welcome to my business portfolio!

I am a driven digital marketer, creative storyteller, and empathetic collaborator dedicated to building inclusive spaces where creativity and connection thrive. Through leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, I strive to create meaningful experiences both on stage and behind the scenes. With a background in theatre, business, and social media strategy, I aim to blend innovation, professionalism, and authenticity in every opportunity I pursue.

The quote that I most live by is by Brazilian author and political activist Paulo Coelho: “When you say yes to others, make sure you aren't saying no to yourself.” This quote resonates deeply with me because throughout high school, I often focused on making others happy and meeting everyone’s expectations. Over time, I learned the importance of balancing others’ wants with respect for my own goals, values, and well-being. It reminds me that being supportive and compassionate should never come at the expense of losing who I am or ignoring what matters most to me.

extra and co-curricular involvement

follow the drop down’s to the right to view a summary of involvement for some of my extra and co-curricular activities at menomonee falls high school! You will also see awards associated with competitive events.

  • As one of three managers for Falls Fan Gear, I had the unique opportunity to grow my business skills in a real-world situation. In this role I was responsible for the training, maintenance, renovation, and longevity of the store.

    During my first semester, I connected our business with local partners to bring our store into the modern age. This included sourcing a youth mannequin display and a corrugated wrapping paper display, both donated for our business. I also was able to secure the sponsorship of a LED Video Display to aid in the promotion of the retail space.

  • Standing on a theater stage and presenting in an FBLA competition may seem like different worlds, but both require confidence, clarity, and the ability to engage an audience. One of my most memorable moments in FBLA was competing in a public speaking event where I had to deliver a newscast regarding a emergency situation. The experience taught me how to command a room, structure my thoughts effectively, and think on my feet—skills that have directly translated to my stage presence. Whether delivering a monologue or leading a scene, I now approach performances with the same strategic mindset, ensuring every word and movement serves a purpose.

    Awards:

    4th place: Public Service Annoucement - Regional Leadership Conference, 2024

    1st place: Broadcast Journalism - Regional Leadership Conference, 2025

    3rd place: Broadcast Journalism - State Leadership Conference, 2025

    1st place: Broadcast Journalism - Regional Leadership Conference, 2026

    1st place: Broadcast Journalism - State Leadership Conference, 2026

  • Forensics has been a game-changer in refining my ability to communicate emotion and nuance. I remember preparing for an intense dramatic interpretation piece, spending hours dissecting every line to find its true meaning. That same attention to detail has made me a more intentional actor, allowing me to bring authenticity to every role I play. The ability to analyze a script, embody different perspectives, and convey complex emotions has become second nature, giving depth to my performances on stage.

    Awards:

    2nd place: Solo Humorous - Greater Metro Conference, 2023

    3rd place: Play Acting - Greater Metro Conference, 2024

    2nd place: Play Acting - Divine Savior Holy Angels Meet, 2024

    2nd place: Special Occasion Speaking - Greater Metro Conference, 2025

    2nd place: Special Occasion Speaking - Port Washington Invite, 2025

    6th place: Special Occasion Speaking - State Competition, 2025

    1st place: Special Occasion Speaking - Divine savior holy angels meet, 2026

    2nd place: Special Occasion Speaking - Greater Metro Conference, 2026

    3rd place: Special Occasion Speaking - Waupaca High School Meet, 2026

  • Tenor Section Leader, Varsity Letter Earned, WSMA Solo and Ensemble District 1* rating received for four classical and four musical theatre pieces, WSMA Solo and Ensemble State 1 rating for four classical and four musical theatre pieces (three with perfect scores), and Social Media Manager. 

  • Through Key Club, I’ve had the privilege of participating in service projects that connect with people on a deeper level. One experience that stands out was organizing an event for children, where I saw firsthand how storytelling could bring joy and inspire others. That moment reinforced the idea that performance isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about making people feel something real. Key Club has taught me empathy, adaptability, and the power of human connection, all of which have made my portrayals on stage more genuine and impactful. This past year I also competed in the talent show at the WIUM District Conference, placing first.

  • as a member of the menomonee falls high school chapter of the National Honor Society I was able to combine my passions for volunteerism and social media, aiding in the creation process for our december food drive.

  • As a member of the national art honor society, I helped with engagement of art within my school, district and community.

