Finance & Marketing
Laura Summers
Pepperdine University · Finance & Hispanic Studies
Passionate about brand strategy in beauty, fitness & CPG
About Me
The story
behind the work.
Originally from Frisco, TX, I grew up with a passion for creative expression — whether that meant winning my city's annual poetry contest or making silly music videos with my friends. That early interest has evolved into a passion for storytelling and marketing, particularly within the beauty industry.
Escaping the Texas heat, I moved to the West Coast for college. I'm currently studying finance with a minor in Hispanic Studies at Pepperdine University, where I've developed strong analytical skills and learned how to fail at surfing.
More recently, I've spent the past seven months living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while studying abroad. Here, I've lived with an incredible Argentine host family, developed my Spanish, and traveled throughout South America. While abroad, I served as a Social Media Coordinator, creating video content that captures Argentine culture, the abroad program, and the city, while ensuring everything aligned with Pepperdine's brand image.
I hope to continue growing my ability to combine creative storytelling and strategy to build thoughtful, distinctive brands — and to make the younger version of myself, who loved writing poetry and making music videos, proud.
My Work
A look at what
I've created.
From visual storytelling in South America to strategic brand writing — here's a selection of my work across photography, video, and the written word.
Lifestyle & documentary photography shot in Buenos Aires, Malibu, and across South America.
Short-form video and social content created for Pepperdine's Buenos Aires study abroad program — capturing culture, community, and everyday life abroad.
A highlight reel of real moments from my semester abroad in Argentina — people, places, and everything in between.
A candid look at what everyday student life actually looks like living and studying in Buenos Aires.
A day-in-my-life reel created for my professional business fraternity's Instagram, sharing a glimpse into life abroad.
A B-roll edit of candid moments abroad, created to highlight the study abroad experience for Pepperdine's international programs.
Essays, media stories, and policy writing — demonstrating analytical thinking, creative voice, and strategic communication.
Inflation in Argentina
A policy brief analyzing the drivers of Argentina's persistent inflation and examining potential monetary and fiscal solutions.
The Stories We Drive Past
A personal narrative about memory, place, and the small moments that define who we become.
Women and Weightlifting
A reported media piece examining the cultural and social forces shaping women's participation in strength sports.
Serving Fried Chicken
A personal introductory speech balancing humor, vulnerability, and identity — delivered in a public speaking context.
Winning a Bloodless War
A Great Books essay exploring conflict, persuasion, and the power of ideas over force.
Resume
Experience &
Education.
Education
B.S. Finance · Minor in Hispanic Studies
Malibu, CA · Expected May 2028
GPA: 4.0 · Dean's List · Regents Scholar
Delta Sigma Pi · Argentina Study Abroad · Intramural Volleyball & Basketball
Academic Projects
U.S. Café Expansion into Argentina
- Analyzed Argentina's inflationary market, identifying pricing volatility as a key risk to U.S. café brand entry
- Evaluated impacts on pricing, sourcing, and consumer behavior to inform strategic decisions
- Developed a brand-led market entry strategy focused on dynamic pricing, brand trust, and community
Jackie Smith Expansion to Miami
- Conducted market and field research to assess the Miami market entry for Jackie Smith
- Analyzed competitors and successful brand expansions to inform differentiation and market entry approach
- Designed an integrated marketing plan including influencer partnerships, PR events, and AI integration
Skills
Market Research, Brand Positioning, Consumer Insights, Storytelling
Data Analysis, Excel, Problem Solving
Canva, Adobe Photoshop, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, Content Creation
English (Native) · Spanish (Intermediate)
Experience
Media Coordinator
- Produce short-form YouTube videos and photography to increase visibility and support brand strategy
- Analyze past YouTube performance to identify consumer trends that inform future content
- Apply creative storytelling to design engaging narratives, driving student interest and participation
Operations Intern
- Managed and tracked a 5,000+ item inventory of camp supplies to improve accuracy and accountability
- Coordinated logistics for 60+ summer camps, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction
- Scheduled and delegated daily tasks for a team of 15 members, streamlining workflow and efficiency
Administrative Assistant
- Assisted 100+ students with course enrollment and scheduling, improving clarity and response efficiency
- Reorganized internal data systems to enhance accessibility and streamline communication workflows
- Designed outreach materials reaching 1,000+ students, growing awareness of departmental initiatives
Server
- Delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced restaurant serving 200+ guests daily
- Collaborated with team members to maintain efficiency and ensure a consistent customer experience
- Built strong interpersonal skills by engaging with diverse customers
Get In Touch
Let's make
something
great.
I'm currently seeking Summer 2026 marketing internships in beauty, fitness, apparel, and CPG. Whether you're a recruiter, a collaborator, or just want to chat brand strategy — I'd love to connect.