Bonniejean Alford

Creative Brand, Identity, and Word Strategist | Creativity Coach | Editor | Word Artist | Speaker at Alford Enterprises
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Wheaton, Illinois, United States, US
Languages
  • Spanish Limited working proficiency
  • Sign Languages Elementary proficiency
  • English Native or bilingual proficiency
  • English, Middle (1100-1500) Limited working proficiency
  • English, Old (ca.450-1100) Limited working proficiency
  • Arabic Elementary proficiency
  • Japanese Elementary proficiency
Skills

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Jenifer Tull-Gauger

I have known Bonniejean for 30 years and can attest that she embodies what she preaches through her writing and speaking engagements. She seeks equity for all as they come to realize their identity. To deal with issues, Bonniejean engages with people as whole individuals, pointing out negative and toxic behaviors, rather than judging the person. When it comes to supporting writers and creative types, Bonniejean is an excellent coach, skilled editor and proficient proofreader. She understands all aspects of preparing a manuscript and transforming it into a polished, professional, publishable work. She treats clients and employees in a fair, just and compassionate manner. I appreciate Bonniejean’s encouragement in my writing ideas and projects. She is willing to take the time to lend a hand like when she brainstormed headlines with me. She gave me great feedback on the impression that each headline made and had many suggestions to consider. Bonniejean is bighearted and creative in lending her encouragement. I highly recommend bringing Bonniejean on for all phases of any project.

LinkedIn User

Bonnijean is a true dedicated professional. I met Bonniejean over a decade ago as college student. Since then, I have worked with her both personally and professionally. Anyone would be lucky enough to work with her as a small business owner and entrepreneur. I highly recommend using her services for your communications, artist, and writing needs.

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Credentials

  • Teacher Leadership Microcredential
    Illinois Opportunity Coalition
    May, 2023
    - Oct, 2024
  • Building Opportunity
    Illinois Opportunity Coalition
    May, 2022
    - Oct, 2024
  • Creative Writing Certificate
    College of DuPage
    May, 2022
    - Oct, 2024
  • Leaders for Just Schools
    Illinois Opportunity Coalition
    Apr, 2021
    - Oct, 2024
  • Master Online Teacher Certificate
    University of Illinois Springfield
    Dec, 2020
    - Oct, 2024

Experience

  • Alford Enterprises
    • United States
    • Writing and Editing
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Creative Brand, Identity, and Word Strategist | Creativity Coach | Editor | Word Artist | Speaker
      • May 1999 - Present

      • Founded the company to provide clients with a multi-faceted approach to communication, public relations, and marketing projects with specific focus in writing, editing, research, and brand messaging. • Focuses work on assisting clients in finding and communicating their identity and branding. • Work collaboratively with more than 500 clients to timely complete projects based in solid research, many of which are long term. • Write marketing copy capturing the voice of the client while eloquently communicating brand and purpose to the intended audience. • Prepare various collateral for communicating brand messaging, including website copy, eBooks, brochures, and radio advertisements. • Write and/or edit for blogs, newsletters, and magazines to convey a variety of messages from education to sales, all lining up with client identity. • Create résumé packages for hundreds of clients with a near 100% rate of conversion to interviews and a greater than 90% rate of job acquisition. • Conduct market research as preparation for writing copy and product branding. • Plan and execute events including fundraising, educational conferences, and trainings, with successful outcomes including record breaking attendance and funds raised. • Conduct research for private clients as preparation for writing their family stories. • Photograph over 200 special events or individuals to document the family or event. • Partial Client List: Cultivate Excellence, StarChapter, GaggleAMP, The Chicago Ensemble, Michelle Areyzaga (Soprano), Harold Dennis (actor), Connie Podesta (speaker/author), Capital Education, Stewart Private Capital, the Young Adult Ministry Program for the Catholic Diocese, Celeste Martino (Soprano), Cook County Department of Public Health, NiPDi, CSUF Dean of Students’ Office, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Show less

  • Bonniejean Alford (in conjunction with Alford Enterprises)
    • Word Artist | Novelist | Poet | Journalist | Actress | Photographer
      • Jan 1991 - Present

