professional experience

Professional Communication Consultant

Blue Pencil Communication LLC, Owner (2009-present)

  • Job application materials consulting. (ongoing)
  • Website usability and marketing communication consulting for an information security firm in Lafayette, Louisiana. (January 2016)
  • Edited marketing materials for Novel-T, a Swiss company that develops technology solutions for public health initiatives in Africa. (2015-16)
  • Designed an informational website and promotional brochure to promote IRETI-MN, a non-profit cooperative venture promoting a renewable energy public-private partnership between the United States and Sweden. (August 2009)

Freelance Instructional Design

  • Developed a 2-credit professional skills course for information technology students. Course materials available to faculty within the MnSCU system through Minnesota Center for Advance IT. (January 2014)

Freelance Editing

  • Edited grant proposal and request for support for the Professional Science Master degree in Information and Risk Management in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Project was fully funded.(November 2011)
  • Edited content and designed layout for the South Central College 2010 Student Technology Handbook. (August 2010)
  • Edited an instructor’s original course content to prepare for Spring 2004 semester and compiled edits into HTML files for publication as an online course on WebCT. Graduate school internship. (Sep 2003–Jan 2004)

Internship Coordinator, Computer & Information Sciences Department

Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN (Aug 2000–Jul 2004)

  • Prepared students for job hunting and internships; advised students on course work, resume design and content, and interviewing skills.
  • Designed and maintained promotional materials and internship program website.
  • Served as the department’s liaison with industry to maintain existing relationships and recruit new businesses to hire CIS students.
  • Taught writing intensive and service courses for the department (150 to 250 students per semester).

Community Relations Manager

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Mankato, MN (Jan 2000–Oct 2000)

  • Planned and executed special events such as author appearances, book fairs, children’s story times, book release parties, and book club meetings.
  • Performed community outreach to area schools to encourage reading and writing among students.
  • Designed and published promotional materials for store events.

Communications Specialist

Louisiana Office of Tourism, Baton Rouge, LA (Mar 1998—Aug 1999)

  • Developed marketing initiatives to promote Louisiana as a vacation destination.
  • Prepared speeches, letters, reports, and other official communications regarding tourism marketing efforts for the Secretary of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the Lieutenant Governor.
  • Drafted contracts and requests for proposal (RFP) for the Executive Counsel.
  • Escorted French and Canadian journalists on five-day “fam tours” of the state and represented the agency on local television interviews and at regional civic organization meetings.