Prior to moving to Doha, Qatar, I worked on the government advisory team of Portland Communications, a global communications consultancy, in Washington, D.C., for four years.
Throughout my undergraduate career, I interned with a number of prestigious organizations including AARP Louisiana, the United States Department of State, and American Way magazine. These diverse experiences allowed me to learn from experts in the fields of journalism, foreign policy and advocacy. Examples of my professional work can be found here.
In addition to these internships, I involved myself on campus as the team leader and spokesperson of Renew LSU, a co-founder of the undergraduate mock trial team and a senator in the LSU Student Government.
Portland Communications - D.C.
I began my career at Portland Communications as an executive in April 2018. Portland's Soft Power 30 study not only inspired my undergraduate thesis, but it also led me to apply to Portland following graduation from LSU. While working with Portland Communications in Washington, D.C.,
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I managed relationships with key foreign government clients.
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I developed and led high-profile communications strategies and content development.
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I evaluated campaign performances and optimized strategies to improve outcomes.
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I developed a capability building program in areas including digital comms, project management and communications strategy.
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I managed the work of more junior team members and supported their development.
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I managed a team of freelancers internationally to produce a 24/7 media monitoring product.
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I led content creation for a governmental agency's social media platforms and managed the accounts.
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I developed and drafted responses to members of the media as well as briefing materials provided to the media and governmental entities.
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I monitored major political developments in the Middle East and Central Asia.
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I draft thought pieces on signicant political events including the 2020 U.S. elections.
AARP Louisiana
As the advocacy and communication intern at AARP Louisiana's state office, I learned about the intricacies of Medicaid, Medicare and elderly citizen services in Louisiana. AARP Louisiana is a member of a statewide coalition called Live At Home LA that believes everyone should have the independence and freedom to live where they want and receive the care they need. While at AARP Louisiana,
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I crafted the branding for and launched Live At Home LA in the spring of 2017.
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I created social media content for Live At Home LA's Facebook and Twitter, examples of which can be found below.
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I organized AARP's Caregiver Day at the Capitol where volunteers from across the state came to the Louisiana State Capitol to educate their legislators on the importance of caregivers and the needs of Louisianans who wish to receive care in their homes.
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I joined a number of advocates from across Louisiana to testify in support of House Bill 152 in the spring of 2017. I've included a video of my testimony on behalf of Vicki Carmadelle, an elderly, disabled Louisianan, before the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee below.
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I designed engagement cards for AARP events including Movies for Grownups and Salute for Service held in the fall of 2017.
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I organized a webinar to educate advocates about Live At Home LA and the status of long-term care in Louisiana.
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I created the curriculum for and instructed a Twitter tutorial for AARP's volunteers to allow them to better engage with lawmakers online.
Live At Home LA social media samples
Testimony before the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee
Department of State in Washington, D.C.
I interned for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network team in the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) in Washington, D.C. During my time with the State Department,
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I produced content for the YALI blog.
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I restructured and wrote the online course materials.
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I developed a year-long “Country of the Week” social media campaign.
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I promoted the YALI Network through social media to an audience of more than 200,000.
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I drafted emails to more than 300,000 YALI Network members using MailChimp.
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I edited website content using WordPress.
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I designed promotional material and corresponded with embassies overseas so they could promote the Network on the ground.
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I organized the YALI Network's informational booth at the week-long Public Affairs Officer workshop in Washington, D.C., where I was able to teach the PAOs how their specific embassies can utilize the Network.
YALI Network samples
American Way
As the sole editorial assistant for American Way and Celebrated Living, I fact-checked, edited, pitched story ideas and wrote on topics of technology, travel, lifestyle, sports and celebrities in four editions of American Way and two editions of Celebrated Living. My position required extensive research skills, an eye for detail and an abundance of creativity. More than 16 million airline passengers read these award-winning magazines each month. Click through the PDF below to view a compilation of my written content for American Way.
American Way samples
Click here to view the complete editions online
Renew LSU
I served as a team leader and spokesperson for Renew LSU, a diversity coalition at Louisiana State University aimed at increasing the number of women and minorities represented in the names of LSU’s facilities.
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I coordinated a survey on the names of LSU’s facilities. I then organized my team’s findings into a comprehensive research document published on Renew LSU's website and shared with members of the media, the student body and the local community.
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I designed the research document shown below as well the coalition's promotional materials.
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I wrote legislation for the LSU Student Government demonstrating the student body's support for increased diversity in the naming of LSU's facilities. The resolution passed the Senate with 90 percent in favor.
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I maintained a contact database through MailChimp which allowed for efficient communication between the Renew LSU team and its coalition members.
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I wrote press releases and media advisories, resulting in coverage by Louisiana media outlets in print, online and on the radio.
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I spoke on behalf of Renew LSU to journalists and university officials.
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I composed talking points for other team members and coordinated their communication with the press due to the sensitive nature of the topic in a conservative state with a history of racial tensions.
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Ultimately, my team’s efforts led to the change in name of a street.
Renew LSU research document
Mock Trial
At the conclusion of my freshman year at LSU, I co-founded the LSU undergraduate mock trial program as an American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) collegiate team and student organization. I served as the vice president and team captain my junior year. I scheduled and led team meetings, handled the organization's finances, represented the team at captains' meetings in competition and organized recruitment efforts on campus. As president of LSU Mock Trial my senior year, I retained my same duties from the year prior and established an online presence through Twitter and a website. I guided the team in three AMTA regional tournaments as a lead attorney representing both the plaintiff/prosecution and defense. As a lead attorney, I honed my ability to formulate an intelligent, convincing response in a quick manner. In my final semester at LSU, I've taken on a coaching role to help guide the "mockers" as they are fondly called. My mock trial specialties include courtroom procedure and etiquette.
LSU Student Government Senate
I represented the Manship School of Mass Communication as a senator in the LSU Student Government for the 2015-2016 academic year. I won my seat again in the spring of 2016 for the 2016-2017 academic year and was selected to serve as the Academic Affairs Committee Vice Chair but had to forgo serving due to my internship with the Department of State in the fall of 2016. As a member of the Academic Affairs Committee during the 2015-2016 academic year, I worked on legislation to improve relationships between faculty and students including a student bill of rights. I also met with administration officials to ensure part time students could access the LSU Student Health Center, University Recreation Center and residential housing. I also sat on the Temporary Rules Committee where I interviewed potential executive branch appointees.