      • Write poems to express emotion and commemorate important life moments (birth, marriage, and death). • Write novels in a variety of genres, including Science Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Crime. • Writing two memoirs focusing on key aspects of my uniquely lived life. • Working collaboratively on a musical with another author. • Take artistic photographs. • Perform in plays, films, or other acting opportunities. • Curate and write for an academic style blog designed as assignment for class. Some current works as of 2015 (for newer list of publications visit https://bonniejeanalford.net/Publications.html): Articles • "Five Lives Stolen but Teach Valuable Lesson" published in online magazine at www.breatheagainmagazine.com. Poetry • Various poems submitted (30+) for 2015 Poem-A-Day Challenge, Writer's Digest. Can be viewed at http://gowrite.me/pad.pl?writer=Bonniejean+Alford++%2839%29&day=year_2015&q=Full-text+search Photographs • Photo of Performer in "The Mash" April 2014. • "Finding the Normal." Photographic essay with nine photographs on display at the Awakenings Foundation and Gallery from August 2010 to March 2011. • "Refugee Children at Play," "Refugee Home," and "Refugee Camp." 2001 in Prism magazine Volume 8:5, September/October. • "Refugee Child with Food." 2002 in Timeless Wishes by Owing Mills, March. Acting • Aunt in student film "Missing Piece." 2017 • Extra/photographer "Not Another Black Movie." 2016. • Extra as zombie/victim in "Not Another Zombie Movie...About the Living Dead." 2014. • Monologue "reclaiming Cunt" in "The Vagina Monologues, Spring 2013. • Privileged woman in "The Color of My Eyes" by Ne-Ke's Theatre Company May 2012. • Crying mother in "Grounded", student film December 2011. Show less

  • Parking Lot Press, L.L.C.
    • Book and Periodical Publishing
    • Chief Publishing Officer
      • Jul 2021 - Present

      Founded to provide new and emerging authors a traditional publishing space. Currently preparing debut author books to release in 2023 and 2024. Review submissions for consideration of signing. Prepare contracts with authors. Founded to provide new and emerging authors a traditional publishing space. Currently preparing debut author books to release in 2023 and 2024. Review submissions for consideration of signing. Prepare contracts with authors.

  • Toastmasters: Breakfast Club, Kickstarters, Windy City Professional Speakers, and other clubs
    • Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) | President | VP Education | VP Public Relations | VP Membership
      • Jul 2017 - Present

      • Joined Toastmasters to enhance speaking skills on a journey to becoming a motivational speaker. • Completed Competent Communicator manual in just 4 months and 9 days. • Compete in competitions, placing 2nd in Area for Humorous (Fall 2017), 2nd in Area for International (Spring 2018), 2nd for Area for Table Topics (Spring 2018), 1st in Area for International and Table Topics (Spring 2020), 2nd in Area for Humorous (Fall 2020), • Appointed Vice President of Education in January 2018. • Elected to additional officer roles over time. • Appointed as Area Director, leading to a distinguished Area. • Assist fellow members with their pursuit of educational goals. • Attend trainings and guide the club on the international transition from the current educational path to the new Pathways educational plan. • Prepare and give speeches. • Conduct evaluations of speeches presented by other members. • Participate in agenda management roles, including Toastmaster and Table Topics Master. • Completed DTM in less than 2 years, with a second and third each requiring one additional requirement. Show less

  • College of DuPage
    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Adjunct Instructor
      • Jan 2007 - Jun 2023

      • Market and teach Sociology courses to a vast array of students. • Create lesson plans, prepare exams, create assignments, and grade student performance. • Manage classroom activities, including difficult students and problematic subject matter. • Informally guide students on course selection and career advancement. • Attend campus meetings, serve on campus committees, and make presentations at various conferences. • Courses taught: Family, Criminology, Social Problems, Social Change, Introduction to Sociology, Sex, Gender, and Power, and others. • Named Social Sciences Divisional Outstanding Part-Time Faculty of the Year at College of DuPage (2013). • Serve as Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Policy, and Vice President in CODAA, the Adjunct Union at College of DuPage. • Act as representative on the campus-wide Shared Governance Council at College of DuPage from October 2016 to December 2018, and sporadically as needed following. • Perform as Vice Chair for Shared Governance Council at College of DuPage during Spring 2018. • Perform as Chair for Shared Governance Council at College of DuPage during Fall 2018. • Serve formally on the Academic Committee, Long-range Strategic Planning Committee, and The DEI Hiring committee. • Named 2022 NCHE-NEA Higher Educator of the Year in part for work at College of DuPage. Show less

