Experience

*Resume is divided into two categories: Communications/PR/Marketing/Events and Journalism. For volunteer experience, please click here.

COMMUNICATIONS, PR, MARKETING, EVENTS:

Director of Communications and Marketing
The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba – Winnipeg, Canada
May 2017 – August 2020

The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) is the research division of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. The Foundation invests directly in research by providing core funding for research projects alongside administrative support, facilities, and equipment for scientists. At the institute, more than 270 world-class pediatric medical researchers, technical staff, students, and support staff are involved in nearly $20 million of research and clinical trial activity each year. CHRIM is the only research facility dedicated exclusively to pediatric research in the prairie provinces.

As the Director of Communications and Marketing, I was responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring the success of a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program that enhanced CHRIM’s image and position within the medical and scientific communities, as well as within the general public. I liaised with media and stakeholders, contributed to various publications, developed and managed websites and social media, facilitated video production, coordinated events and fundraising, created speaking notes and scripts, and so forth. I also provideD counsel to scientists and doctors on marketing, communications, and public relations, and led seminars on these topics.

When I joined the organisation, the role of Director of Communications and Marketing had been vacant for nearly a year and everything from the website to branding to social media required a complete overhaul. Within 6 months, I had a new communications and branding strategy in place, a new website in the works, an average of 20 media hits per month, and had more than tripled our social media followers and engagement rates. I worked on fostering new collaboration opportunities with partner organisations such as the University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, and the George and Fay Yee Centre for Health Care Innovation, as well as with local and national news outlets, to catapult the CHRIM brand to an international level of recognition.

Co-Founder, Director of Communications & Public Relations
The Fight for Charity – Winnipeg, Canada
May 2017 – Present

The Fight for Charity is an annual event centered around a series of amateur boxing matches to raise money in support of a different chosen charity each year.

The 2017 fight was in support of the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Red Cross and was a huge, sold-out success. We are very proud to have raised nearly $25,000 in our first year, which went towards causes such as flood relief; support for Indigenous communities; bullying, violence and abuse prevention; and much more.

The 2018 event was in support of Pan Am Place, a transitional housing program for young men who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Despite expanding our event to accommodate more people, we sold out again with over 700 people! We are thrilled to have raised nearly $45,000 for Pan Am Place!

As co-founder and director of communications, I work alongside the event director throughout key planning stages, and manage all communications, public relations, and marketing strategies with the vision of growing and enhancing the event each year. This includes media outreach and promotional scheduling; managing all social media channels and the website; developing communications materials and graphics; creating video scripts and shooting and editing video; liaising with partners, sponsors, videographers/photographers, venue staff, charity representatives, and volunteers; and more.

Media & Communications Officer
City of Winnipeg: Office of the Mayor – Winnipeg, Canada                                                    November 2015 – May 2017

As one third of Mayor Brian Bowman’s core communications team, I oversaw all of the Mayor’s social channels and managed all things digital, which included a complete overhaul of the existing website. I developed a video production schedule, wrote scripts, organized filming, and edited videos. I also prepared a wide variety of communications materials such as press releases, program greetings, speaking notes, scripts, letters, statements, magazine articles, and more. I created infographics for social media and developed a comprehensive social media program. I also served as one of the Mayor’s primary speech writers. I liaised with reporters, conducted media scrums, and attended events with the Mayor as a staff liaison, photographer, and social media expert.

PR/Event Consultant & Editor – CFLAA
CFL (Canadian Football League) – Canada-wide
(CONTRACT)
September – December 2015

I was recruited for this position by a former colleague who was looking for a professional editor ahead of the 2015 Grey Cup in Winnipeg. I was hired to conduct an extensive edit of the Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) annual report, magazine, research materials, and president’s letter, as well as to write and edit association  newsletters and 2015 Grey Cup articles and documents for national distribution.  I also provided public relations and event management/fundraising assistance for the 2015 Grey Cup Legends Luncheon.

