Work environments are similar to kitchens. As a volunteer, employee, or contractor, I have had the opportunity to work in and for a variety of “kitchens” wearing many different hats and using a wide range of tools. Some of my most rewarding experiences “cooking up communications” in North Carolina include:

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
Partnering with the NC Governor’s office and the Department of Commerce, I helped promote business in North Carolina. Successes included: Securing a Letter to the Editor of the News & Observer by Board chair; representing EDPNC at SelectUSA in Washington, DC; and managing a three-day Life Sciences press tour for journalists to visit companies and industry partners across three regions of North Carolina: Greenville and the Biopharma Crescent; Research Triangle Park and Wake County; and Winston-Salem and the Carolina Core.

Triangle Land Conservancy
Working with staff and representatives from state and local agencies, I developed effective messaging and engaging content for community and organization events. High-impact results included writing annual reports; pitching the story of a historic land deed transfer to WUNC’s Due South; ensuring the success of an inaugural “Moth Night,” and garnering press coverage in local and regional publications.

NC State University College of Natural Resources
Hired during the pandemic of 2020, I collaborated with faculty, staff, and students to write content for internal community building and external promotion. Some of my favorite feature stories included writing about the mental health benefits of being in nature; history of the national parks; and the Senior Games competitions throughout North Carolina.

Town of Cary Cultural Arts Committee
Currently serving my second term, I work with a dedicated team of volunteers and town staff to review grant applications from cultural arts organizations each year. Together, we conduct a thorough review of each nonprofit to evaluate the impact and benefit to the Cary community.