United States
Stories have the power to ignite change. I’ve seen it firsthand—whether investigating human rights abuses as a journalist, leading high-impact campaigns at USAID, or crafting narratives that elevate the voices of the marginalized. My career has been driven by one core belief: strategic communications can do more than inform—it can inspire action, mobilize communities, and create lasting social impact. As an award-winning writer, journalist, and strategic communications leader, I’ve spent more than 15 years telling stories that spark change. From reporting for the BBC to leading a multinational communications team at USAID, I’ve developed and executed high-impact campaigns, crafted compelling narratives, and used media to elevate critical global issues. My expertise spans media and content strategy, multimedia production, journalism, event management, and crisis communications, with a focus on amplifying voices and inspiring action. I’m also passionate about building sustainable communications systems that maximize efficiency. Under my leadership, our team quadrupled audience engagement, grew social media reach by 25%, and secured over $16.5 million in earned media coverage in one year. I’ve also trained hundreds of professionals in communications best practices, developed crisis communication plans, and crafted multimedia content that resonates across cultures. At my core, I believe in the transformative power of storytelling. Whether through journalism, advocacy, or strategic marketing, I am driven by a passion to communicate with impact, drive meaningful change, and use my skills to make a difference. I’m always eager to connect with like-minded professionals who share a vision for meaningful change. Let’s collaborate to tell stories that matter.
Led a multinational team to develop and execute communications strategies for a $150M development portfolio spanning 14 countries, advocating for complex global development issues in a compelling manner. • Crafted media strategies, managed events and press engagements, drafted press releases, and pitched stories to press, securing 3,000+ media placements worth nearly $16.5 million annually. • Monitored media coverage, social media trends, and public sentiment to identify reputational risks and strategic opportunities. Leveraged insights to lead a crisis communications campaign countering misinformation—highlighted by the former USAID Administrator in a New York Times op-ed as a model of effective public engagement. • Developed, implemented, and optimized digital and social media strategies and campaigns, reaching more than 23 million people annually and quadrupling social media engagement in 2024. • Oversaw the production of key messages, press kits, feature stories, speeches, briefing materials, multimedia, and other products showcasing USAID’s development efforts in 14 Indo-Pacific countries. • Planned, managed, and drafted briefing materials for high-level events, including the USAID/Pacific Islands Mission launch with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, which received 40+ media hits. • Cultivated strategic partnerships with media and other stakeholders to develop and disseminate content to 800+ media outlets and influencers annually. • Launched a communications community of practice to foster collaboration among 100+ partners. • Established policies, templates, and tools to streamline messaging, improve content management, and enhance productivity. One resource alone improved reporting efficiency fourfold.
Proposed, researched, drafted, edited, and disseminated innovative content to effectively convey key messages and mobilize global public support for priority issues. • Conceptualized and managed more than 50 strategic communications campaigns in a single year, many of which achieved record engagement, and used analytics to optimize performance. • Doubled the number of published feature stories from previous years, placing the Mission’s flagship success story contributions in the top 10% globally. • Spearheaded video production efforts, increasing content from zero to more than 30 in one year. • Planned, managed, and drafted materials for an average of 200 high-level events per year—including engagements with the U.S. Vice President, Secretary of State, and Ambassador. • Strengthened relationships with stakeholders, pitched media engagements, and drafted press materials, supporting efforts to improve the perception of the U.S. in the Philippines by 8% in 2022. • Mobilized interns to develop infographics and videos that engaged more than 30,000 people.
Pitched, produced, shot, reported, and edited breaking news, news analysis, investigative reports, documentaries, and feature stories for news outlets including BBC, CBC, CBS, and CNN affiliates. • Analyzed the Middle Eastern reaction to the 2012 U.S. Presidential election on live TV. • Provided coverage of the 2012 Israel-Gaza conflict for prime-time American television news. • Reported live on Typhoon Nesat in the Philippines to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. • Supervised six reporters and oversaw strategy, content, and direction of weekly newscast.
Started, implemented and managed the school’s English-language journalism program. Wrote curricula, managed program resources and budget, taught differentiated classes, and trained new teachers. • Developed and executed communications strategies that tripled school communication capacity in five years, overseeing the production of magazines, broadcasts, podcasts, and social media. • Trained 50+ students yearly in journalistic ethics, content creation, journalistic writing, and video production using industry-standard tools such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop. • Launched and managed the school’s English-language social media presence, creating two new accounts—one of which garnered over 1,000 engagements within 24 hours. • Based on the program’s success, secured funding that more than quadrupled its budget and size.
Worked with the organization providing the majority of non-UNHCR/non- Islamic aid to the Syrian refugees in Mafraq. Assisted in managing large refugee relief distributions—serving up to 800 families per project—through contracts with Samaritan's Purse, Mercy Corps, and other large international NGOs. • Assessed needs within the Syrian refugee community through home visits using conversational Arabic, helped select beneficiaries of aid, and assisted with reporting and evaluation of projects. • Proofread and copy-edited monthly newsletter about the organization's work in Al-Mafraq.