Strategic Communications

As an anthropologist, writer, and the daughter of two journalists, interviews and storytelling are core practices in all my enterprises. I have conducted dozens of interviews and public engagement opportunities through my work as a writer for the University of Florida and a researcher for Florida local governments. I firmly believe the story is the basis for all strategic communications, and I am skilled at hearing, writing, and telling stories, in whatever form and style is the most effective for the audience.

Work Experience

Digital Communications Specialist, City of Orlando Office of Communications and Neighborhood Relations, Orlando, FL | 2019

  • Educated and entertained city staff and residents by planning, designing, and writing digital and print newsletters featuring events, news, and valuable content
  • Improved employee engagement with new recurring content pieces highlighting the city’s programs, staff, and values
  • Developed and managed several video and blog projects that showcased the city’s programs and projects, including the homeless outreach and bike education initiatives
  • Improved brand reputation and engagement rates by developing and writing value-driven social media campaigns for Orlando Police and Fire Departments

Writer/Strategic Communications Specialist, Communications Office, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2016 – 2019

  • Management of official College social media accounts: developed and successfully executed campaigns and strategies to raise the college’s profile and exponentially grow its social following
  • Interviews, features, biosketches, and media releases for College faculty, students, and postdocs: elevated UF’s reputation by writing dozens of profiles, news articles, and other written content for dissemination in local and national news, our in-house publications, departmental publications, and our website
  • Press releases and national news pitching: In coordination with UF’s News Bureau and PR team, wrote and pitched news releases about UF faculty’s research that were picked up by national and international press outlets
  • Content creation and editing for promotional, development, and advancement materials (both print and digital) for the College: Boosted email engagement rate with exceptional copy. Designed small print pieces and digital assets, including program postcards and social media graphics.
  • Web accessibility and digital optimization: Developed and managed digital content and created accessibility guidelines for the college’s web presence. Performed full audit and SEO for College website

Program Manager, Office of Sustainability, Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, Gainesville, FL | 2014–2016

  • Facilitated the implementation of clean energy programs by engaging and surveying local stakeholders and prospective vendors to develop a verifiable framework for procurement and marketing
  • Conducted detailed interviews and surveys of community stakeholders
  • Elevated Alachua COunty’s reputation for sustainable practices by preparing press releases and public outreach documents
  • Ensured compliance, transparency, and due diligence with detailed research reports and memos to the County Commission and Constitutional Officers
  • Presented on sustainability topics, clean-energy vendors, community feedback, and relevant legislation to local government entities and advisory committees
  • Developed sustainable programming for gardening, clean energy, arts, and economic development in Alachua County
  • Improved community outreach and employee engagement by developing “Lunch and Learn” program featuring sustainability topics
  • Served as Commission liaison for presenters on clean energy, economic development, and sustainability topics

Webmaster, Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2013 – 2014

  • Supervised two employees during the audit and  organization of content from the old website
  • Ensured accessibility and SEO while transferring content to modern platform and developing new content and user-friendly layouts
  • Created official Department social media accounts and integrated social content into the website
  • Published photos and developed rich-media elements for the website

Webmaster, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Gainesville, FL | 2010 – 2014

  • Redesigned the ART website to align with new brand and SEO needs
  • Posted show listings, and nonprofit board meeting notes for compliance
  • Worked with the publicity team to integrate social media content into the new site

Editor/Staff Writer, Spectator student newspaper, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA | 2009 – 2010

  • Copy editing
  • Editing for general style/content
  • Opinion and news writing