CV

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

Professional Writing:

I have worked as a  journalist with a variety of mostly web-based media since 2001, specializing in LGBT issues, music and culture.

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

Additional Professional Experience:

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/National Organization for Women Wisconsin, 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:

Co-founder, organizer (Subject To Change, Chicago) – 2011-Present

  • Organized and promoted politically-engaged social events (frequently combining bar nights with the production of a zine) that serve as benefits for LGBTQ/progressive organizations and initiatives

Media Coordinator (SiNNERMAN Ensemble, Chicago) – 2011-Present

  • Penned ensemble’s press releases and website copy, coordinated media requests and coverage, oversaw company’s social media presence (including Twitter, Facebook and other platforms)

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 media and blogging (Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Tumblr, WordPress, among many others), non-profits, survey design, qualitative marketing (ethnography, interview), event planning, press releases, Adobe Creative Suite, Dreamweaver, SoundStudio, SPSS, basic HTML, basic video

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)

Interests:

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