About Me
I like to call this section "my unabridged elevator pitch."
Bio
I obtained my undergraduate degree in English from NIU, where I strengthened my writing and critical thinking skills in addition to analyzing literature. I put this knowledge to good use through administrative internships with local government municipalities and nonprofit organizations prior to graduation in December 2009. I landed a freelance SEO writing position shortly after, during which I gained experience in writing web content and using various content management systems.
In addition to freelance writing I held various content marketing positions, working in industries such as Software-as-a-Service, NonProfit, Digital Media, and Higher Education.
Throughout my professional career, I have continuously sought to adapt to the digital environment and advance in my line of work. I earned my first master's degree in New Media Studies at DePaul University in June 2013, where I expanded my skill set to include graphic design, web development, and UX/UI. I earned a second master's degree in Business Analytics from Lewis University in December 2018, where I obtained skills in database management, data analysis, and relationship visualization.
During my professional experience, I've continued to earn higher levels of responsibility over time by taking ownership of large-scale projects in fast-paced environments and working with staff across multiple departments. I've assumed the role of project manager from concept to completion and developed new leadership skills accordingly - all while gaining expertise in marketing communications strategy, execution, and measurement.
Outside of the Office
As far as non-professional aspirations go, I'm a huge bookworm. Feel free to find me on Goodreads. I'm so much of a bookworm, in fact, that I began writing book reviews for The Nerd Cantina website and eventually began conducting author interviews and contributing to The Nerd Cantina Show podcast. When the original hosts decided to discontinue the website and show, I developed my own blog/"spin-off" project in November 2023, creating the Cantina Book Club website and Cantina Book Club Podcast. I greatly enjoy interviewing authors and helping to promote their work, while also exercising my content creation skillset and connecting with the bookish community.
I love to travel to new places, both in the U.S. and around the world. I love learning about regional history and cultures, how to speak the local language(s), and trying all types of cuisine.
An active lifestyle is also important to me. I have completed distances from 5K-15K, a few half marathons, and finished the entire 26.2 miles at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2014 and 2018). Thanks to all of these athletic endeavors, I've raised thousands of dollars for various charities, including the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Les Turner ALS Foundation, and the American Institute for Cancer Research.
When I'm not running or reading, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two children, and fur baby - all of whom have supported me throughout my professional and personal endeavors.
Moving Forward
Not only do I possess skills very relevant to today's digital environment (in addition to print), but I am confident that my professional and personal experiences have prepared me for anything that comes my way. I am a life-long learner who possesses skills that can be applied to nearly any industry.
Time and time again I have proven to myself and others that I can rise to any challenges that come with new territory. Let's collaborate to find out how I can bring my skills, experience, and strong work ethic to your marketing and communications projects so we can accomplish something together.