  • U.S. Census Bureau
    • United States
    • Government Administration
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Enumerator (Census Taker)
      • Jun 2020 - Sep 2020

      • Interview citizens in English or Spanish who have not yet completed their census forms. • Complete census forms based on the information gathered during the interviews. • Handled difficult citizen interviews that several other enumerators had been unable to close out. • Completed assignment with Pandemic Protocols in place. • Interview citizens in English or Spanish who have not yet completed their census forms. • Complete census forms based on the information gathered during the interviews. • Handled difficult citizen interviews that several other enumerators had been unable to close out. • Completed assignment with Pandemic Protocols in place.

  • College Preparatory School of America
    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Social Science Teacher/Assistant Director of Forensics
      • Aug 2019 - Nov 2019

      Teach AP US History, AP US Government, and AP Microeconomics to tenth and eleventh graders. Assist with coaching speech and debate. Teach AP US History, AP US Government, and AP Microeconomics to tenth and eleventh graders. Assist with coaching speech and debate.

  • Glenbard High School District #87 Board of Education
    • Candidate, unsuccessful bid (as Bonniejean Alford Hinde)
      • Dec 2016 - Apr 2017

      • Collected more than 100 signatures for inclusion on the ballot (only 50 were required). • Prepared platform statements. • Created website and social media presence for represention of platform. • Managed social media presence. • Engaged with voters by attending events, answering/making phone calls, responding to social media messages, and sharing material. • Attended board meetings and local political events (forums, debates, and meet and greets). • Sought campaign contributors and and manage budget. • Created and distribute marketing materials. • Earned endorsements from the Glenbard Education Association and The Daily Herald, among others. • Did not receive enough votes to unseat the incumbents, but ran a solid race. • Followed up loss with application to serve as citizen representative on a committee. Show less

  • Various Colleges and Universities
    • Music
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Adjunct Instructor
      • Aug 2000 - Dec 2015

      Saint Xavier University, Northeastern Illinois, Kendall College, University of Illinois at Chicago, Dominican University, Roosevelt University, Lewis University, Aurora University, Northern Illinois University, and Morton College. • Market and teach Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Communication courses to a vast array of students. • Create lesson plans, prepare exams, create assignments, and grade student performance. • Manage classroom activities, including difficult students and problematic subject matter. • Advise students on course selection and career advancement. • Attend campus meetings, serve on campus committees, and make presentations at various conferences. • Courses taught: Family, Crime Victims, Race and Ethnicity, Social Work, Social Change, Urban Studies, Social Justice, Political Sociology, Social Deviance, Conflict and mediation studies, Introduction to Sociology, Group Profiling, Introduction to Communication, and others. • Participated in assessment training while at Northeastern Illinois University. Show less

  • Joshua Johnston Fine Arts and Design Charter High School
    • English, Theatre, and Speech Teacher
      • Feb 2013 - Jun 2013

      • Came in mid-year to teach English, Theatre, and Speech to high risk students at the prologue charter school. • Work on special projects with other staff members including year book, planning spirit events, and student performance show cases. • Advise students with regard to future plans, including application for college or jobs. • Reach out to financial resources to help raise funds for the school. • Came in mid-year to teach English, Theatre, and Speech to high risk students at the prologue charter school. • Work on special projects with other staff members including year book, planning spirit events, and student performance show cases. • Advise students with regard to future plans, including application for college or jobs. • Reach out to financial resources to help raise funds for the school.

  • Tastefully Simple
    • United States
    • Food & Beverages
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant
      • Oct 2005 - Dec 2010

      • Work as an independent direct sales consultant for Tastefully Simple products. • Maintain client lists, plan parties with hosts, and create monthly newsletter. • Create marketing and public relation mini-campaigns for my personal business that coincide with the corporate marketing incentives, without contradicting them. • Work as an independent direct sales consultant for Tastefully Simple products. • Maintain client lists, plan parties with hosts, and create monthly newsletter. • Create marketing and public relation mini-campaigns for my personal business that coincide with the corporate marketing incentives, without contradicting them.

