Writing, Editing, Good Counsel
I've been a professional writer for more than 25 years,
first at a communications consulting startup,
then as a writer/editor/publicist for a major public-radio network,
and later as a senior copywriter at a marketing agency.
(Click on the file folder icon above for my résumé.)
Since 1997, I've been a full-time freelancer
specializing in corporate and nonprofit communications.
I help my clients identify the stories they want to tell —
and then I tell them in ways that speak to
the customers, employees, donors and community members
they need to reach.
You'll find a few work samples below; I'd be glad to send you more upon request.
I'd be glad to put you in touch with some of my happy long-term clients, too.
And I'd love to talk with you about how I can help your organization tell its most important stories.
Call me at 612.865.8642, or click on the envelope icon above to email me.
Portfolio
Recent
I revamped and edited this edition, winner of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table's 2018 Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award for the best published work about intellectual freedom.
Using Innovation to Empower Women of Color
Q&A with Kathryn Finney, the smart, funny, force-of-nature founder of digitalundivided.
Community Health Needs Assessment, 2017–2019
This report is the foundation of Rush's work to eliminate health disparities on Chicago's West Side.
Digital
Gap Inc. blog post: When a seasonal job turns into a career you love
Meet four employees who started as seasonal hires in Gap Inc. stores and wound up finding their passion.
NORC 75th Anniversary timeline
NORC delivers insight, impact and innovation that has shaped research and policy all over the world. I researched and wrote concise copy for this celebratory timeline.
Bullying: 7 Things Parents Need to Know
I regularly write for Rush's consumer publications and for its Office of Community Engagement.
Publications
Foodservice News asked me to choose, profile and photograph 10 Chicago chefs who deserved recognition.
I researched and wrote this piece for the University of Chicago's Graham School, celebrating its history and looking to its future.
Bill Holm, McKnight Distinguished Artist
From 2004–2015, I edited the book honoring each year's McKnight Distinguished Artist. This was one of my favorites.
Employee Communications
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Luxury
Walgreens partnered with hip cosmetics phenom Nonie Creme to create an exclusive line.
My articles for RED kept Target's 350,000 employees informed — in a fast, fun and friendly way — about what was happening around the company.
A three-time Vendor of the Year award winner, I wrote features for Target's team member magazine for more than 15 years.
Nonprofit Communications
Community Health Implementation Plan
This plan outlines how Rush will achieve the goals identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment linked above.
Donors to Minnesota Philanthropy Partners learn about community initiatives through MNSights.
The MNSights By the Numbers feature presents quick-hit data in a fun, graphic way.