I am an communications professional, recent graduate student, Twitter enthusiast, Film undergrad, part-time blogger, and a social media savant.
I consider the best way to understand new ideas is to first listen and to try them for yourself. It is critical for anyone interested in communicating new ideas with the world to take on each challenge with a fresh perspective and an open mind. This means not just embracing the newest tools of communication, but using the appropriate channel of communication for that audience with a message they can understand by listening.
Following graduation from Webster University in Saint Louis, where I earned my BA in Film Studies along with minors in Political Science and Philosophy, I have attained a Master’s degree in Public Communication at American University. Since moving to DC I have worked as a consultant with the Department of Commerce for the Digital Television transition, and have been working with educational non-profit Living Classrooms to build their strategic communications plan. My education has been reinforced by my most recent work with New Media Strategies (NMS), a marketing agency specializing in strategic online communication and brand promotion.
My greatest strength is my hands-on experience using new media. Starting in May 2007 I was the founding editor of the blog/online magazine 61revised.com, which covers culture and events around the St. Louis metro-area. The website employed the use of social media to integrate with each news story, which allowed our team of writers to connect with our audience outside of our blog. 61 Revised connected with readers on Facebook, Flickr, Last.FM, Outside.in, and of course other bloggers. This website has continued under a new editor since I have moved.
Of course who I am is more than just what I have worked on: many of my job skills were developed through my hobbies. In addition to blogging about my interests I have dabbled in photography, video, documentary film, Gubernatorial elections, and music production. I have listened to Beck nearly 5 times as often as the rest of my top 5 combined over the past 5 years. When I am not on the internet, I have been known to spend my free time in record stores, movie theaters, museums, farmers’ markets, second-hand stores, concerts, and any places where tasty beers are served.
Socially
Here are just a few social networking communities where I am regularly active. You are welcome to Friend, Follow, or just visit them any time.