    • Enumerator (Census Taker)
      • Apr 2010 - Jul 2010

      • Interview citizens in English or Spanish who have not yet completed their census forms. • Complete census forms based on the information gathered during the interviews. • Handled difficult citizen interviews that several other enumerators had been unable to close out. • Interview citizens in English or Spanish who have not yet completed their census forms. • Complete census forms based on the information gathered during the interviews. • Handled difficult citizen interviews that several other enumerators had been unable to close out.

  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    • United States
    • Performing Arts
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Crowd Management Associate
      • Sep 2006 - Dec 2007

      • Prepare and distribute programs. • Assist with patron needs. • Direct patron traffic. • Manage radio communication between management and floor personnel. • Prepare and distribute programs. • Assist with patron needs. • Direct patron traffic. • Manage radio communication between management and floor personnel.

  • Rape Victim Advocates
    • 3rd level Advocate and Sexual Assault Medical Advocate (volunteer)
      • May 2001 - Jun 2006

      • Work with clients as an advocate for their rights as a sexual assault survivor. • Provide information to clients and act as a liaison between them and police, medical staff, and other individuals. • Promoted to 3rd level in 2003, which involved being a line of contact for other medical advocates with questions and concerns. • Also gave presentations on rape, the rape awareness movement, and rights for survivors. • Won All Around Advocate Award twice (2004 and 2005) • Work with clients as an advocate for their rights as a sexual assault survivor. • Provide information to clients and act as a liaison between them and police, medical staff, and other individuals. • Promoted to 3rd level in 2003, which involved being a line of contact for other medical advocates with questions and concerns. • Also gave presentations on rape, the rape awareness movement, and rights for survivors. • Won All Around Advocate Award twice (2004 and 2005)

  • Great Cities Institute
    • United States
    • Research Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Research Assistant
      • Sep 2002 - Jan 2003

      • Conducted research regarding Arabs and Arab Americans and the effect September 11th had on their identity issues, as well as other issues. • Much of the research was conducted online and in newspapers, but also includes traditional methods as well including interviews and surveys. • Attended specialized training in the U.S. Census 2000 database provided by the U.S. Federal Government. • Conducted research regarding Arabs and Arab Americans and the effect September 11th had on their identity issues, as well as other issues. • Much of the research was conducted online and in newspapers, but also includes traditional methods as well including interviews and surveys. • Attended specialized training in the U.S. Census 2000 database provided by the U.S. Federal Government.

  • California State University, Fullerton
    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Research Assistant, Center for Demographic Research
      • May 1999 - Jul 2000

      • Assigned to the Orange County Probation’s research department. • Handled all data collection regarding the youth in the Repeat Offender Prevention Program (ROPP) and their control group counterparts.• Participated in program events to note key changes for youth participants in the program.

    • CommUNITY Connection Project Director and Graduate Assistant
      • Oct 1998 - May 2000

      Community-based Learning and Service Center• Assisted in program maintenance, including data entry, advisement of students, filing, survey research, attendance/presentations at conferences, and managing project directors. • Specifically in charge of Make A Difference Day and other mass volunteer events (2 per year).• Ran the project “Hunger Coalition” during times in which there was no permanent project director.• Designed and implemented “CommUNITY Connection”, a project designed to connect volunteers with underprivileged members of society, including elderly and orphaned children.• Maintained communication with community organizations for the benefit of the programs including writing press releases and taking photographs. Show less

Education

  • College of DuPage
    Creative Writing
  • Northern Illinois University
    Master of Arts - MA, Communication
    2008 - 2009
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
    All But Dissertation (PhD), Sociology - International Comparative and Asian Societies (ICAS)
    2000 - 2005
  • California State University, Fullerton
    Master of Arts - MA, Sociology (Applied Social Research)
    1998 - 2000
  • Northern Illinois University
    BS, Sociology (criminology), English minor
    1993 - 1997
  • Dunlap High School
    High School diploma, High School
    1992 - 1993
  • Chaffey High School
    I moved Senior year of High School, High School
    1989 - 1992

Community

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