Photo by Shelly Yang
It all started when…
… I was laid off in November 2019. I didn’t know what I wanted to do next, so I created this site to showcase my skills, strengths and passions. I first thought about consulting on how to grow digital audiences, but it has since evolved into something bigger.
Defining Audiencibility
Through my continuing work with the Poynter Institute as a trainer for diversity and inclusion efforts and for leadership programs, I have learned that knowing your audience is key to achieving your goals. This applies to product development, to managing your team members, to how you shape your story, to negotiating for your future.
Having audiencibility means you listen with EMPATHY; EMPOWER others and yourself; and drive IMPACT with the results.
My current work
As a graduate of exceptional leadership programs such as the ASNE Emerging Leaders Institute, AAJA Executive Leadership program and the Maynard Institute, I have always valued diversity and inclusion in newsrooms. As a reporter and editor, I have witnessed the evolution of what diversity means over the years — what has worked and, mostly, what has not.
My focus now is on helping organizations realize what I feel has been missing — a lot of introspective and empathy work. I also want workers to value what they bring and have the courage to say they’re worth it.
Some of my recent work with Poynter has included:
Lead with Influence for managers without direct reports
Level Up on building critical skills for local reporters
I have also partnered with Brevity & Wit strategy and design firm to develop an Inclusive Manager Program for public media organizations.
I’m working on writing more from my experiences — find my stories here.
A bit of background
In 2020, I was the digital and social media editor for America Amplified, a 14-month public media community engagement journalism initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Our team was based at KCUR in Kansas City, Missouri, and we worked with more than 50 public radio stations across the country. We offered support and guidance for community engagement efforts to cover the pandemic and the 2020 election. I also was on the production team of two national talk shows.
I am so proud of how I redesigned a part of our site to reflect our team’s legacy: the 184-page America Amplified Community Engagement Playbook.
Before America Amplified, I was instrumental in leading digital transformations at The Kansas City Star and The Roanoke (Va.) Times.
I held several roles at The Star, including assistant managing editor for features and the engagement and partnerships editor. My responsibilities ranged from managing a team of 20 to produce 10 print sections a week to innovating around audience engagement to producing SportsBeat KC, The Star’s first and only daily podcast.