Writer and Media Strategist

A seasoned writer with a background in marketing, publicity, and digital and social communications strategy. Skilled at composing impactful copy and documentation in a wide variety of formats (YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, etc.). Adept at bringing clients’ messages to audiences in a powerful manner with a professional approach honed on the campaign trail after serving high-profile candidates.

Areas of Expertise

Career History

Digital Campaign & Communications Strategist | No Business with Genocide, The International Campaign for the Rohingya, Campaign for a New Myanmar                   2021 to present

Develop and implement plans using social and traditional media to raise awareness of the organizations’ missions; end genocide, and help the Rohingya, the people of Myanmar (Burma) and bring Paul Rusesabagina home safe and sound. This includes social media and blog posts, web design, and actions such as petitions, letter-writing campaigns, drafting and placing op-eds, meetings with local and national government officials, and events. Had two pieces published in the Washington Post. Helped grow our e-mail list from 30,000 people to 649,000 in 18 months. Ten minutes after we delivered our petitions to Harry Winston at their New York City headquarters, they announced they would stop selling #GenocideGems from Myanmar.  In 2021, Gainesville, Florida passed a resolution against genocide. We are working with New York, Maryland, and Michigan legislators to pass similar bills or resolutions. Our supporters took 1.8 million actions for the Uygurs, people of Myanmar, and Paul Rusesabagina (Hotel Rwanda).                  

Communications Strategist/Freelance Writer |Multiple Engagements, Stony Brook, NY      2008 to Present

Select Clients: the Defense Department, OneWorld Health, Medicines 360, the New York Foundation, Harvard University, HubShout, Text Link Brokers, The McLaughlin Group, and several authors and comedians.

Select Projects

Writing for Television

The McLaughlin Group: Worked with the host and other writers to determine stories to be covered on the weekly public affairs show. Also produced content for the program.

Op-Eds – Ebola Crisis

Client – The Defense Department: Composed a series of op-eds for the defense department raising awareness of the Ebola crisis and the efforts the department was taking to mitigate it.

Communications Strategy and Social Media – Malaria and Diarrheal Disease Work

Client – OneWorld Health: Led three marketing campaigns to help raise awareness of OneWorld Health’s work to combat the Malaria and Diarrheal Disease plague in Africa. Wrote web/traditional communications content and implemented social media strategies. Coordinated event planning and scheduled interviews for media coverage.

• Boosted media attention of non-profit’s efforts leading to regional and national exposure.
• Increased the organization’s Twitter following by 500% by employing social media strategies and content.

Web Content

Client – New York Foundation, 2019

Revamped website content including reformatting, blog posts, page copy, and boosting engagement for the community organization and advocacy group.

Deputy Director of Media Logistics |The Democratic National Convention, Charlotte, NC, 2012                   

Composed correspondence to national and local media ensuring their logistical needs were met while covering the convention. Procured and assigned hotel assignments.

Radio/TV Booker |Hillary Clinton for President, WDC                                                       2008

Booked television and radio programs for the candidate and surrogates to maximize campaign messaging. Maintained up-to-date lists of press contacts. Identified opportunities for media coverage of the candidate. Establish relationships with media figures facilitating impactful interviews and coverage.

Communications Director |Office of Congressman Joe Sestak, WDC                                  2007

Served as the official spokesperson for Congressman Sestak’s office. Developed and implemented media strategy by composing press releases, speeches, and op-eds. Reviewed and approved messaging and communications between media, constituents, and the Congressman. Wrote and pitched stories to local and national media. Scheduled press conferences and interviews. Created social media presence and drove engagement.

Communications Director |Josh Rales for US Senate, Maryland                                           2006

Scheduled and facilitated editorial board meetings and interviews with national and local media. Directed and guided media strategy for the candidate’s office including establishing a social media footprint. Promoted and composed campaign event marketing materials. Fostered relationships with media outlets to obtain the candidate’s spot in three debates.

Additional Experience

Media Liaison | United Nations Information Centre, WDC

Composed press releases, newsletters, and official statements, and promoted media coverage of UN events. Scheduled interviews/meetings for UN officials and planned press conferences. Organized and staffed events in the Washington, DC area. Kept the New York office aware of the coverage of the work the UN did around the United States and the world.

Publicist |BMG Classics, New York, NY

Developed publicity and media campaigns for artists signed to labels RCA Victor and Wicklow. This was the World Music/Jazz division. Fostered relationships with trade and mainstream media outlets to promote musicians’ latest releases. Worked with radio stations across the country to make sure my artists’ music was played.

National Advance Staff |Kerry/Edwards Campaign, White House Office of Presidential Advance, Gore/Liberman Campaign, Clinton/Gore Campaign

Led press advance activities including marketing for events and assisting media staff to maximize messaging. Planned and executed events for candidates such as rallies, town hall meetings, and fundraisers. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/French | Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate | Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

Internship at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD