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Education

Rutgers University-New Brunswick, MA
Program: Masters of Communication and Media
Area of study: Digital Media

Rutgers University-New Brunswick, BA
Area of study: Journalism and Media Studies; Digital Communication, Information, and Media

Virginia State University
Area of Study: Mass Communication

Certifications

The New School Media Writing Essentials by Yellowbrick
Search Engine Optimization for Blog Writing by WordPress

Professional History

Apr. 2015–Present, Newark, NJ
Editor-in-Chief, ENVERT

– Lead an editorial team of 4+ writers every quarter.
– Proofread and edit articles of both the internal editorial team as well as freelance writers.
– Review and filter incoming story pitches from public relations agencies and artist management companies.
– Update the editorial board with approved pitches along with any supporting content (press images, quotes, release dates, etc.).
– Form relationships with relevant public relations agencies, artist management companies, and independent record labels.
– Manage weekly column of new music release recommendations.
– Book, conduct, and transcribe artist interviews in an effort to promote their current & upcoming projects.
– Create weekly e-newsletters of editorial content.
– Monitor trendy topics across social media for relevant news stories.
– Oversee social media management for the site’s accounts.
– Design templates for social media.
– Responsible for SEO performance tracking and reporting.

Jan. 2016–Present, Remote
Freelance Multimedia Journalist
Featured in HotNewHipHop, Complex, Country Queer, New Jersey Stage, The Gumbo, SportsAsToldByAGirl, Urban Girl Magazine, What’s The Movement

– Pitch, research, write, and edit relevant news stories for various media outlets.
– Gather royalty-free images to accompany the commissioned articles.
– Assist media outlets with online marketing of commissioned stories once published.
– Appear on numerous podcasts to provide commentary on news stories.
– Moderate trendy news panels at various events and conferences.

Jan. 2024–present, Montclair, NJ
Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University

Course Name: The Entertainment Beat (JOUR 284)
Department: Journalism
School: School Of Communication And Media
Session: Spring 2024 (20 students), Spring 2025 (15 students)

– Instructed and trained students to meet the present-day entertainment journalism reporting standards.
– Developed curriculum and training materials used to educate 20 students.
– Developed/delivered lectures in accordance with course objectives; prepared course syllabus and aligned learning objectives with course materials; and engaged students via Canvas discussions, individual emails, and group communications.
– Evaluated and graded student coursework, assignments, and papers in accordance with the university policy; provided effective feedback to students.
– Facilitated an internal campus program for students to secure materials for their portfolio with the university student newspaper and student radio station.
– Gathered outside resources for students upon completion of the course.
– Invited industry professionals to speak with the students to provide further insight into the careers and skills necessary to secure a position in media.

Oct. 2022–May 2025, Los Angeles, CA
Music News Writer, UPROXX

– Write timely news pieces based on current music trends.
– Research potential breakout stories across social media.
– Assist with the formation of SEO-optimized bylines.
– Help to upkeep the daily editorial calendar.
– Foster relationships with publicists and PR firms to secure advanced access to news stories.

Apr. 2023–October 2024, Philadelphia, PA
Contributing Writer, ThisIsRNB

– Manage the site’s weekly #FreshFindsFridays column of carefully curated new music.
– Attend, cover, and photograph highly visible events, including festivals and concerts.
– Research R&B-related industry trends, including charting metrics.
– Identify readers’ needs and gaps in the site’s coverage to pitch new articles.
– Assist with the design of branded graphics for social media usage.

Mar. 2024–June 2024, Newark, NJ
Lead Facilitator, Newark News Stories Collaborative/Five Wards Media
Fellowship Name: Community Media Fellowship

– Conducted sessions per the schedule provided by the organization, focusing on communication strategy using audio, photography, and videography.
– Prepared and delivered supplementary educational content to assist with fellows’ independent assignments.
– Organized and provided feedback on fellows’ final projects.
– Strategized with the program coordinator for each week’s educational strategy to meet the fellowship’s community reporting goals.
– Coordinated with guest facilitators to ensure enriching special sessions and field reporting trips.

Dec. 2022–March 2023, Newark, NJ
Reporting Fellow, Newark News Stories Collaborative
Coverage focus: job and housing insecurity for local artists

– Research employment, financial, and housing statistics for assigned stories.
– Identify issues within the entertainment industry to alert local residents.
– Pitch, write, film, edit, and upload content related to assigned stories to CMS.
– Attend weekly meetings to workshop story ideas with fellow cohort members.

