Deputy + Commentary Editor

• Nov 2022 - Present

Samantha is currently Commentary and Deputy Editor at the Virginia Mercury, one of the state’s leading nonprofit newsrooms. In this role, she edits columns from a slate of experienced writers on a variety of topics including politics and state government, the environment, health, education and Virginia's Black history. In this role, Samantha also writes frequent columns for the Mercury on issues of importance to Virginians, offering reported commentary and critical analysis of current and cultural topics. Samantha also helps edits the Mercury's daily news reporting, and long-form journalism from freelance writers centering Virginia-based stories. Show less

Co-Creator, The Unmasking Series

• Oct 2016 - Present

In 2016, while working full time as arts editor at Richmond Magazine, I co-created the Unmasking Series, a multi-day, anti-racism dialogue and workshop program. The series began in Richmond after a blackface scandal rocked the city (#UnmaskingRVA). The Unmasking Series continued in Charlottesville (#UnmaskingCville) in June 2018, nearly a year after white supremacist groups brought deadly violence to the city. In partnership with Virginia Humanities and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, I developed and presented an Unmasking program in the south Hampton Roads region (#UnmaskingHR) in October and November 2019. Most recently, in April 2021, I co-created Unmasking Peninsula (#UnmaskingPeninsula) – a totally virtual, two day series focused on race- and gender-based trauma – with Hampton University political science professor Dr. Sarita McCoy Gregory, in partnership with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Show less

Editorial Producer

• Aug 2021 - Feb 2023

-Research/outline/pitch story ideas-Arrange and conduct interviews -Write scripts for weekly, half hour television broadcast-Collaborate with crew members on story shoots-Work to boost show's community engagement by building relationships with diverse individuals and organizations throughout the state.

Editorial Producer (Consultancy)

• Apr 2021 - Aug 2021

Pulling from her decade of broadcast, print, and digital media experience, Willis helps shape the format and content of VPM's forthcoming TV news show. The show, to debut in Jan. 2022, is a weekly half-hour television broadcast framing statewide news through a lens of in-depth reporting on the week’s most pressing issues. Viewers can expect nuanced coverage of politics, race, business, health, our environment, science, arts, and culture.

Independent Journalist and Writer

• Jul 2017 - Sep 2021

I contributed to leading publications including Glamour Magazine, Essence Magazine, HuffPost Life, DownBeat Magazine, Scalawag Magazine, and the Columbia Journalism Review, and within a wide range of Virginia-based media including The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly, Richmond Magazine, the Virginia Mercury, The Richmond Free Press, Vinegar Hill Magazine, WRIC 8News, NBC 12News, Virginia Living, Boomer Magazine, among others. I contributed to leading publications including Glamour Magazine, Essence Magazine, HuffPost Life, DownBeat Magazine, Scalawag Magazine, and the Columbia Journalism Review, and within a wide range of Virginia-based media including The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly, Richmond Magazine, the Virginia Mercury, The Richmond Free Press, Vinegar Hill Magazine, WRIC 8News, NBC 12News, Virginia Living, Boomer Magazine, among others.

Arts & Entertainment Editor

• Jul 2016 - Jul 2017

Online Editor/Associate Editor

• Jun 2015 - Jun 2016

I managed the website and social media channels of Richmond magazine, a locally-owned, monthly print publication. I wrote articles for the website and print magazine, as well as edited content for R•Home Magazine and Richmond Bride magazine, subsidiary publications. My most frequent contributions were to the Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle and Education sections of the magazine. My first full-length feature, on the history and evolution of gospel music in Richmond, was published in January 2016. In addition, I served as lead editor of Richmond magazine's September 2015 College Guide and The Complete Sourcebook 2016 (February issue). In these roles, I assigned stories to writers, managed the editorial process, collaborated with our art department on the look of the spreads and compiled tuition/registration information on Virginia's private and public colleges and universities, as well as Census data on Richmond-area demographics in 1960 and 2010.I worked with the Circulation and Event Director to improve the digital promotion of the magazine and increase subscriptions. Show less

