Karyn's Portfolio

Copywriter and Strategist

Intro

Education and Passion

Passion is the single most important factor for success in this life. The tapestry of my passions includes creative writing, song, and animals. Throughout my life I’ve found the most joy when successfully blending these passions.

Working in digital strategy and media relations for the past six years has provided me with unique opportunities to incorporate my passions and interests into the work I do with companies and brands across a range of industries including beauty, tourism, animal welfare, and tech. It is a true highlight of my work to see how the strategic PR and media approaches that my team and I develop and implement come to life.

Teaching and preparing various guest lectures for undergraduate students has added to the tapestry of my passions. Inspiring students’ interest in the field of communications while gaining skills to explore and write about their own passions and interests continuously ignites my passion for teaching. Through each lecture I aim to bring students on a journey, encouraging steps outside of their comfort zones and adapting lessons to current topics and students’ passions creating a unique tapestry for each class and each student.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring nature with my own dogs, going on hikes and adventures. I also have a love for the performing arts, particularly theater and opera. It brings me joy to share my voice and perform for others.

Brands I’ve worked with include: Pinterest, HYUNDAI Hope On Wheels, and Sally Beauty.

I completed and published my graduate school thesis: A Meat Paradox: Media’s Role in Mitigating the Omnivore’s Dilemma (1,075 downloads) in 2018. I chose this thesis as an opportunity to combine my passions with my education focusing on animal rights/welfare and its relation to how race, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds are represented in media and targeted in marketing and advertising.

Penn State University

Adjunct Professor, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

State College, PA

Courses:
Writing for Media (COMM 230)
Social Media Strategies (COMM 428)

Teach mass communication media styles covering social media, public relations news releases, public information announcements, print, television and radio advertisements, news stories, and editorial writing for undergraduate students. Lead weekly classes to review writing styles, present relevant media examples and to provide students with constructive feedback on assignments.

Key Skills: Teaching, Media Writing, Constructive Feedback

The University of Southern Mississippi

Guest Lecturer, School of Mass Communication and Journalism

Hattiesburg, MS
Presentation relevant PR and Advertising experience for 20+ students in an engaging and educational manner in addition to working 1:1 with senior PR and Advertising students to review portfolios and provide constructive feedback.
Key Skills: Public Speaking, Constructive Feedback, Presentation Development

Assistant to Public Relations and Marketing Director - College of Arts and Letters Dean's Office
Conducted interviews and communicated with media contact regarding relevant upcoming departmental events

Developed, wrote, and edited internal and external press releases and advisories for university events and programs Conducted interviews and communicated with media contact regarding relevant upcoming departmental events

Key Skills: Google Ads, Public Speaking, Customer Service, Editorial, Organization Skills

Praytell Agency

Account Eexecutive, Digital and PR

Brooklyn, NY

Accounts: Pinterest, Sally Beauty, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, New Orleans & Company, Singapore Tourism, Neosensory, Destination Canada, No Kid Hungry, Tres Agaves, Slow n Low, Mark Levinson, August + Yale, Kingston Technology

Key Skills: Account Management, Cross Functional Collaboration, Media Relations, Project Management, Digital Media

Mississippi Spay and Neuter

Public Relations and Media Relations Assistance

Jackson, MS
- Covers and Writes Client Stories and raises awareness of importance of spaying and neutering via written articles for publication in local outlets
- Event Planning- Public Relations and Media Relations Assistance - Covers and Writes Client Stories - Event Planning

Key Skills: Research Skills, Paid Media Strategy, Customer Service, Organization Skills

The Salvation Army

Divisional Media Relations Specialist - ALM Headquarters Community Resource Development Department

Jackson, MS

Developed public relations content and strategies to support 50 Salvation Army units across three states - Wrote and edited media scripts tailoring style and approach for media platforms including radio, print, and video - Conducted officer PR interview training in preparation for major organizational, national, and worldwide events - Established relationships and secured partnerships with influencers and content creators for media campaigns - Collaborated closely with department grant writer to drive successful campaigns and amplify organizational messaging - Managed divisional blog, creating and pitching client stories for publication with 300+ monthly readers

Key Skills: Research Skills · Google Ads · Digital Media · Audience Segmentation · Public Speaking · Customer Service · Leadership · Editorial · Organization Skills · Data Analysis

Mississippi Magazine

Freelance Writer and Photographer