While planning how to tell others about myself I turned to one of my favorite tools – infographics. It’s a fun way to describe who I am and the path that led me to found Mission Kick Content & Consulting. This ladder represents the education and expertise I have collected as I moved from challenge to challenge in my professional development.
I earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina. My early work history honed my writing, researching and interviewing skills as a reporter, business writer, magazine writer and adjunct English instructor at Stark State College. I took a turn as a paralegal for two law firms. This was an excellent training ground for building even stronger research and analytical skills. The attorneys for whom I worked depended on me to find relevant laws and judicial decisions for planning and implementing legal strategies. This required “big picture” thinking, a vital skill I needed as the leader of two non-profit agencies.
Following my careers as a freelance journalist and paralegal I earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration to pursue social change. As a leader for non-profit agencies I have experience in all aspects of operating a successful business; finance, human resources, community and public relations, and business development and management. I presented to civic groups, grant makers and others on the sensitive issues of domestic violence, homelessness, mental illness and addiction. As an advocate I worked with community and political leaders at the local, state and national level to increase resources and enact policies that can solve deep rooted problems. My publication, “Safe Home: A Guide to Affordable Housing for Domestic Violence Service Providers and Survivors” helps service providers understand and access federal housing assistance for their clients.
I served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio CDC Association for a total of 12 years, with terms as Secretary and President. The agency promotes community development across Ohio to produce affordable housing, generate economic activity, reduce slum and blight, and develop social enterprises. Other professional and volunteer activities include member of the Canton Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Canton and the YWCA of Canton Board of Directors. Currently I serve on the Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters of Canton, a non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing voters’ participation in their communities and elections. (LWV never endorses candidates for any party or office.)