Overview
Versatile copywriter, award-winning blogger & freelance journalist with over 17 years writing experience, including but not limited to web content, product descriptions, SEO, social media, scripts, email marketing, banner ads, taglines, apps, branding, e-newsletters, blogging, print collateral, lifestyle magazine features, news reporting, SEO articles, and press releases.
Copywriting, Journalism & PR Experience
Copywriter, Baltimore, MD, 8/09-Present
Self-employed copywriter specializing in SEO-informed web content, email marketing, apps, social media, branding, blogging, scripts, and more. Clients include but are not limited to Under Armour, T. Rowe Price, Stanley Black & Decker (including BLACK+DECKER, DEWALT, STANLEY Tools, PORTER-CABLE & BOSTITCH brands), Laureate Education (Walden University), and PANDORA Jewelry.
Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore, MD, Contributing Writer, 6/06-12/10
Wrote lifestyle features, profiles, and news items on Baltimore-related topics.
AARP.org, Washington, DC, Freelance Writer, 2/08-6/11
Crafted Boomer-oriented online features on a variety of lifestyle topics including relationships, dating, and family.
Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, MD, Communications Specialist, 8/05-9/09
Promoted MPT’s national and local programming, outreach, and education initiatives; wrote and distributed press releases; ghostwrote talking points and print pieces for CEO and talent; launched and maintained station’s multi-platformed social media efforts.
Urbanite Magazine, Baltimore, MD, Freelance Writer, 10/05-1/09
Penned features on range of quirky city topics, including daring renovations, museum exhibits, and row home basement bars.
The Baltimore Examiner, Baltimore, MD, Freelance Writer, 4/06-11/06
Wrote arts and entertainment items/high-end real estate profiles.
The Washington Times, Washington, DC, Freelance Arts & Entertainment Writer, 3/04-4/06
Crafted arts, entertainment, and pop culture features including celebrity interviews, concert reviews, and trend stories.
ResearchResearch, London, UK, US Correspondent, 3/03-11/05
American reporter and editor for UK news agency covering U.S. research and science policy, from bioterrorism to the social sciences.
On Tap, Washington, DC, Music/Pop Culture Contributing Writer, 2/04-9/05
Wrote music and pop culture features on well-known bands, artists, and celebrities for monthly entertainment magazine.
Voice of the Hill, Washington, DC, Contributing Writer, 8/02-12/04
Crafted feature stories on a variety of Capitol Hill neighborhood topics including local residents and the arts.
American Weekly, Washington, DC, Freelance Writer, 3/03-2/04
Wrote features on American University faculty for weekly university-wide newspaper.
Gazette Newspapers, Silver Spring, MD, Reporter, 11/00-9/01
Primary reporter for Takoma Park, MD. Covered all aspects of community reporting including local politics and legislation, business, arts, crime, fire, personalities, environmental issues, public works, education, and cultural events. Assigned all photos and wrote weekly events column.
American Journalism Review, College Park, MD, Editorial Assistant, 1/00-5/00
Edited and fact-checked magazine articles, wrote short features.
Discovery Communications, Inc., Bethesda, MD, Public Relations Intern, 6/98-8/98
Wrote press releases, pitched stories, assembled and sent press kits, updated media contact databases.
Board Memberships
American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Baltimore, 2/11-11/12
Member, AAF Board of Directors
Committee Chair, AAF Fusion (Diversity) Committee
Publishing Credits & Awards
Contributor, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living (Penguin, March 2011)
·Inspired by columnist Dan Savage’s It Gets Better Project (www.itgetsbetter.org), this groundbreaking book features over 100 essays from celebrities, politicians, writers, and more assuring LGBT youth that life as an LGBT person gets better.
Jessica Leshnoff’s humor blog, Lunch at 11:30 (www.lunchat1130.com), awarded “Best Personal Blog” during The Baltimore Sun’s third annual Mobbies competition celebrating Maryland’s outstanding blogs.
Education
University of Maryland, College Park
·B.A. in Journalism, May 2000
·B.A. in Art History, August 2000
References
Available upon request.