Communications Consultant/Project Coordinator – Family Child Care Resources 
Family Dynamics –  Winnipeg, Manitoba
(CONTRACT)
August – December, 2015

Family Dynamics is a non-profit, community-based agency providing services such as counseling, family support, supports for refugees, family child care resources, parent coaching, families and schools together, and more. In 2017, Family Dynamics celebrated 80 years serving Manitoba.

I was hired as a contractor to implement a communications strategy, including a social media program, and to manage the agency’s website. I also wrote newsletters and manuals, wrote and edited articles, and performed research on a variety of subjects. Over time, I was recruited to assist with the planning and execution of the Family Child Care Project: A Red River College course funded in partnership with the Manitoba Government to offer participants the opportunity to become licensed family child care providers.

My consulting work at Family Dynamics led to a full-time job offer as Communications and Fundraising Manager, which I was unfortunately unable to pursue at the time due to other commitments. However, I have since signed onto the Board of Directors and serve on the Board’s communications committee.

Public Relations & Events Manager – Peller Estates
KWITTKEN PR – Toronto/Winnipeg, Canada
(CONTRACT)
June – October 2015

I was hired to be the on the ground liaison for this Toronto-based company, which organized a series of global launch events for a new product from Peller Estates. I was responsible for sourcing the venue, photographer, caterer, décor, menu, and DJ, as well as creating and managing media and VIP lists. I wrote press releases, assisted with promotion and merchandising, and was responsible for event set-up and management.

Director of Public Relations & Marketing
Chetcuti Designs – Mackay, Australia
December 2013 – November 2015

In this role, I was singlehandedly responsible for public and media relations and digital expansion for award-winning Australian couture fashion designer Jason Chetcuti. As the first person to hold this position, I built and implemented a public relations and digital expansion strategy from scratch. I was also responsible for creating and disseminating look books and media kits and managing dispatch of media loans and samples. I organised and managed events from independent fashion shows to national and international fashion weeks, including designer showrooms and delegate/buyer relations, and assembled grant applications as required. I assisted with the production and promotion of new collections, including model castings, fittings, and photo shoots.

High profile clients included Jessica Simpson and Olivia Wells (Miss Universe Australia).

APN News & Media (Daily Mercury) – Mackay, Australia
October 2014 – May 2015

Digital Producer: As Digital Producer, I managed, maintained, and enhanced all of the web content, social media, and video production for the regional Daily Mercury News masthead (readership 20,000). I commissioned, edited, and uploaded stories, photos, and videos from staff as well as wrote many stories myself. I was responsible for breaking news alerts and conducting police, ambulance, and fire rounds checks. I would ensure high website traffic numbers by selecting top performing stories for the home page based on analytics. 

The role of Digital Producer was extremely fast-paced and high-pressured, and required excellent multi-tasking and time management skills, as well as a strong understanding of news and digital protocol, and exceptional writing and editing skills.

Reporter: As a reporter, I pursued and evaluated news leads and tips to develop and write relevant and engaging stories for publication, producing up to 7 stories per day. I was often required to double as a photographer and videographer for key stories. I reported on a wide range of topics including breaking news, sports, crime/court, politics, lifestyle, and entertainment, and many of my stories were selected for front page placement.

Digital Editor & Editorial Assistant
Fairfax Media (Magazines Division) – Auckland, New Zealand
February 2013 – February 2014

During my time at one of the largest media companies in Australasia, I worked across all of the globally recognized and award-winning magazines in the Fairfax Magazine lifestyle roster (Cuisine, Life & Leisure, House & Garden, and NZ Gardener). As the first ever Digital Editor for NZ Gardener, I worked with the digital team to completely redevelop/redesign the website, and worked with the editorial and design teams to decide on content, structure, and visual layout. I also managed all social media.

As Editorial Assistant, I wrote regular features across all four titles, sub-edited/proofread copy, and participated in editorial planning meetings. I acted as the first point of contact for contributors and handled all correspondence with readers. I attended media events, assisted with photo shoots, and organized and coordinated travel requests and functions.

