Hi there, my name is Malynn! I’m a photographer and content creator passionate about building strong visual identities. From capturing authentic moments to managing social media and designing clean, user-friendly websites, I bring ideas to life across every platform. I’m also deeply committed to animal and environmental advocacy, using my work to support causes that protect and preserve the world around us.
I graduated from Drake University in Spring 2025 with degrees in Digital Media Production and Zoo Conservation. I currently serve as the Marketing Manager for Central Financial Group and work part-time at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa.
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors—whether hiking new trails or editing photos from my latest adventure.
Experience
Central Financial Group Marketing Manager
May 2025 – Present
As the Marketing Manager, I am in charge of all social media platforms and projects related to marketing and social media. This includes social media pages and websites. I spend my time in the office creating graphics and captions for social media posts. When I am not working on graphics, I monitor and manage all of our social media pages to answer questions and respond to comments. I also manage and update the Central Financial Group website with relevant information when necessary.
Central Financial Group Marketing Intern
February 2024 – May 2025
As a Marketing Intern, I am in charge of all social media platforms and projects related to marketing and social media. I spend my time in the office creating graphics and captions for social media posts as well as internal graphics for meetings and office events. When I am not working on graphics, I monitor and manage all of our social media pages to answer questions and respond to comments. I also manage and update the Central Financial Group website with relevant information when necessary.
Blank Park Zoo Seasonal Retail Lead
October 2023 – Present
As a retail employee, I was in charge of making sure the Blank Park Zoo Gift Shop and GoGo Plaza concession stand were run properly each and every day. I would restock shelves with stuffed animals, novelty toys, and other souvenir items for customers to buy. I was also tasked with running the counter and checking out customers within a reasonable time. In GoGo Plaza, I was tasked with checking out customers who requested certain snacks, such as chips or ice cream. I was also responsible for keeping snacks stocked and keeping the surrounding grounds clean of trash.
Drake University Environmental Science Department Social Media Coordinator
Spring 2021 – May 2025
As a social media coordinator, I interact with students, staff, and the general public to keep them updated on what is going on in the ENSS department. This includes class information, activities, meetings, and reminders for upcoming events.
Ape Initiative Social Media Internship
March 2023 – December 2023
As an intern, my job was to work with Sara Skiba, who is the main Ape Initiative Social Media Coordinator, to organize photos and videos and prepare them for future posts. I was also allowed to create my own style of educational posts for future reference of potential interns.
Blank Park Zoo Seasonal Educator
May 2023 – September 2023
As a Seasonal Educator, I traveled around the state of Iowa to do animal programs at day camps, schools, and retirement homes. This job allowed me to use my public speaking and presenting skills to the general public while handling wild animals.
Skills
- Communication
- Basic Computer Skills
- Photoshop & Video Editing
- Problem-Solving
- Organization
- Timeliness
- Generic People Skills