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Resume

Work History

University of Florida
Public Relations Specialist
Feb. 2024 – Present
Gainesville, Florida

  • Delivered public relations support across seven University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) academic departments and 35 county Extension offices.
  • Translated complex academic research into accessible, market-specific press releases.
  • Authored targeted communications that contributed to securing multimillion-dollar appropriations through Florida legislative budget initiatives.
  • Facilitated interviews between UF/IFAS experts and local, regional and national journalists.
  • Partnered with the UF/IFAS Spanish-language communications team to support bilingual media coverage.
  • Collaborated with the UF/IFAS social media team to amplify press releases across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
  • Planned and executed press conferences addressing the economic impact of hurricanes on Florida agriculture.
  • Supported the planning, promotion and execution of UF/IFAS events.
  • Edited content for ASK IFAS, the institute’s digital repository of peer-reviewed academic guides.
  • Refined UF/IFAS blog content and repurposed it as press releases.
  • Compiled and distributed weekly, external e-newsletters featuring UF/IFAS news, upcoming events and blog highlights.
  • Tracked and compiled media coverage into biweekly, internal monitoring reports.

Freelance
Writer / Photographer
Oct. 2012 – Present
Global

  • Reported and photographed news stories as a freelance contributor for regional newspapers.
  • Founded and maintained a travel blog documenting extended international travel, producing original written and visual content.
  • Developed and managed social media channels to promote blog content.

Los Altos Town Crier
Photo Editor / Photographer / Reporter
March 2015 – Nov. 2021
Los Altos, California

  • Directed a team of freelance photographers, overseeing event coverage logistics and ensuring timely, high-quality visual content.
  • Edited photographs for print and digital platforms using Adobe Photoshop.
  • Curated and maintained an organized editorial photo archive.
  • Captured photos for breaking news, sports, business and human-interest features.
  • Served as the Los Altos Hills beat reporter, while also covering a broad range of topics including Silicon Valley business, crime, politics, healthcare and environmental issues.
  • Published articles and multimedia content using a content management system.
  • Managed social media channels, crafting posts to boost visibility and readership.
  • Oversaw editorial planning and production for a biannual lifestyle magazine insert, including content development, layout coordination and final review.
  • Compiled and distributed weekly, external e-newsletters featuring editorial highlights.

Food For The Poor
Web Content / Social Media Specialist
May 2010 – Oct. 2012
Coconut Creek, Florida

  • Led the development and management of social media channels, leveraging analytics to optimize supporter engagement.
  • Published and maintained web content using a content management system.
  • Created targeted email and social media campaigns to support fundraising initiatives and disseminate organizational updates.
  • Created and maintained an editorial content calendar.
  • Monitored media coverage to inform internal stakeholders and guide external messaging.
  • Delivered trainings to educate staff on social media best practices.
  • Supported the planning and execution of external, organization-sponsored events.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and launch the organization’s iOS app, mobile website and blog.
  • Authored and maintained the organization’s official stylebook to ensure consistency in tone and grammar.

Freelance
Communications Specialist
May 2009 – May 2010
Jupiter, Florida

  • Crafted and distributed external communications on behalf of clients.
  • Composed and published blog content to promote client initiatives, products and events.
  • Produced and edited photography and video to support communications campaigns.
  • Designed, developed and maintained client websites and social media channels.
  • Managed and updated media contact databases to support targeted outreach.

Palm Beach Daily News
Business Reporter and Editor
Sept. 2008 – May 2009
Palm Beach, Florida

  • Investigated and reported on economic trends and developments impacting Palm Beach and the broader South Florida region.
  • Collaborated with photography and copy-editing teams to conceptualize and produce weekend centerpiece stories.
  • Published digital content using a content management system.
  • Promoted editorial content through social media to increase readership and engagement.
  • Captured and edited photo and video to complement written articles.

Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
Reporter and Multimedia Producer
May 2006 – Sept. 2008
Stuart, Florida

  • Covered a wide range of beats including legal affairs, crime, government, entertainment and community issues across Florida’s Treasure Coast.
  • Played a key role on the breaking news team, delivering real-time updates and continuous coverage for digital platforms.
  • Produced and edited photo and video to accompany news stories.
  • Wrote, recorded and edited radio news scripts for National Public Radio and affiliated FM/AM stations.

Volunteer Work

University of Florida Field & Fork, Gainesville, Florida (Oct. 2022 — Feb. 2024)
Gardener

Peninsula Humane Society, Burlingame, California (Feb. 2014 — April 2018)
Photographer / Videographer / Wildlife technician

Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida (Aug. — Dec. 2013)
Education Docent

Save A Pet Florida, Inc., Palm Beach, Florida (Aug. 2011 — Dec. 2012)
Photographer / Adoption Coordinator / Web Content Specialist

Education

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (May 2002 — May 2006)
Bachelor of Science, Journalism, Magna Cum Laude

Honors / Awards

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