Marketing Communications Consultant

• Mar 2022 - Present

Provide recommendations for communication and content strategies for internal and external audiences to the Executive Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute, including guidance on writing, editing and brand positioning for various media platforms. Provide recommendations for communication and content strategies for internal and external audiences to the Executive Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute, including guidance on writing, editing and brand positioning for various media platforms.

Acting Director of Executive Communications

• Jan 2023 - Mar 2023

Co-created and implemented a vibrant, engaging social media strategy to introduce and engage San José State University's first Latina and fourth woman president with the SJSU community and beyond. My work, which was supported by an incredibly talented team, is regarded as a model for how best to welcome and represent a new president of a higher education institution by other California State University presidents and the CSU Chancellor's Office. Researched and developed detailed and relevant talking points and scripts for external and internal events and videos. Helped develop and launch an aligned communication strategy between the president and SJSU's main communication platforms, including social media, website and Washington Square magazine. Show less

Assistant Director of Editorial Content and Storytelling

• Jul 2022 - Jan 2023

Served as leader on the University Marketing and Communications team, providing writing, editorial, editing, social media and brand style guidance where needed, leading to support as acting director of executive communications for the new president.Helped lead the Washington Square Magazine to a CASE Award for Best Online Magazine, district 7. Managed print and digital distribution strategy for the magazine, with a 90+K print run and online version with exclusive online content. Continued to develop beat system; supporting College of Science, Mineta Transportation Institute, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Engineering, and the Division of Research and Innovation with writing, social media and storytelling. Co-created and implemented a comprehensive content strategy for SJSU NewsCenter and Washington Square Magazine.Served as point person for voiceovers for internal video needs, writing and editing scripts as needed. Show less

Assistant Director of Editorial Content and News

• Jan 2021 - Jun 2022

On week one, began establishing and managing university's editorial and brand voice, tone and key messages, providing narrative content guidance and guidelines for the University Marketing and Communication team's webpages and brand/content style guide.Created and implemented "beat style" editorial system to promote the university’s academic and research endeavors as well as stories of students, faculty, staff and alumni by building relationships directly with the college leaders and stakeholders.Conceptualized and wrote news stories to support the Provost's office, the College of Professional and Global Education, Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. Library, the College of Graduate Studies and the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business.Served as co-managing editor of the university and alumni magazine: Washington Square. I helped reimagine the publication from an alumni magazine to speak to and reflect interests of the entire campus community, launched a online version of the magazine on a novel digital platform, and collaborated on a full redesign of the print edition after a nearly three-year pause due to the pandemic.Supervised and managed the performance of two university writer and copy editors, providing context and vision, guiding research and interview approaches, supporting relationship building with stakeholders, providing editorial feedback, editing and approving final copy.Wrote, reviewed and edited overall social media content creation for SJSU's primary platforms, supported strategy.Collaborate on major campaigns, including writing and voicing video scripts for internal and external communications. Highlights: Impact campaign commercial, which aired on major Bay Area television during the 2021 Summer Olympics in prime time and 2022 College of Graduate Studies admissions commercial for YouTube and social media. Helped lead the redesign and relaunch of the SJSU NewsCenter website in my first year. Show less

Marketing Writer

• Sep 2018 - Jan 2021

Conceptualized, wrote and edited compelling content across channels for Leeds' internal and external audiences; co-manage Leeds' social media, including strategy and campaign development and content creation; supervised and mentored student writers. Built relationships to create greater collaboration and engagement with stakeholders from around Leeds and the campus, and learned from their expertise to enhance content development across channels and campaigns. Contributed to a collaborative team culture, sharing responsibilities and developing working relationships with others that reflect respect for differing approaches. Assisted in development and launch of Leeds' rebrand, including the launch of a new website (UX, navigation and content creation) as well the development of Leeds' first brand style guide and related communications across channels. I also produced content, edited and helped develop the strategy and social media to rebrand and relaunch the school magazine Business at Leeds. Show less

Sr. Writer & Content Producer

• Jun 2017 - Aug 2018

Managed content for major sections of champlain.edu (~300+ webpages in the CMS); assisted with UX and content development and information architecture for the relaunch of Student Stories, Giving and Centers of Experience sections on the website.Wrote, edited, fact-checked and proofread compelling, benefit-driven, audience-appropriate marketing copy across print and digital channels for the university that consistent with Champlain College's brand voice, tone and style, mission and strategic direction.Collaborated with internal stakeholders across university departments to gain understanding of new programs or campaigns, and developed engaging collateral to meet communication needs.Led photo and video shoot coordination, assisted in video content development (e.g., script writing and voice talent) and served as onsite manager for shoots. Advised faculty on marketing-related considerations on the implementation of curriculum changes and how to market new programs in print and digital media. Managed and mentored a team of student writers and oversaw student-produced blogs for Champlain's Admissions team. Show less

Marketing Copywriter & Content Producer

• Aug 2015 - Jun 2017

Manager

• May 2014 - Apr 2015

Oversaw FOH operations for a modern, upscale gastropub; supervising a staff of 10+ servers, hosts, back servers and bartenders for regular dinner services and special events. Facilitated daily pre-service meetings, including educational wine and beer tastings and food pairings and provided service notes for the evening. Made relational contact with guests, touching tables and ensuring their dining experiences were meeting expectations in order to encourage repeat business and customer loyalty. Show less

Wine Educator and Writer

• Jun 2008 - Jun 2013

Wrote feature articles on wine and relevant topics for varied quarterly and monthly wine clubs newsletters. Provided an informative and fun customer experience to all guests at the oldest tasting room on Monterey's historic Cannery Row. Took pride in sharing the story of the Bargetto family and their wine journey as the oldest continuously operating winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Continued to write for newsletter for ~2 years after leaving the Monterey area. Wrote feature articles on wine and relevant topics for varied quarterly and monthly wine clubs newsletters. Provided an informative and fun customer experience to all guests at the oldest tasting room on Monterey's historic Cannery Row. Took pride in sharing the story of the Bargetto family and their wine journey as the oldest continuously operating winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Continued to write for newsletter for ~2 years after leaving the Monterey area.

Copywriter & Marketing Coordinator

• Sep 2007 - Jan 2012

Wrote and edited creative copy for print catalogs, e-commerce and content-driven websites, including product activity guides, instruction manuals, trade show and sales collateral. Created and managed social media content for @ECNews (Early Childhood News), helping to establish their early presence and initial follower base. The Twitter feed now has 18K+ followers. Developed original children’s arts and crafts projects to promote company’s products in weekly email campaigns, on the Discount School Supply website and for their BioColor and Kids’ Crafts iPad apps. Show less