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Jessica Zijlstra
Passionate about travel, great content, and social media marketing; happily combining all three.
Professional Background
Jessica Zijlstra is a prominent marketing and digital lead at the prestigious ANITA MENDIRATTA & Associates (AM&A), based in London, a globally recognized consultancy firm specializing in Tourism and Development. In her role, she collaborates with a variety of stakeholders, including government leaders and executives from businesses as well as international organizations to implement innovative digital marketing strategies tailored specifically to the dynamic travel sector. With an impressive background in International Studies and Tourism, coupled with her expertise in social media strategy, Jessica is uniquely positioned to help clients successfully navigate and excel in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.
As a trailblazer in her field, Jessica leads the firm’s transformative initiative, Living the SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals), which seeks to resonate the United Nations' important mandates at a grassroots level. Through this project, she encourages individuals to take meaningful actions under the mantra of #MakeTravelMatter, emphasizing sustainable and responsible travel practices while fostering awareness of global challenges. Jessica’s commitment to the promotion of sustainable development within the tourism industry speaks volumes about her dedication to creating a better world for future generations.
Education and Achievements
Jessica's academic journey is marked by a strong focus on international relations and cultural studies. She holds a degree in International Area Studies, with a concentration in East Asian Studies, from the esteemed University of Oklahoma. This foundational education provided her with comprehensive insights into global dynamics, enhancing her understanding of various cultures and economies.
To further her linguistic skills and cultural proficiency, Jessica pursued studies in Chinese Studies and Mandarin Chinese at Yangtze International Study Abroad. This experience not only enriched her knowledge of East Asian cultures but also equipped her with essential communication skills that are vital in today’s interconnected world. Continuing her education, she studied International Business at Canisius College, where she acquired crucial insights into business strategies within an international framework, further solidifying her multi-faceted expertise in tourism and marketing.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Jessica has garnered extensive experience across various roles that have significantly shaped her skill set and understanding of the marketing and travel industries:
- Head Of Marketing and Business Development at ANITA MENDIRATTA & Associates: Here, Jessica oversees a range of marketing initiatives intended to engage potential clients and promote sustainable tourism practices.
- Social Media Business Strategist at Zijlstra Social: In this role, Jessica crafted tailored social media strategies, enhancing brand visibility and engagement for numerous clients.
- Content & Social Media Executive at Holiday Extras: During her tenure at Holiday Extras, she honed her skills in content marketing and audience engagement, creating compelling social media campaigns that drove traffic and increased conversion rates.
- Freelance Writer at Media Shower: As a talented freelance writer, Jessica developed sure-footed skills in crafting insightful content, allowing her to connect with audiences on various platforms.
- Travel Blogger & Editor at The Fly Away American: In her role as a travel blogger and editor, she shared her travel insights and experiences, establishing a strong online presence and engaging a community of travel enthusiasts.
- Volunteer at Dover Detainee Visitor Group: Jessica’s dedication to social impact is evident in her volunteer work, where she contributed positively to her community by providing support and building connections with detainees.
- Internship at World Neighbors: Her early experiences include an impactful internship at World Neighbors, where she assisted in promoting sustainable development practices.
- Lead Cashier at Follett Higher Education Group: Her diverse job experiences reflect her adaptability and strong customer service skills, allowing her to hone her interpersonal communication and organizational abilities.
Achievements
Jessica's dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed. She has been an influential figure in promoting sustainable tourism and developing successful marketing strategies that resonate with her clients’ target audiences. Not only has she leveraged her educational background and professional experiences to excel in her current role, but she also actively participates in initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness and driving action around the SDGs within the travel industry. Jessica's forward-thinking mindset and commitment to making a positive impact make her a remarkable leader within the tourism sector, a true champion of sustainable practices, and an advocate for using travel as a means to promote global understanding and development.