Feb. 2022–Feb. 2023, Brooklyn, NY
Associate Editor, HYCIDE Magazine

– Edit articles for submission into the final print issue.
– Assist with transcription needs of interviews conducted via video conferencing technology.
– Communicate important issue deadlines to contributing writers and photographers.
– Assist editor-in-chief with issue layout.
– Develop the issue’s social media marketing rollout.

Jan. 2018–May 2023, New Brunswick, NJ
Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University

Course Name: Strategic Presentation Methods In Digital Media (CMS 251)
Department: Digital Communication, Information, and Media
School: School Of Communication And Media
Sessions: Spring 2018 (35 students), Fall 2018 (70 students), Spring 2019 (70 students), Fall 2019 (70 students), Spring 2020 (70 students), Fall 2020 (70 students), Spring 2021 (31 students), Fall 2021 (31 students), Spring 2022 (31 students), Fall 2022 (31 students), Spring 2023 (31 students)

– Instructed and trained over 500 students on the Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication theory fundamentals and several additional theories about communication and media audiences.
– Developed a new course curriculum and training materials, which was later implemented by the department head as the course’s standard for future sections of the course.
– Developed/delivered lectures in accordance with course objectives; prepared course syllabus and aligned learning objectives with course materials; and engaged students via Canvas discussions, individual emails, and group communications.
– Evaluated and graded student coursework, assignments, and papers in accordance with the university policy; provided effective feedback to students.
– Created a supplementary course website (outside of Canvas) to provide additional educational resources (blog posts, PDF documents, video tutorials, and audio files) to aid in students’ retention.
– Invited industry professionals to speak with the students to provide further insight into the careers and skills necessary to secure a position in media.
– Hosted one-off workshops about communication strategy for the department, which were open to non-majors.
– Earned an average of 90% approval from students in course evaluations (above the department standard).

Jan. 2013–Aug. 2015, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
On-Air Broadcaster, WRSU-FM 88.7

– Managed programming board during each broadcast.
– Booked guests for on-air interviews and in-studio performances.
– Prepared short-form as well as long-form scripts for outlined segments.
– Hosted weekly show on-air [two hours].
– Recorded shows for station archive.
– Gathered top news stories for the week.
– Curated weekly new music playlists.
– Managed phone lines during the broadcast.
– Read on-air commercials for the underwriting department.

Sep. 2013–Jan. 2014, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Guest Contributor, AlumKnights Newspaper

– Assisted editor with story layout.
– Captured and edited images for the edition.
– Researched subjects and conducted interviews for the edition.
– Wrote and edited stories for the edition.

Sep. 2013–June 2014, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Social Media Manager, Black Voice Carta Latina Magazine

– Managed and develop an editorial calendar for social media profiles.
– Pitched, wrote, and edited op-eds, album reviews, and other stories for editions.
– Researched subjects and conducted interviews for the edition.
– Attended editorial team meetings.

Oct. 2011–Dec. 2012, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
On-Air Broadcaster, 90.3 FM The Core

– Co-hosted weekly show on-air [one hour].
– Gathered top news stories for the week.
– Curated weekly new music playlists.

Oct. 2010–Jan. 2011, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
Underwriting Assistant, 91.3 WVST-FM

– Created and managed a weekly database of top student programming across campus to be read on-air for event slots.

May 2009–October 2009, Seton Hal University, South Orange, NJ
On-Air Broadcaster, 89.5 WSOU FM

– Hosted weekly show on-air [one hour].
– Gathered top news stories for the week.
– Prepared short-form as well as long-form scripts for outlined segments.
– Strategized with the program director about potential new segment ideas.

Concert Photography

2025
Raveena, Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn, NY
Mereba (with anaiis), Webster Hall, New York, NY
Durand Bernarr (with GAWD), Warsaw, Brooklyn, NY

2024
Maxwell (with Jazmine Sullivan and October London), Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Bathe, MilkBoy, Philadelphia, PA
Sinéad Harnett, The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
Felicia Temple, Debonair Music Hall, Teaneck, NJ
SiR, Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY
Kenyon Dixon, Racket NYC, New York City, NY
Charlotte Day Wilson, The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
Indigo De Souza, White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ

2023
Roots Picnic, Philadelphia, PA
Jon Vinyl, Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn, NY
James Vickery, Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn, NY

2022
Tank and the Bangas & Cory Henry, White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ
Black Midi & NNAMDI, White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ

