CV

Objective:

An experienced writer hopes to broaden his scope in the writing and publishing industry, building on my passions for the written word, culture and social movements.

Education:

University of Wisconsin-Madison (2004-’08)

  • Graduated with Distinction, earning a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Certificate (Minor) in LGBT Studies
  • Five-time Dean’s List honoree with a cumulative 3.783 GPA

Honors and Awards:

  • Frank and Virginia Hill Thayer Scholarship recipient (2008)
  • University of Wisconsin LGBT Student of the Year (2008)
  • Channel Scholarship recipient (2005)
  • Wisconsin All-State Scholar (2004)
  • International DECA Finalist in E-Commerce Marketing Team Event (2004)
  • Two-time Wisconsin State DECA Champion in E-Commerce Marketing Team Event (2004)

Writing Background:

I have worked as a freelance journalist with a variety of mostly web-based media since 2001, specializing in LGBT issues, music and culture. I am responsible for writing and filing several stories per week, conducting interviews, researching background information and maintaining an extensive contact list of active artists, organizers and other notable people both in the community and worldwide.

For examples of my published work, please visit my Portfolio.

Additional Employment History:

ROP Editor/Proofreader (ShopLocal.com/Talagy, Chicago) – 2008-Present

  • Proofread advertising spreads, editorial content and product listings from hundreds of North American and European retailers

Communications & Public Relations Intern (True Endeavors, Madison) – 2008

  • Implemented an aggressive communications campaign utilizing social networking and blogging
  • Initiated an extensive research project, using quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group) methods
  • Created benefit events and promotional contests while collaborating with businesses and organizations

Event Coordinator (UW LGBT Campus Center, Madison) – 2007-’08

  • Coordinated speakers, workshops and other programming for campus-wide events
  • Recruited and supervised volunteers and interns to aide with center activities and programming
  • Crafted event and campaign press releases and promotional copy

Peer Academic Advisor (UW Letters and Science Advising Office, Madison) – 2006-’08

  • Communicated policies and degree requirements with students in small and large group presentations
  • Designed materials (flyers, sandwich boards, e-mail blasts) to promote office services and events
  • Staffed the advising office to provide walk-in, one-on-one academic advising to students

Public Education & Outreach Intern (Coalition for Responsible Sex Education, Madison) – 2007

  • Conceived and promoted panel discussion forums and other events
  • Reached out to community organizations to build coalitions, fundraise and collaborate
  • Wrote press releases and worked with area media to gain coverage of our issues

Volunteer and Leadership Experience:

Events Volunteer (Test Positive Aware Network, Chicago) – 2008-’09

  • Aided gala staff with raffle sales, silent auction activites and general duties during large events

Volunteer (Chicago Filmmakers, Chicago) – 2008

  • Aided staff with clerical work and box office sales for the Reeling Film Festival

Co-President (UW Ten Percent Society, Madison) – 2006-’08

  • Coordinated volunteer staffing and entertainment for dozens of large fundraisers and events
  • Designed and distributed all promotional materials and press releases for events and recruitment

Language Tutor (Greater University Tutoring Services, Madison) – 2007

  • Worked with international students to improve their language skills and cultural knowledge

Specialties:

  • Social networking and blogging (Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Tumblr, WordPress, among many others), non-profits, survey design, qualitative marketing (ethnography, interview), event planning, Creative Suite, Dreamweaver, SoundStudio, SPSS, basic HTML

Interests:

  • Journalism, Music, Social Activism, New Media, Volunteering, Performance Art, Film, Literature

References:

  • Available upon request.