more information and fast forward to now, it’s my second semester involved with the organization and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to apply! Now I work with an amazing team that includes Allison Ciprini and Gianna Mastromatteo.

This year, North Roads Communications welcomes their newest client, the Formal Gardens at F.W. Vanderbilt National Historic Gardens, to the many nonprofits in our community that we work closely with. This nonprofit is a vital part of history and the town of Hyde Park. Since they are a new client we discussed their main goals which included updating their website, refreshing their social media, as well as getting the word out that donations and volunteers are greatly needed.

In the beginning of the semester we were able to visit the gardens and learn more about the history and the hard work that goes into maintaining the gardens true to their original layouts. Our clients are extremely passionate and always welcome new ideas and suggestions giving us creative freedom while remaining on brand. The advertising team is currently working to update their website to make information on the gardens more easily accessible.

As a team we are currently working on creating a more prominent social media presence for FWVGA in addition to their pre-existing platforms. We have had the opportunity to curate posts on their newly created Instagram. We have reached out to multiple local influencers to help the nonprofit get the word of their Instagram page out. As of now we have heard back from the Hudson Valley Magazine and we look forward to possibly developing a relationship with them in order to increase local awareness of the gardens. The tours don’t start taking place until the Spring, and we have been developing ideas and strategies to get the local community involved in the meantime. One thing our client mentioned, was that many people in the area take prom and wedding photos at the gardens. We plan on taking this oppurtunity to spread more awareness about the gardens to the attendees, and possibly make it a tourist hot spot in the Hudson Valley comparable to the Walkway over the Hudson. Lastly, each year the gardens has a flower sale which brings in a lot of their donations. We plan on publicizing the event and possibly getting write-ups in the local magazines, newspapers, and blogs.

Overall, being in NRC has solidified my decision of my major. I’ve been able to learn about so many great nonprofits in the local area, while being able to get involved and help. I look forward to working more with FWVGA and expanding their presence with both tourism and social media. NRC has given me countless opportunities to learn in a professional environment and apply what I learn in my classes to what I do within the organization.