2020
Your Smith, Rough Trade, Brooklyn, NY

2018
AMYRA (formerly Amy León), Joe’s Public – The Public Theater, New York City, NY
Oddisee, Le Poisson Rouge, New York City, NY

2017
Bas, Cozz & Omen, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn, NY
Jasmine Mans, The Nuyorican Cafe, New York City, NY
LATASHÁ, Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY
Maurice Chestnut,  Apollo Theater, Harlem, NY
Noname, Le Poisson Rouge, New York City, NY

2016
Dianne Reeves, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ
Jon Bap, Friends & Lovers, Brooklyn, NY
Marcus D. Wiley, South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ
Natalie Grant & Danny Gokey, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ
Smokey Robinson, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ
Tasha Cobbs, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ

2015
Dottie Peoples, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ
Ntozake Shange, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ
Rhoda Scott, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark, NJ

Event Production

6th Annual When Praises Go Up Gospel Showcase, Newark Symphony Hall (Terrace Ballroom); Executive Producer, 2016
Some Odd World EP Release Concert, Newark Symphony Hall (Newark Stage); Executive Producer, 2016
5th Annual When Praises Go Up Gospel Showcase, Newark Symphony Hall (Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall); Co-Producer, 2015
Gospel at the Roots Concert with Dottie Peoples, Newark Symphony Hall (Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall); Production Assistant, 2015
4th Annual When Praises Go Up Gospel Showcase, Newark Symphony Hall (Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall); Production Assistant, 2014
Gospel at the Roots Concert with Richard Smallwood, Newark Symphony Hall (Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall); Production Assistant, 2014
3rd Annual When Praises Go Up Gospel Showcase, Newark Symphony Hall (Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall); Production Assistant, 2013
My Brother Marvin, Newark Symphony Hall (Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall); Production Assistant, 2013

Event Marketing

2016
Kings of Christian Comedy with Marcus D. Wiley, social media campaign
Tasha Cobbs, social media campaign and national radio ad
You’re My Lady: The Play, social media campaign

2015
Gospel at the Roots Concert with Dottie Peoples, national radio ad, local radio ad, national television ad, and local television ad
Future Live at Newark Symphony Hall, social media campaign

2014
Gospel at the Roots Concert with Richard Smallwood, national radio ad, local radio ad, national television ad, and local television ad
Katt Williams’ Growth Spurt Tour, social media campaign
Tamar Braxton’s Love and War Tour, social media campaign

Research Experience

Social Media’s Affect on Digital Album Sales & Streams [2017]
Mass Incarceration and Hip-Hop Culture [current]
Financial Freedom Outside of the Big Three (Record Labels) [current]

Additional Teaching Experience

Social Media 101 for Small Businesses, Dec. 2019
Linden Public Library, Linden, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Social Media 101 for Small Businesses, Oct. 2019
Clark Public Library, Hillside, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Social Media 101 for Small Businesses, Oct. 2019
Hillside Public Library, Hillside, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Introduction to Social Media, Oct. 2019
Clark Public Library, Clark, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Social Media for Small Businesses, Oct. 2019
Union Public Library, Vauxhall, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Social Media for Small Businesses, Sep. 2019
Cranford Public Library, Cranford, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Introduction to Social Media, May 2019
Hillside Public Library, Hillside, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Introduction to Social Media, Jan. – Feb. 2018
Hillside Public Library, Hillside, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Introduction to Social Media, Jan. – Feb. 2018
Hillside Family Success Center, Hillside, New Jersey; Non-Accredited

Public Speaking

3rd Annual Girl Talk Meetup: Women’s Wellness Conference, November 2020
Topic: Marketing During A Pandemic

Newark Happening presents Social Media 101, November 2018
Topic: Tapping into Tourism Boom

2nd Annual Curate Your Life Summit, March 2018
Topic: Leveraging Social Media as a Career Tool

3rd Annual Inspired Artist Movement Conference, October 2017
Topic: Taking Ownership of Content as a Creativepreneur

Hip-Hop Retreat Week, August 2017
Topic: Preparing for Live Performances as an Independent Artist

The Starter Kit Series, July 2017
Topic: Art and Healing

2nd Annual Inspired Artist Movement Conference, October 2017
Topic: Making Your Financial Impact as an Artist

Straight Face, No Profile; October 2016
Topic: The Relationship between Mass Incarceration and Hip-Hop

Membership

National Association of Black Journalists
Newark Arts Education Roundtable
Jersey Arts