Owner, Orange Grove Media, LLC
Greater Chicago Area
Owner, Orange Grove Media, LLC
Greater Chicago Area
A lifelong writer, I always strive for opportunities to test myself. My first publishing position after graduating from Northwestern allowed me to travel to China to cover that country's cement industry; from there I spent time working in social service and then returned to the cement industry as media relations manager for the Portland Cement Association - a position that afforded me the opportunity to work on huge national campaigns.
Since August 2002, I've run my own independent communications consulting firm, and since June 2005 I've run ChronicBabe.com, my creation to help young women live in spite of their health limitations.
I'm looking to connect with people who will teach me about the complex business of running a web site, building a public speaking career, and flexing my self-promotion muscles. And of course, I'm eager to help colleagues in any way I can.
Copy writing and editing, construction writing, health and medicine writing, reporting, public speaking, media relations, blogging, association and non-profit organizing, personal organization, networking, crafting.
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Publishing industry)
2005 — Present (4 years )
As creator of an online community, I offer resources on chronic illness, including feature articles, news items, expert interviews, product reviews, enewsletters, ebooks, merchandise and more. I also speak to groups about the ChronicBabe way of life - practical advice and inspiration.
(Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Publishing industry)
February 2004 — Present (5 years 10 months)
As founder and "directrix" of this dynamic networking collective, I organize more than 45 members - all independent creative business owners in the Chicago area - to meet monthly, support each other via a listserv, and share ideas publicly via our blog: http://www.idea-xchange.com.
(Privately Held; Myself Only; Publishing industry)
August 2002 — Present (7 years 4 months)
As a leader of an independent communications firm, I provide a wide variety of services to clients large and small, corporate and non-profit. I specialize in award-winning business writing and communications consulting.
(Publishing industry)
1999 — Present (10 years )
Over the years, I worked my way up the ranks of the CWA to become president. It's an incredible organization and a valuable networking tool for anyone who works in construction communications. Although I'm no longer president, I'm still active in the organization.
(Publishing industry)
2007 — 2009 (2 years )
(Non-Profit; 201-500 employees; Construction industry)
January 1999 — August 2002 (3 years 8 months)
Developed and implemented strategic media plans including national publicity campaigns in conjunction with dozens of industry, corporate and media partners. Created numerous turnkey magazine supplements. Media-trained association managers and other industry representatives (also wrote the manual used to implement training). Organized events including press conferences, receptions, conventions and tours.
(Public Company; 51-200 employees; Health, Wellness and Fitness industry)
June 1997 — January 1999 (1 year 8 months)
Conducted public relations for a non-profit social service agency for people with disabilities. Shaped fund-raising strategies; produced the agency newsletter, annual reports and other materials; and organized press conferences, luncheons and public events.
(Public Company; 501-1000 employees; Publishing industry)
August 1995 — January 1997 (1 year 6 months)
Associate Editor of Rock Products Magazine, Cement Americas Magazine, C&D Debris Recycling Magazine.
women's health, new fiction, asian cuisine, creative arts, hip-hop and techno, crafting, film, jewelry-making, beaches
IdeaXchange - Founder - network of independent creative business owners in Chicago
Association of Health Care Journalists
Chicago Women in Publishing, health bloggers, Real Hot 100 - 2006, health writers
- Women's Health Hero 2009 - Our Bodies, Ourselves
- 2007 Medical Blog Awards: Best Patient's Blog
- HealthConnection.com - 2007 First Annual Top Site Award (Chronic Pain)
- IBSTales.com - 2007 Hope Award
- Silver Hard Hat - Construction Writers Association - 2006 Honoree
- The Real Hot 100 - 2006 Honoree
- Construction Writers Association 2004 Marketing Communications Award
- ASAE 2001 Gold Circle Awards: Honorable Mention, Media Relations Campaign
- ASAE 2001 Gold Circle Awards: Honorable Mention, Special Event Promotion