ABOUT JORIE

I use the descriptors “writer who dances” and “dancer who writes” pretty interchangeably since I’ve been telling stories and dancing practically since I was born.

I’m a lifelong storyteller who uses whimsical structure (blending discipline and ingenuity) and rigor to connect brands to audiences through words, visuals and movement.

My love for powerful prose (and hitting a step) took me from my hometown of Miami, Florida all the way to the Windy City, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism (with a minor in dance). I was blessed to get bylines in on-campus publications like Pulse and Her Campus Northwestern, alongside national outlets like TheCelebrityCafe.com and Cosmopolitan Magazine, all before I graduated. I performed in student and faculty-choreographed productions at Northwestern and interned with the legendary Joel Hall Dancers, advancing my dance training as I promoted their 40th anniversary production, “Anja: The Unexpected.”

Since graduating, my words have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Lioness Magazine for Female Entrepreneurs and Culturess (a Fansided publication). I now also hold a Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University. My coursework gave me the tools to leverage emerging technology and business insights to elevate organizations in a wide range of industries. My dancin’ feet are still dancing, and I’ve had the honor of performing choreography by Mark Yonally, Nicole Clarke Springer, Brenda Bufalino, Martin “Tre” Dumas III, Brandon Avery and Imani English.

When I’m not rehearsing, taking class, typing furiously or choreographing to a new song I discovered, you can find me cooking a new meal I found online, devouring a Netflix or Hulu documentary, reading a book or decorating my planner/bullet journal (pro tip: never leave me unattended in a Michael’s)! If you’ve made it this far, you’re either a voracious reader, you’re lost or you’re interested in the same things I am. Either way, hello, and thanks for reading! Reach out if you’d like to learn more about me or work together.

C O M P R E H E N S I V E

E X P E R I E N C E

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EDITORIAL STRATEGY

  • Led and implemented communications/media relations strategy for startups, small businesses and legacy organizations

  • Monitored news and trending topics to guide pitching strategy

  • Secured media placements in local and national outlets (TV, print, digital)

  • Managed social media accounts reaching 10,000+ followers

  • Facilitated media training/developed talking points for staff, executive leaders and Volunteers to ensure alignment with brand messaging and narratives

  • Facilitated crisis communications and brand compliance trainings for staff

  • Stewarded new/existing collaborations with local media across traditional and non-traditional outlets

COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA RELATIONS / SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Curated, edited and published submitted opinion pieces from local, national and international thought leaders — established workflow to increase editorial efficiency in collaboration with editorial board leadership

  • Edited weekly personal finance, fashion and ethics columns

  • Pitched and wrote pieces for publication including op-eds, slideshows, TV recaps and explainer articles

  • Optimized content reach on digital platforms via social media and email alerts

  • Participated in Editorial Board meetings with local and international leaders and local government candidates

  • Monitored breaking news and editorial calendar to generate story ideas

  • Collaborated with editorial team on data-driven audience engagement projects

PRODUCTION/EVENT MANAGEMENT/ARTISTIC

  • Curated, choreographed and performed in dance pieces to drive community-conscious event programming

  • Taught dance to students ranging from toddler to adult

  • Implemented health and safety policies for rehearsal and filming projects

  • Co-produced multi-part documentary web series

  • Designed visuals for social media

  • Creative directed branded photo- and videoshoots

  • Executed events with 500+ attendees including luncheons, galas and walks

ARTS ADMINISTRATION

  • Created and distributed newsletters and email communications to existing and prospective customers

  • Facilitated and documented staff and external stakeholder meetings

  • Developed student, parent and performer policy documents and handbooks

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