One of my biggest joys is crafting writing that will move people to appreciate a new part of the world. I see my writings as my mission to help bring all people closer together. I love learning new things myself, and I can’t wait to share those new discoveries with others in my writing.
With 25 years of communication experience, I know how to build relationships that lead to success in journalism, non-profit management and public relations. Not only do I bring superior writing skills, but also an ability to use communication to not only promote ideas, but to change behavior, improve performance, mentor and enhance reputation.
I’m on the Move: My career in communication began as a newspaper journalist, and writing is still my first love. However, my career path led me to practice and master skills in event management, copy editing, copywriting, project coordination and people management. I have worked with people from all facets of society and all levels of management. Now is the time I want to consolidate all my skills to manage projects to produce effective, compelling communication for an organization I believe in.
I’m a Manager: The key to successful management is establishing productive working relationships. I employ various styles of communication based on the communication strengths or weaknesses of those I’m dealing with. Respectful, direct and constant communication overcomes many conflicts before they arise. I proactively work to understand the other person’s point of view and what is at stake for them as well as the skills, obstacles and workload of the staff in determining a solution. And finally, making it clear that I am willing to put the work in myself to bring about a solution to meet the client’s and staff’s needs is the final factor for a successful and productive office.
I’m a Self-starter: I take it as a challenge to proactively implement processes and methods to improve an organization’s operation or success in building relationships with the public. From building in-office databases, to developing creative ideas to appeal to niche media, from pitching my bosses to create a publications coordinator position (which I filled) to “managing up” by selling my superiors on needed changes to content, when I see a need that can be filled, I fight to fill that need.
I’m a Journalist: It takes superior time management skills to meet the short deadlines in journalism. It also takes a wide breadth of knowledge, a knack for finding the hidden story and constant analysis of information and the facets of a complex situation. Journalism taught me how to break down issues into the important parts needed to assess and implement a solution, the same skills I use today in problem-solving and decision-making.
I’m Crazy About Details: Today I work with every aspect of a publication, in every stage of the process, usually with several in the works at one time. I prepare an annual schedule intended to accommodate the design schedule of the marketing office. I collaborate with the university photographer, designers, representatives from each academic department and university administrators to bring all the parts of each magazine together. Many of the stories I write myself, I edit and proof everything myself and set deadlines for the academic departments and the design team.
