Bio
1990
I began work at Clearvue/eav, an educational audio/visual company, where I produced videos on history, art and social studies for grades K-12. I wrote scripts, directed shoots and performed voice overs. I was also responsible for the design and layout of the supporting teacher manuals.
1991
I joined Savvy Works, Ltd., a communications firm whose primary client list included the U.S. Departments of Energy, Defense and Interior, and the White House Office of Science and Technology. I was a senior video producer and exhibit designer on communication initiatives for these agencies and their contractors. The projects required translating complex, technical information for delivery to non-technical audiences. Working across a variety of media and for diverse audiences (from senators to educators), I developed consistent messaging that was factual and neutral in the controversial area of nuclear waste cleanup.
1998
I began freelancing as a video producer and print designer (Gravity Productions), working primarily on corporate communications projects. I produced several advocacy-related videos for Chicago Video Project, an organization that uses media for social causes. I also co-produced and directed an independent movie called The Orphan Saint, a mock documentary about a small town where the people are convinced they have a saint living among them. The Orphan Saint received Critic's Choice in the Chicago Reader.
2000
I joined Cognitive Arts (an e-learning company) in order to gain experience in web development. In my role as a senior project manager, I supervised on and offshore teams of content developers, software engineers and designers. I spearheaded several internal initiatives, including the establishment of practices to ensure proper representation of clients' brands in the learning systems. I developed resources to support the business development teams and defined systems to manage communication with offshore teams.
2005
I joined a start up called See3 Media as their VP of Creative Services. I defined See3's services and product offering, and developed their marketing communications plan. I created systems and templates for staff to use for client presentations and business development. I also acted in the role of producer for several media projects, which included account and project management, writing design briefs and scripts. I produced concept papers and designs for the first version of DoGooderTV, a website to showcase media produced by non-profits.
2006
I joined Oprah's Angel Network where I worked first as a Program Manager, overseeing the delivery of a national youth-directed, social action initiative called O Ambassadors. In 2007, I was promoted to the position of Communications Officer for the Angel Network and The Oprah Winfrey Foundation and was responsible for promoting the programs and accomplishments of the grantees. In this role, I led a strategic initiative to define a new program development model and supporting communication plan for the Angel Network, managing various internal stakeholders and overseeing the creation of all communication materials, including a new identity and an online community for the Angel Network. The website received an Honoree Webby in the Social Networking category in the 2010 annual Webby Awards.
2010
I directed the Hive Chicago Learning Network from November 2010-March 2013. A learning network is a concept being developed as part of the MacArthur Foundation's Digital Media and Learning (DML) initiative. The research efforts in DML have focused on the impact of digital media on today's learners. Learning networks in NYC and Chicago were formed to demonstrate how a city might utilize and connect its learning institutions in order to increase the number of learning opportunities, bridge informal and formal learning experiences, and find ways to elevate or recognize the achievements of young people as they learn outside of the classroom. My work and interest on this project was focused on shifting the way learning is defined and articulated. Operating on the metaphor of a city as a learning platform, I worked to create an identity and operational model for a Learning Network that would shift education to learning, recognize the vast pool of human resources available to mentor and guide young people, and create systems to make visible the learning experiences that take place every day, proving that learning is not bound by location or time.
2015
As the first communications manager for Kinship Foundation (the private operating foundation for the Searle family), I directed communications for programs related to conservation, local food systems, and biomedical research. The position required elevating the Foundation’s profile among its grantees and partners and finding creative ways to engage family members in the work. I redesigned the recruitment campaign for Kinship Conservation Fellows, a global conservation training program, moving away from fact-based messaging about the program to using first-person stories to attract new candidates. The campaigns for the Fellowship not only boosted the number of applicants per recruitment cycle but also re-engaged existing members of the Fellows community.
I developed the communications to support internal initiative called The Year of Philanthropy (2016), a celebration of the Searle Family’s philanthropic efforts and legacy. Family members took part in regional dinners, visited the Kinship Fellows program, toured Lincoln Park Zoo, and attended the Food to Market Challenge Pitch Event. At the annual Family Reunion sessions spanning two days featured discussions and presentations by Family members about their philanthropic interests.
2019
I built the communications department from the ground up at the Walder Foundation, a private family foundation with funding interests in life science research, the environment, performing arts, immigration, and Jewish causes. As the director of communications, I spearheaded the launch of numerous high-profile projects spanning the foundation's diverse funding interests, including the Resilient by Nature Project, a project engaging conservation leaders to implement nature-based solutions in Chicago neighborhoods, and Chicago Takes 10, a virtual performance series to support performing artists and arts organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal projects
Brand development for Chicago’s 49th Ward Alderwoman, Maria Hadden. Designed Maria’s logo and visual brand elements. Consulted on brand development for the election campaign and designed campaign mailers.
Director/co-producer of “The Orphan Saint” (independent movie). The Orphan Saint premiered at the Gene Siskel Film Center on January 27, 2001 to a sold-out audience of 300. It received Critic's Choice in The Chicago Reader.