Dustin Ferrell
Denver
Summary
Highly motivated individual with a deep passion for creative writing, reading, learning, and education. Demonstrated expertise in hospitality, writing, mentoring, advocacy, and operations management. Experienced and meticulous writer/editor, consistently striving to bring innovation, thoughtfulness, and articulation to every project.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer Creative Writing Teacher
Braille Institute
12.2024 - Current
- Support amateur writers who are blind or visually impaired in the development of their writing goals and skills.
- Work with students on personal goals/projects of mixed genres, included but not limited to, fiction, poetry, nonfiction, memoir, and children's books.
- Instruct students on the writing process, how to hone in personal writing styles, submission strategies, and agent/author relationships.
- Develop syllabi and lesson plans and implement them throughout the term.
- Choose text(s) and other media sources that benefit the lesson plan and the goals of the students.
Editor, Writer, & Scheduler
Lunch Ticket Literary Magazine
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Write, edit, proofread, and schedule publications multiple days a week
- Solicit and publish several genres of literature and art
- Oversee marketing for the magazine
- Utilize a variety of platforms to market the magazine, school, and work of various authors
Operations Manager
Boon Boona Coffee
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Built and contributed to a unique, vibrant company culture that values mental health, diversity, and inclusion
- Created and oversaw the catering/events program at Microsoft, with some events having an attendance of 400+ guests
- Hired staff, fostered community and team building
- Liaised with diverse corporate and non-profit businesses
- Curated content by utilizing skills in graphic design, writing, and editing to market the brand in-person and online through social media and email channels
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
Editing Intern
Mountain State Press
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Oversee manuscripts
- Aided in creating literature for a historical museum based in Huntington, WV
- Worked with a variety of authors in diverse, vibrant literary genres
Multi-Unit General Manager
MNM Hospitality
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed operations of four well-established units including staffing, P&L, tip allocation, HR duties, and more
- Curated social media posts, photographed events/food items, and more in collaboration with high-profile social media influencers in Boston area to grow brand
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
General Manager & Social Media Manager
Greens and Grounds
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Designed social media presence, brick and mortar location, and events program
- Created consistent and adaptable menus, including house-made syrups for beverages and seasonal recipes
- Curated drink and food program alongside a chef to accommodate specific diets and allergies
- Curated event program
- Taught coffee classes open to the public
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
Writer
Odyssey Online
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Wrote, edited, and published well-written works weekly
- Marketed work via social media while remaining up to date on software and deadlines
- Gave and received critical feedback
Education
M.F.A. - Creative Writing
Antioch University
02.2025
B.A. - English
Marshall University
Huntington, WV01.2023
Skills
- Generating Creative & Technical Content
- Proofreading
- Editing
- Revising
- Publishing
- Sales
- Business Growth
- P&L
- Team Building
- Fostering Community
- Problem Solving
- Innovation
- Event Curation
- Marketing
- Management
- Social Media
Accomplishments
- Publications through Et Cetera Literary Journal, Boston Compass, Odyssey Online, Inverted Syntax, Tri Counties Finest, & Mountain State Press
- Creative writing displayed in an art gallery in Longmont, CO
Certifications
- Bellissimo Coffee Diploma
- Allergen Awareness Certification
- HubSpot Academy Content Marketing, Growth-Driven Design, SEO I, SEO II, and Social Media Marketing Certifications
- Publications through Et Cetera Literary Journal, Boston Compass, Odyssey Online, Inverted Syntax, Tri Counties Finest, & Mountain State Press
- Taught coffee training and educational classes open to the public
- Recruited and worked with dietary chefs, coffee roasters, and various distributors
Awards
- Jack and Barbara Brown Scholarship
- Carl and Marianna Callaway Scholarship
- Ruth Flower Brown Memorial Scholarship
- Charles and Victoria Rappold Scholarship
- Helen Kantor Lindsey & Andrew J. Kantor Scholarship
- 2nd Place Maier Award in 2023 Upper Division Critical Writing Category
- Nominee First Year Research Maier Award
- Nominee Poetry Maier Award
- Phi Kappa Phi Scholar
- ACTA Scholar
- Sigma Tau Delta Scholar
Certification
- Bellissimo Coffee Diploma
- Allergen Awareness Certification
- HubSpot Academy Content Marketing, Growth-Driven Design, SEO I, SEO II, and Social Media Marketing Certifications
Timeline
Volunteer Creative Writing Teacher
Braille Institute
12.2024 - Current
Editor, Writer, & Scheduler
Lunch Ticket Literary Magazine
01.2024 - 12.2024
Operations Manager
Boon Boona Coffee
01.2023 - 01.2024
Editing Intern
Mountain State Press
01.2022 - 01.2023
Multi-Unit General Manager
MNM Hospitality
01.2020 - 01.2021
General Manager & Social Media Manager
Greens and Grounds
01.2018 - 01.2019
Writer
Odyssey Online
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Bellissimo Coffee Diploma
- Allergen Awareness Certification
- HubSpot Academy Content Marketing, Growth-Driven Design, SEO I, SEO II, and Social Media Marketing Certifications
M.F.A. - Creative Writing
Antioch University
B.A. - English
Marshall University
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