Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

What my email signature says about me: writer. editor. educator.

What my current projects say about me: creative director. muse for hire. work in progress.

Here's the official, professional summary:
A creative, dynamic writer and editor, I have 6 years of publishing experience with 3.5 years as the managing editor of multiple high-quality consumer magazines. A results-oriented, can-do performer, I have a proven record for consistently delivering high caliber, innovative, and relevant content.

Here's the unofficial, raw summary:
A self-proclaimed “woman in progress,” I am most passionate about the power of the written word and the creativity of those around me. I see myself as something of a creative curator — a facilitator, if you will. I enjoy almost nothing more than piecing together smaller components (both tangible and abstract) and rearranging them until they meld into a larger, cohesive whole. In fact, lately, I spend more time nurturing the creativity of others more than my own. On any given day, I spend my time zipping from my humble Midtown abode where I live with Sydney the Cat, to Sacramento City College where I teach writing part-time, to any number of coffee shops within walking/biking/scooting distance where I work on various freelance writing and editing projects — all this on the now-famous Scottie Scooterson, the best scooter and sidekick a girl could ever wish for.

Work History

• ThinkHouse Collective
• Co-founder & Creative Director
• October 2010 to Present

• ThinkHouse Collective is a membership-based coworking community for Sacramento's Creative Class. As Co-foudner & Creative Director, I do everything from foster a stimulating and collaborative work environment for our members and build relationships with members to make coffee and take out the trash.

• jms ink
• Creative Director & CEO
• October 2007 to Present

• jms ink is my independent writing/editing/creative consulting company. Not only do I write and edit content, but I can also function as your personal muse. That means that if you need creative solutions for your project, jms ink brings that off-the-beaten-path approach that's often hard to come by these days.

• Los Rios Community College District
• Adjunct Professor, English & Journalism
• January 2008 to Present

• Courses I've taught:
  -Developmental Writing
  -Intermediate English Skills
  -Intro to News Writing
  -College Composition
  -Advanced Composition

• UC Davis Extension
• Instructor
• January 2010 to Present

• Courses I've taught for adult continuing education:
  -Research and Interviewing Techniques for Non-fiction Writers
  -Enhancing Writing Skills for Non-fiction Writers

• The Urban Hive
• Co-Founder
• April 2009 to January 2010

• The Urban Hive is a coworking community in Midtown, Sacramento. In short, it's a creative alternative to working in a cube, at home or in a coffee shop -- it's shared workspace for independent professionals. As one of three co-founders, I collaborated with my two partners for strategy and vision of the space as well as day-to-day operations and to keep our members smiling.

• Sierra Style Publishing
• Managing Editor
• July 2004 to October 2007

• -managed, organized and kept track of editorial flow on a monthly and bimonthly basis for multiple publications
  -researched and solicited writing contributions from field experts
  -editorial layout on first draft of monthly flat plans
  -proofread and copy edited all editorial copy and marketing material
  -directed and critiqued editorial design
  -coordinated and selected artwork and photography
  -facilitated the development of a proprietary stock photography library
  -mentored and trained assistant managing editor; trained interns
  -central point of contact for writing assignments and writer contracts
  -assigned articles and scheduled timely editorial meetings, ensuring deadlines were met
  -implemented editorial & photography internship
  -provided feedback and direction for freelance writers and photographers

• Life Newspapers
• Staff Writer/Photographer
• September 2002 to July 2004

• -developed and wrote news and feature articles for weekly 50+ page community newspaper
  -produced 5-7 stories on deadline per week
  -conducted interviews, meetings and appointments for assignments
  -took photos when necessary
  -trained in editorial layout and proofing

Education

• California State University, Sacramento
• M.A. English, Creative Writing
• 2003 - 2007

• Pensacola Christian College
• B.A. English, Journalism, Music
• 1997 - 2001

• Five semesters as officer for Zeta Tau Rho, on-campus collegiate organization; three as president.