Author – NZ Life & Leisure: Insider’s Guide
Fairfax Media (Magazines Division) – Auckland, New Zealand
(CONTRACT)
2013

I was selected by the Fairfax Editorial Director to research and write a 12 thousand word chapter on Taupo, New Zealand for NZ Life & Leisure’s annual Insider’s Guide. The Insider’s Guide is a purely editorial special edition put together by the top writers and editors at Fairfax Lifestyle to offer insightful travel tips and inside scoops on five to eight regions within New Zealand. I was responsible for Taupo and the surrounding towns and villages and this required extensive research online, by phone, and in person, including traveling to Taupo and interviewing residents, business owners, and the Regional Tourism Office. I was invited to the incredibly prestigious Huka Lodge for a VIP/celebrity chef dinner, took a helicopter tour of the region, visited longstanding family businesses, swam in the famous crater lake, and had an all around once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a writer and travel enthusiast, this was one of my most memorable career experiences, and one of my proudest personal and professional achievements.

Director of Editorial & Online
Social Media NZ (SMNZ) – Auckland, New Zealand
May 2011 – May 2015

Social Media NZ (SMNZ) is a website offering insight, news, and trends to help New Zealand businesses make the most of social media and its related technologies. I was recruited by SMNZ’s founder to develop the editorial side of the business and manage the website. Under my direction, this startup business thrived into a highly successful and respected online resource for the New Zealand business community.

My role included organizing and conducting interviews and research, writing and editing articles, sourcing contributors, brainstorming and implementing ideas to grow and reinvigorate the site and boost website hits and followers, developing and implementing editorial protocol to ensure the highest standards in quality, contributing regular commentary on hot news and trending topics, producing a monthly editor’s blog, attending events and conferences as the face of SMNZ, building and maintaining relationships with media and relevant organizations for content sharing and cross-marketing opportunities, and planning events.

Editor-in-Chief, NetGuide Magazine
TechDay Ltd. – Auckland, New Zealand
December 2010 – February 2013

As Editor-in-Chief, I commissioned, coordinated, wrote, edited, and oversaw production of New Zealand’s leading internet & technology magazine, NetGuide. I was responsible for developing innovative content that set the magazine apart from competitors. I worked closely with people in all of TechDay’s departments including business development, subscriptions, design, and web development to achieve the optimal outcome for both the business and the readers. Each month I constructed and updated the flat plan and coordinated and wrote regular monthly columns and cover features. I stayed well informed of new trends in the technology, social media, and consumer areas by attending local, national, and international product showcases, conferences, launch parties, and trade shows. I managed freelance contributors and edited all contributions thoroughly and effectively. I developed new partnerships and collaboration opportunities with media, publicists, and other organisations within the technology industry. I participated in interviews on television and radio as the face and voice of NetGuide.

Editor – NetGuide’s UFB Special Issue
TechDay Ltd
(CONTRACT)
2012

In partnership with internet service provider Orcon, I planned, coordinated, wrote, edited, and published an Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) special issue of NetGuide Magazine to coincide with the roll-out of UFB across New Zealand. This guide was distributed to all homeowners and businesses in the country as UFB was deployed in their areas.

Freelance Publications:

Cuisine, Life & Leisure, House & Garden, NZ Gardener, Entertainment Weekly, The London Free Press, The Winnipeg Free Press, The Winnipeg Sun, The Daily Mercury, The Whitsunday Times, The Western Review, The Style Review, Semi-colon, CSTORE LIFE, IT Brief, The Channel, NetGuide Online, CLEO, Telecom, Localist NZ, The NZ Herald, SmartBiz, CFLAA Magazine.

INTERNSHIPS:

Media/Communications Coordinator
Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre (Non-profit) – London, Canada
September 2009 – May 2010

Journalist
The London Free Press – London, Canada
Summer 2009

EDUCATION:

The University of Western Ontario

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Media, Information and Technoculture, with distinction
• Writing Diploma, with distinction
• UWO Leadership Education Program