  • As the president of readers club I helped organize ‘reading challenges’ across my school with the goal of engaging students with our library and its resources.

  • as the president of the falls pride student leaders committee it was my sole responsibility to educate my peers on topics decided on by our administration team. In my freshman and sophomore years this meant creating homeroom lessons and activities that were used school-wide. In my junior year I was able to help organize a district-wide book study with the help of the illustrator and author of the story.

awards and honors recognition

follow the drop down’s to the right to view a summary of awards and accomplishments from my time at Menomonee falls high school.

  • Awarded by the Menomonee Falls High School Business Department · May 2026

  • Issued by Sara Sturm, Menomonee Falls Optimist Club · Dec 2025

    Selected by the Business Department, under Sara Sturm, for performing at a high level in his business courses, as well as being an outstanding manager of Falls Fan Gear.

  • Issued by David Muñoz, Superintendent of the School District of Menomonee Falls · Apr 2025

    This award was presented in recognition for work as a part of the Menomonee Falls High School "Falls Pride Student Leaders". Cole helped lead a book-study in conjunction with North Middle School, teaching lessons based in inclusion, community and assuming competence.

  • Issued by christina taylor, Menomonee Falls high school administration · september 2024

    This award was exclusively presented for my work as president of the Anti-Bullying Task Force at Menomonee Falls High School. As over the summer I spent over fifty hours dedicating his time to our school.

  • Issued by george connelly, Menomonee Falls Optimist Club · april 2023

    Selected by the English Department of Menomonee Falls High School for being a high-achieving and driven student that has consistently exceeded expectations.

Skills and qualifications

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Volunteer Experience

  • Kids From Wisconsin Realize Your Dream

    outreach leader

    Through KIDS From Wisconsin’s “Realize Your Dream” program, I had the opportunity to give back through the performing arts while helping inspire younger students to pursue their passions and build confidence. The program focused on encouraging creativity, leadership, and self-expression through music and performance-based activities.

    This experience showed me how impactful the arts can be in helping young people discover confidence and community. Being able to mentor and encourage students reminded me why I value performance and leadership so much. I learned that even small moments of encouragement can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. The experience also strengthened my communication and leadership skills while reinforcing the importance of using creativity to positively impact others.

  • Falls Pride Student Leaders

    President

    As part of the “Jax and Me” book study volunteer experience, I worked with students at north middle school and community members through discussions and activities centered around the book’s themes and messages. The experience focused on encouraging literacy, meaningful conversation, and personal growth while helping participants feel engaged and supported in a collaborative environment.

    This volunteer experience taught me the importance of patience, communication, and empathy when working with others. Through conversations and group activities, I learned how books can bring people together and create opportunities for connection and understanding. It was rewarding to help create a welcoming environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives.

Business academy experiences

  • Falls Fan Gear

    Falls Fan Gear provided me with hands-on experience in operating a student-run business. Through this opportunity, I learned about customer service, merchandising, digital marketing, sales, and business operations. As I took on leadership responsibilities, I strengthened my communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while gaining experience in a professional work environment.

  • Marketing & Branding Projects

    Through the Business Academy, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Bubblr Energy drinks on marketing projects. These experiences allowed me to apply branding, social media, and promotional strategies to real-world campaigns. Working with an established company helped me understand how businesses connect with audiences and reinforced the importance of creativity, research, and strategic communication in marketing.

  • field trips

    Business Academy field trips gave me exposure to a variety of industries such as Burgharts sporting goods and epic industries. Visiting local businesses and organizations allowed me to see how classroom concepts are applied in professional settings. These experiences broadened my understanding of potential career paths and helped me develop a stronger appreciation for workplace culture, leadership, and innovation.

  • job shadows

    My job shadow experiences allowed me to observe professionals in their daily work environments and gain firsthand insight into different career fields. By interacting with industry professionals, I learned about workplace expectations, communication, collaboration, and career preparation, bridging the gap between my interests and skills to future career opportunities.

  • community partnerships

    My senior year I had the privilege of being a Falls Fan Gear manager. In this position I was able to partner with local businesses to bring to life the ideas of our leadership team. This involved learning how to send professional emails and create long-term contracts between businesses, resulting in a $2500 sponsorship for an LED Video wall for our store.

