Experience
Aurora Beacon-News a publication of the Chicago Sun-Times February 2010 – Present
City Hall reporter January 2011 – Present
Covers lead beat for a daily newspaper in a highly diverse community that includes the second-largest city in Illinois
Develops investigative stories from daily news coverage; subject expert in municipality government and housing issues
Coordinates newsroom coverage, photos and other media for team of reporters
Manages all social media accounts
Education reporter February 2010 – January 2011
Covered six school districts for daily newspaper; developed higher education trend news coverage
Developed coverage of education issues that affect Latinos nationwide
Chicago Tribune a publication of the Tribune Company September 2009 – January 2010
Special projects
Developed a front-page investigative project about former Manufactured Gas Plant environmental sites in Chicago, the toll they take on neighborhoods and taxpayers, and the possible health effects of living near a site.
RedEye a publication of the Chicago Tribune September 2009 – January 2010
Reporting Intern
Developed, reported and wrote articles for the RedEye, the largest weekly circulated newspaper in Chicago
Produced content to accompany Chicago Tribune articles, making articles more attractive to the 18-34 demographic
Chicago Social (CS) a Modern Luxury magazine September 2009 – February 2010
Editorial Assistant
Developed, reported and wrote articles for the monthly luxury magazine
Fact-checked and edited all articles in the magazine before publication
Assisted in developing a blog counterpart for the magazine
The News-Gazette Champaign, Ill. Spring 2009
Special Projects
Wrote series examining the development and sustainability of the University of Illinois’ $70 million Research Park
The Pantagraph Bloomington, Ill. Summer 2007
Reporting Intern
Reported and wrote more than 25 published articles; assisted in developing the U Guide, a magazine aimed at college students
The Daily Illini Spring 2005 – Spring 2008
Managing Editor for Reporting and Writing Spring 2007 – Spring 2008
Managed a newsroom team of about 50 editors and reporters
Edited content for daily edition and website
Monitored progress on long-term projects and goals in each department
Coordinated social media efforts and new hiring system
University of Illinois- Department of Journalism Fall 2008 – Spring 2009
Teaching Assistant‑ Introduction to Journalism
Taught two classes of 20 students in a weekly section
Edited and graded all writing assignments; assisted students in developing story ideas and cultivating sources; taught story style
Education
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Spring 2009
Masters of Science in Journalism, News-Editorial
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Spring 2008
Bachelors of Science in Journalism, minor in Sociology
Talents and Awards
Dual background in event planning and management; co-own a Chicago-based events company
Experienced in newsroom social media management
Skilled researcher with proven track record in tracking down vital documents and sources
2012 Best News Series Award, Northern Illinois Newspapers Association
Investigative Reporters and Editors, member Present
Volunteer Director of Communications for Chicago BigTen, a non-profit organization 2010-2011
Kappa Alpha Theta Member Development advisor, Delta Advisory Board 2008- 2010