Digital Content Manager

• Feb 2014 - May 2015

I managed the website and social media profiles of Richmond ABC affiliate television station, WRIC TV8. I worked with a team of digital content producers to craft content customized for our online audience, and used analytics to measure our effectiveness and determine our digital strategy. I worked closely with the Director of Digital Sales (on digital ads and social media campaigns), Creative Services Director (on graphics/art for our website and social media channels, and making sure our digital strategy coincided with the broadcast strategy), News Director (on writing and sharing news content and planning/executing digital campaigns during Neilsen Ratings Periods (sweeps), on-air talent (on ensuring their social media profiles were accurate and accessible, and promoting their stories on our website and Facebook/Twitter pages), engineers (to enable live streaming of our newscasts) and newsroom producers (on popular online content to add to the daily "What's Trending"​ segment in 5:30 and 11 p.m. broadcasts, as well as identifying our online content with the greatest reach, so producers could include in their newscasts). I also managed the digital arm of special projects like "8News on the Move," "Coats for Kids,"​ "100,000 Meals" and more. During the merging of Media General and LIN Media, I oversaw the complete redesign of wric.com, and prepared our digital content for its new website hosting platform, WordPress. I trained our newsroom staff members on how to add content to the all-new WRIC.com, and routed technical issues to the correct teams at LIN Media. In this fast-paced environment, I learned to expertly multi-task and was able to write and edit my work and that of others without sacrificing quality. I also communicated frequently with public figures, local/state officials, and members of the public to gather information on news stories to publish on our site/social media. Show less

Editorial Assistant

• Dec 2013 - Feb 2014

In my role as an editorial assistant to nationally recognized author, film producer and educational/arts consultant Evans D. Hopkins ("Life After Life", Simon & Schuster), my duties included: -Providing detailed written and verbal feedback on various fiction and nonfiction projects and proposals, in relation to elements including tone, consistency, etc. -Recording and transcribing editorial sessions with author. -Researching/outlining social media marketing strategies for various written projects, as well as community programs. -Assisting author in preparation for meetings with community leaders and organizations. -Preparing correspondence on author's behalf. -Creating and maintaining author's profile on various social media platforms -More information on Mr. Hopkins' work: Official Simon & Schuster Author's Page: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Evans-D-Hopkins/19455420 The New Yorker article, "Letter from Prison: Lockdown" http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1997/02/24/1997_02_24_066_TNY_CARDS_000376406 The National Civil Rights Speakers and Training Bureau Profile: http://www.civilrightsspeakers.com/evanhopkinsbio.html Evans Hopkins interviewed by NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4647771 Show less

Digital Content Producer

• Apr 2012 - May 2013

I managed digital content of the WRIC website (www.wric.com), as well as social media platforms. My duties included Facebook/Twitter content management, writing and editing original articles based off of reporter's notes/scripts and uploading them to the 8News website, researching news events and information on various digital platforms, and writing promotional copy for contests/giveaways. I worked in an exciting environment, with talented journalists and media professionals to create and promote accurate, detailed news reports for the 8News web presence. Show less

Publisher and Senior Editor

• Jul 2011 - Apr 2012

I operated as publisher and senior editor at Capital City Books, LLC, a small writers' press in Richmond, VA. We published a variety of unique books, by a host of talented authors. My company also provided a range of editorial and writing services, including copy and developmental editing, proofreading, ghostwriting, and writing coaching.

Associate Editor

• Jun 2010 - Jul 2011

I offered editorial and writing services to Capital City Books, a small book publisher in Richmond, VA. I provided both copy and developmental editing, as well as ghostwriting to a variety of clients, while working with an experienced team of publishers, authors, and artists.

Freelance Writer and Editor

• Dec 2008 - Feb 2010

Produced articles, short stories and reviews as a freelance writer for a variety of companies and websites, including The Herald Progress Newspaper (internship position), The Little Adventures Blog, Radio One Richmond websites (KISS 105.7 and PRAISE 104.7) and the One Kind Word Project Blog. At the request of clients, edited various types of written work, including academic papers (dissertations, term papers, etc.), professional resumes, creative pieces, and personal essays. Produced articles, short stories and reviews as a freelance writer for a variety of companies and websites, including The Herald Progress Newspaper (internship position), The Little Adventures Blog, Radio One Richmond websites (KISS 105.7 and PRAISE 104.7) and the One Kind Word Project Blog. At the request of clients, edited various types of written work, including academic papers (dissertations, term papers, etc.), professional resumes, creative pieces, and personal essays.

Unit Director

• Aug 2005 - Mar 2008

Worked with middle school-aged youth in an after-school program at Christiansburg Middle School. In addition to following BGC of America guidelines and policies, I created and implemented a variety of educational and recreational activities and opportunities within my unit. I managed a team of 3-5 Youth Development Professionals, by providing guidance and support, as well as other managerial services and duties (reviewed and approved timesheets, generated weekly and monthly reports that were submitted to the Area Director, met with school and community officials to discuss and implement the best programs and information to the youth, etc.). In this position, I had the opportunity to partner with various community organizations and vendors to raise money and awareness for BGC of America, and submitted information that helped secure a federal grant of over $4,000 for my and two other neighboring units. Show less