Education
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
Bachelor of Arts, April 2012
Cumulative GPA: 3.33/4.00 Dean’s List, 2011-2012
Major: Political Science
Minors: Business Administration, Religion
Professional Experience
American Dental Association, Chicago, IL
Manager, Science and Research Communications
May 2023 -- Sept. 2024
Chandler Chicco Agency, Chicago, IL
Senior Account Executive
Aug. 2021 – May 2023
GCI Health, Chicago, IL
Account Executive
June 2020 – Aug. 2021
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Drove communications and messaging for three pharmaceutical accounts in the oncology and rare disease spaces.
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Crafted both internal and external content, including social media messaging, client communications, thought leadership articles and blog posts, slide decks and scripting.
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Liaised with clients and team members to brainstorm and align on strategy, execution and measurement activities.
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Monitored and reported client media coverage and leverage media relationships to elevate brand messaging.
Spectrum Science Communications, Chicago, IL
Account Supervisor
Sept. 2019 – Jan. 2020
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Served as key point person for client activities, including program oversight and implementation.
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Oversaw patient advocacy for the client and coached advocates on sharing their personal stories.
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Managed junior staff and led team projects to meet client objectives and deadlines.
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Directed content development, campaign planning, event management and other related tasks.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Chicago, IL
Sr. Manager, Regional Media Advocacy
July 2014 – Sept. 2019
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Crafted and implemented comprehensive media plans to advance local, federal and state public policy priorities in seven states.
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Created media materials, including press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor and talking points.
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Maintained strong relationships with key media contacts and pitch editorial pieces, compelling stories and media events.
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Produced and integrated social media content on multiple platforms with grassroots and earned media tactics.
Indiana State Senate, Indianapolis, IN
Press Secretary and Social Media Manager
June 2012 – July 2014
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Served as the first point of contact between the media and seven Indiana state senators.
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Managed media relations, press inquiries, events and general communications for state senators.
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Wrote and designed press releases, op-eds, blog posts, radio spots, newsletters and other media.
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Developed and spearheaded social media strategies to align with overall caucus communications plans.
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Coached legislators before and after interviews with reporters and developed talking points as needed.
L2T Media, Evanston, IL (remote)
Freelance Writer
June 2012 – June 2014
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Wrote weekly blog entries for car dealerships to communicate product information to their customers.
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Promoted search engine optimization through keywords and links to drive traffic to client websites.
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Researched trends relevant to clients' fields to craft more informative blog posts.
Other Relevant Experience
Freelance Writer
Dec. 2014 – March 2017
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Pitched personal essays and story ideas to national media outlets, online magazines and blogs.
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Worked with editors to craft articles per publication standards.
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Featured as an endometriosis patient advocate in The Atlantic, WBUR Boston, Prevention Magazine, xoJane and Medium.
Other Activities
Council for IWU Women, member
Still Sunflowers: my life with endometriosis, blogger
Endometriosis Foundation of America, volunteer
WEGO Health Activist Awards, nominee, 2016-2018
Healthline Best Endometriosis Blogs, 2015-2017
Second City, Story Lab, storyteller
Exodus Refugee Immigration, volunteer and youth mentor
Political campaigns, volunteer
Frenzy Animal Rescue, volunteer