Job shadow experiences

the milwaukee Brewers

During my job shadow with the Milwaukee Brewers entertainment team, I gained valuable insight into the fast-paced world of sports entertainment. I received a behind-the-scenes tour of American Family Field and had the opportunity to assist with the "Bark at the Park" dog parade before the game. Throughout the game, I shadowed a member of the entertainment team and observed the planning and execution of fan engagement activities, including the Toyota Junior Announcer and the cap shuffle. This experience showed me how creativity, teamwork, and organization come together to create memorable experiences for fans and helped me better understand careers in sports entertainment and event management.

Entertainment Team

WISN 12

During my job shadow at WISN 12 News, I gained firsthand experience in the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism and media production. I had the opportunity to attend a live news broadcast in the studio and observe how reporters, producers, anchors, and technical staff work together to deliver accurate and engaging news to viewers.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was sitting in on a content meeting, where I learned how news stories are selected, developed, and prioritized. I was able to follow the process of a story from its initial idea through research, production, and ultimately its presentation on-air. Seeing the collaboration and preparation required behind the scenes gave me a greater appreciation for the work that goes into every broadcast.

Multimedia Journalist

Falls Fan Gear - report and reflection

view report (pdf)

Working at Falls Fan Gear has been one of the most valuable experiences of my high school career. As one of the student managers, I developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while learning how to manage responsibilities in a real business environment. I gained experience training team members, maintaining store operations, assisting customers, and supporting branding efforts.

This experience taught me how important teamwork and adaptability are in a professional setting. I also learned how customer service, organization, and collaboration directly impact a business’s success. Falls Fan Gear strengthened my confidence as both a leader and a communicator, and it helped prepare me for future opportunities in marketing, business, and leadership.

Career plans

After graduation, I’m excited to begin my next chapter at Lawrence University. I’ll be pursuing a dual major in Business & Entrepreneurship and Vocal Performance, which is the perfect way to combine my passion for creativity with real-world business experience.

Before heading to campus this fall, I’ll be spending my summer doing what I love most: performing. I’m proud to be touring once again with Kids From Wisconsin, bringing high-energy musical performances to audiences all across the state.

career outlook and research

After graduation, I’m excited to begin my next chapter at Lawrence University. I’ll be pursuing a dual major in Business & Entrepreneurship and Vocal Performance, which is the perfect way to combine my passion for creativity with real-world business experience.

Before heading to campus this fall, I’ll be spending my summer doing what I love most: performing. I’m proud to be touring once again with Kids From Wisconsin, bringing high-energy musical performances to audiences all across the state.

Social media manager

A social media manager develops and oversees an organization's presence on social media platforms to increase brand awareness, engage audiences, and support marketing goals. Their responsibilities include creating content, managing campaigns, analyzing performance metrics, and responding to online communities. This career requires strong communication, creativity, organization, and analytical skills, along with knowledge of social media trends and digital marketing strategies. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business, or a related field. As social media continues to play a major role in business and marketing, job opportunities remain strong across many industries. Advancement opportunities include roles such as Digital Marketing Manager, Communications Director, Marketing Director, or Social Media Strategist.

brand designer

A Brand Designer is responsible for creating and maintaining the visual identity of a company, organization, or product. They develop logos, color palettes, typography, marketing materials, and other visual elements that help communicate a brand’s message and values. Successful brand designers are creative, detail-oriented, and skilled in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in graphic design, marketing, visual communications, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio of work. According to industry trends, demand for designers continues as businesses seek to build strong and recognizable brands across digital and print platforms. Career advancement opportunities include becoming a Senior Designer, Creative Director, Brand Strategist, or owning a design agency.

Career-related education has helped prepare me for future professional opportunities by allowing me to apply classroom concepts in real-world experiences. Through the Business Academy, FBLA, Falls Fan Gear, volunteering, and job shadows, I gained practical experience in leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

My involvement in theatre and extracurricular activities also strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and public speaking abilities. These experiences taught me how to collaborate with others, manage responsibilities, and communicate effectively in professional environments. It has also shown me the importance of communication, in being able to contant partners and talk to them with a shared vocabulary.

Overall, my high school experiences helped me discover my passion for marketing, leadership, and creative communication. The skills I developed will continue to benefit me as I pursue higher education and future career opportunities.