Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

I'm all about creativity - I even earned a Master's in it. Creativity is a life skill, something used on a daily basis. Whether that's to brainstorm the next big idea or product, or merely finding a better route to work. See, creativity is different things for different people at different times. Further, creativity is not like lightning, randomly striking in 'AHA!' moments. Creativity is a farm and it is crops. The more you nurture your creativity, the better the yield.

Beyond creativity, I'm about passion. It manifests itself in many forms, but I love to draw it out and develop it in people. Give me a passionate person over a skilled apathetic person any day. Passion is like hustle and grit - it makes up for what one may lack in skill or experience.

Further, I love all things communication. Whether it's a beautiful, startling, shake-you-out-of-your-reality advertisement, or simple well-worded quote. Words and messages create stories - and we all have a story.

Work History

• Exceptional Education - Buffalo State College
• Graduate Assistant

• Was the oil that made the machine run smoothly. Provided high-level administrative assistance to a department in transition - new leader, new vision, new direction. Was able to assist with 4 undergraduate classes, develop publishable materials, direct and advise students as necessary, and implement the redesign of the department website and student database.

• International Center for Studies in Creativity
• Graduate Assistant

• Worked to design, plan, and facilitate our annual 2-week summer learning institute. Including in this were opening, ongoing, and closing events, event logistics, fundraising, volunteer coordination and procurement, and doing anything and everything to make sure the 40+ professionals were happy, healthy, and able to maximize their creative learning.

• DTX Creative
• Independent Sales/Marketing Representative

• Worked to implement a first of its kind Digital Signage program to Boise and the Treasure Valley, in conjunction with Boise State University Athletics.

• Lewis-Clark State College Writing Center
• Peer Consultant

• Worked with students of all abilities and backgrounds to improve their writing. Help included idea generation, grammar, syntax, and all aspects of style. Was one of the most requested and frequented tutors. I didn't just do the work for the clients, I gave them the tools so they could do it themselves, instilling ownership and confidence in them.

• Silverthorne Theatre
• Public Relations Specialist

• Handled all PR and promotions aspects for a small theatre program. Through targeted marketing and PR efforts, as well as creativity and guerrilla tactics, was able to double attendance and produce headline grabbing buzz in local media. Also managed house for the theatre.

• The Pathfinder
• Staff Writer

• Staff writer for Lewis-Clark State College student newspaper. Primarily wrote movie reviews, but also covered hard news, events, and other pieces as assigned. Worked with new editorial staff to redesign the paper for a reinvention of The Pathfinder brand, bringing it back to prominence and respect.

• Potlatch Corporation
• Summer Help

• Summer help (summers 2005 & 2006), at a local pulp and paper mill. Manual labor, cleaning and maintenance, and finally working up to assisting with operating machinery. A summer program for college students - taught me the value of REAL hard work, igniting my desire to fuel and feed my education and passions. One of the most valuable life lessons, for which I'm extremely grateful.

Education

• International Center for Studies in Creativity - Buffalo State College
• Master of Science, Creative Studies, Problem Solving, Leadership
• 2008 - 2009

• World's only master's degree in creativity, problem solving, innovation, and leadership. Founded on the principles of Alex Osborn and Sidney Parnes, including the creative problem solving process.

• Lewis-Clark State College
• Bachelor of Science, Communications, Publishing
• 2003 - 2007

• Magna Cum Laude
  Outstanding Graduate of the year - Humanities
  Outstanding Graduate of the year - Communications