Professional Writing:
I have worked as a journalist with a variety of mostly digital media since 2008, specializing in food and water issues and dabbling here and there in pop culture. More recently, I’ve expanded my writing skills into the areas of content marketing, social media marketing and copywriting.
For examples of my published work, please visit my Portfolio.
- Senior News Editor (Built In) – 2021-Present
- News Editor (Built In) – 2020-’21
- Social Marketing Manager (Dose) – 2019-’20
- Managing Editor, Social (Dose) – 2018-’19
- Senior Social Editor (Dose) – 2017-’18
- Senior Editor/Reporter (The Huffington Post) – 2015-’17
- Chicago Editor (The Huffington Post) – 2012-’15
- Contributor (Thought Catalog) – 2013
- Contributor (In Our Words) – 2012
- Associate Chicago Editor (The Huffington Post) – 2011-’12
- Contributor (EDGE Media Network) – 2008-’11
- Contributor (Gapers Block) – 2010-’11
- Contributor (Windy City Times) – 2010-’11
- Contributor (Village Voice) – 2010-’11
- Contributor (The Huffington Post) – 2010-’11
- Contributor (ChicagoPride.com) – 2010-’11
- Contributor (Chicagoist.com) – 2009-’10
- Contributor (Guide Magazine) – 2009-’10
- Contributor (Meefers.com) – 2008-’09
- Contributing Blogger/Public Relations Intern (True Endeavors) – 2008
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
Skills:
- Digital content (WordPress, MT and similar CMS platforms, AP Style)
- Social media (Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.)
- Newsletters and press releases
- Media relations
- Market research
- Project management
- Video content (YouTube and iMovie)
- Photo research and editing
- Podcasting and audio editing
- Basic HTML
Honors and Awards:
- Built In Values Award for Inclusivity (2021)
- Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30 (2013)
- Death+Taxes’ 8 Chicago influencers you need to know (2013)
- Frank and Virginia Hill Thayer Scholarship recipient (2008)
- University of Wisconsin LGBT Student of the Year (2008)
Additional Professional Experience:
ROP Editor/Proofreader (ShopLocal.com/Talagy, Chicago) – 2008-Present
- Proofread and edited client promotional materials, product listings and editorial inserts
- Created daily data reports to manage and direct goals and tasks for the proofreading team
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:
Communications Manager (Batavia Community Diversity Initiative, Batavia) – 2020-Present
- Wrote and distributed the organization’s press releases, managed its social media presence, including profiles on Instagram and Facebook, and led communications for the organization’s membership.
Co-founder, organizer (Subject to Change, Chicago) – 2011-’14
- Led and oversaw a DJ and artist collective that planned and executed monthly community fundraising events for LGTBQ and women’s organizations including Howard Brown Health, Project Fierce Chicago and Chicago Women’s Health Center
Media Coordinator (SiNNERMAN Ensemble, Chicago) – 2011
- Steered theater company’s social media and penned press releases and website/blog copy
- Coordinated media requests and press coverage for the ensemble’s productions
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