About Me
I am a Chicago-area writer and marketing communications strategist who enjoys conveying information that can improve people's lives.
Public school funding reform, affordable child care and state employment services are just a few of the topics that I have promoted over the years.
I discover the stories that make organizations and people unique, and I build compelling marketing communications campaigns around them.
One of the highlights of my career was managing a public relations campaign that influenced the $100 million expansion of Illinois' child care budget.
Experience
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Enjoyed 10+ years of communications experience, including advocacy public relations and internal communications.
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Created marketing strategies and messaging that drove sales, web and foot traffic.
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Managed public relations campaigns that changed Illinois public policy on subsidized child care and earned recognition from the White House.
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Led award-winning public relations campaign that stirred legislative debate on public education funding.
Background
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Publication and Communications Manager, Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
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Procurement Supervisor, IDES
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Media Relations Associate, Illinois Action for Children
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Account Executive, Valerie Denney Communications
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News Reporter, Daily Press (Newport News, VA)
Education: M.S., Integrated Marketing Communications, Loyola University, Quinlan School of Business, 2013.
B.S., Journalism, Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, 1993.
How I Serve
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Organizer of youth job readiness workshops
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Minister and Sunday School teacher