To quote the opening line from the movie Good Fellas, “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster,” except in my case, it was “writer.” So that’s what I did. Before I was in kindergarten, I was writing poems about my cat, Sir Perceval.
In high school, I turned teen angst into cringe-worthy short stories, one-act plays, and more poems. In those days, I never imagined that I would one day turn my hobby and passion into a career.
As a nontraditional student at Augusta University, I majored in communications and professional writing, worked full-time, and maintained a high GPA.
I have worked as a professional writer since 2008. I graduated in 2013 and continued seizing every opportunity placed in front of me that would help me pursue my passion.
In 2019, my alma mater hired me because of the skills, experience, and accomplishments my perseverance and hard work helped me achieve. And most importantly, because I’m a darn good writer.
Resume
QUALIFICATIONS
- Sixteen years of professional writing experience, including technical, grant, news, feature, and philanthropy writing.
- Ten years of technical editing experience, including academic software documentation and financial statements.
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with a 3.75 GPA.
EXPERIENCE
Augusta University Augusta, Ga.
Philanthropy Writer, 2019-present
- Support Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
- Create and edit donor stories, gift agreements, proposals, and case statements.
- Manage and review communications, website, and content.
- Collaborate with giving officers and communications and marketing teams to design and create compelling donor stories, proposals and case statements for print and website publication.
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia Athens, Ga.
Communications Specialist, 2016-2019
- Supported Student Services (GeorgiaBEST Team), Academic Data Collections, Directors and Assistant Directors.
- Created and edited Banner and Georgia Enhancements documents, announcements, and website updates for University System of Georgia Institutions.
- Managed and reviewed communications, website, and content.
- Managed training and communications for the GeorgiaBEST program and software releases.
- Managed documentation and communications lifecycle for GeorgiaBEST releases.
- Managed GeorgiaBEST website updates for releases and product calendar information.
- Managed review cycle and updates for GeorgiaBEST release documentation.
- Managed internal communication commitments and provide consistent messaging to the public.
Cherry Bekaert, LLP. Augusta, Ga.
Audit Administrative Assistant, 2014-2016
- Supported Audit Partner and Audit staff.
- Supported Audit Deliverables Group in editing, formatting, and proofreading audit deliverables firm-wide.
- Prepared error-free reports, memos, and letters.
- Prepared proposals.
- Proofread proposals and audit reports.
- Maintained electronic client files using ProSystem fx Engagement software and GoFileRoom.
- Printed and bound files and reports issued to clients.
Metro Spirit, Augusta, Ga.
Arts Writer, 2012-2014
Freelance Writer, 2008-2009
- Wrote feature stories on personalities, events, arts, and entertainment.
- Interviewed local and national artists for stories and profiles.
- Previewed and reviewed events, performances, and other entertainment of local and national significance.
- Edited stories for factual information and grammatical precision from on-staff and freelance writers.
C4 Planning Solutions, Blythe, Ga.
Technical Writing Intern, January-May 2013
- Wrote, edited, and reviewed proposals for the capture management team to increase the prospect of winning contracts.
- Edited marketing materials, including brochures, business proposals, digital communications, and PowerPoint presentations.
- Wrote and edited compliance communications for Human Resources; authored EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance document.
Social Crisis Films, Augusta, Ga.
Grant Writing Intern, May-August 2011
- Assisted lead grant writer in identifying sources for post-production funds.
- Researched public and private grant agencies and foundations to identify sources of funding.
- Managed social media presence and developed concepts with viral potential.
- Assisted with editing, annotating, and indexing video interview footage.
EDUCATION
Augusta University, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Professional Writing
GPA 3.75
ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
- Member, Board of Directors, Family Counseling Center of the CSRA, 2012-2014
- Inductee, Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honors Society, 2011-2013
- Inductee, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society, 2012-2013
- President, Creative Writing Club, 2012-2013