Summary Of Qualifications
A multiple award-winning journalist and editor with comprehensive experience at nationally recognized print and online outlets. Recognized media personality, offering analysis and commentary on current events and popular culture.
Professional Experience
Freelance, San Francisco/Los Angeles, CA
Reporter/Essayist/Editor 2011 – Present
Contributor writing features, editorials, essays, and listicles covering a wide range of topics for Out, The Advocate, Focus, Queerty, Out Traveler, Plus magazine and other leading publications.
Movie Pilot, Venice, CA
Editor 2016 – 2017
- Managed a team of 13 writers and contributors covering news, reviews, and commentary for a fan-centric entertainment brand.
- Scheduled editorial calendar, approved and edited 150-200 pieces of content per month while tracking contributor progress.
- Wrote and edited entertainment celebrity features, breaking entertainment news, and commentary.
- Conducted SEO keyword research and studied site analytics to pitch and assign stories to drive greater traffic.
- Provided press room coverage at high-profile events such as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
- Pitched, wrote, and edited features for integrated marketing campaigns with various studios including Warner Bros. and Lionsgate.
The Advocate, Los Angeles, CA
Entertainment Editor 2013 – 2016
- Wrote and edited entertainment and current events news, cover stories/features, columns and commentary for the leading LGBT-focused publication.
- Produced and wrote online video interviews and packages.
- Promoted published articles across all social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
- Managed a team of writers and junior editors.
- Provided red carpet, press room, and after party coverage at high-profile events such as the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Golden Globes, Comic-Con International, the MTV Movie Awards and Video Music Awards.
- Launched online entertainment channel “Advocate Spotlight” featuring A-list celebrity interviews.
- Acted as a spokesperson and expert on relevant topics with appearances on various broadcast programming.
The Advocate, Los Angeles, CA
Associate Editor 2012 – 2013
- Wrote features, editorial pieces and reviews in addition to daily news items and a weekly column.
- Trained and mentored junior editors.
- Edited work from freelance contributors as well as cultivated and maintained ongoing relationships with a network of writers.
Here Media, Los Angeles, CA
Staff Writer 2011 - 2012
- Wrote daily content for a number of the company's various brands including Gay.net, The Advocate, and Out on subjects including entertainment, gaming, sports, and current events.
- Drafted and polished copy on behalf of integrated marketing campaigns for Johnson & Johnson, Mattel and Absolute Vodka, among others.
- Identified popular trends for future articles and managed daily publishing schedule.
- Created custom graphics and edited photographs for use in conjunction with published works.
- Format and publish content using raw HTML.
Published Literature
Square Zair Pair (2016)
Author
- Children’s book available at mass retail and online.
Awards & Honors
Journalist of the Year: 1st Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2014
Personality Profile: 1st Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2014
Commentary: 1st Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2014
Celebrity Feature: 2nd Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2014
Entertainment Journalist of the Year: Finalist - The 57th Annual So. Cal. Journalism Awards, 2015
Personality Profile: 3rd Place - The 57th Annual So. Cal. Journalism Awards, 2015
Journalist of the Year: Finalist - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2015
Celebrity Feature: 2nd Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2015
Commentary: 3rd Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2015
Online – Film/TV/Theater/Book Feature: 2nd Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2016
Personality Profile/Interview,Under 2,5000 Words - Print: 3rd Place - LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2016
Best Entertainment Story: 1st Place - National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association-LA Excellence In Journalism Awards 2014
Education
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts – English: Creative Writing
- Dean’s Honor List