In 5th grade I was tasked with writing a biography. When I rediscovered this wallpaper-bound gem, I was delighted to see that 5th grade me was confident I would be a writer. My backup plan involved becoming president so I could make everyone buy my books. Must have been a big year for presidential best-sellers!
My leadership style has evolved a lot since 5th grade (thank goodness), and I now have a collaborative approach that relies on innovative problem-solving strategies. My storytelling skills have also matured, and I am passionate about incorporating diverse voices into my research and curriculum to show a variety of perspectives and methods.
As a writer and speaker I have a strong sense of audience/market needs. My research includes books, chapters, refereed articles and presentations, and invited talks. Other writing and editing skills include designing marketing copy for small businesses, newsletters, community-based emails, and general editing for sensitivity, grammar, and clarity.
Community building, particularly communities occupied and led by women, is at the heart of my research. My first book, Tracing Family Lines (2012), looked at how amateur genealogy communities function using community and volunteer leadership. My current research project, Fiber Webs (forthcoming), is an in-depth look at how fiber arts communities are created and maintained. This edited collection will include a range of diverse experiences within the fiber arts community.
I have worked in a variety of business environments, with responsibilities that include client management, and product training. These experiences allow me to develop presentations and workshops for business clients and solo practitioners who want to advance their skills and awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership, professional communication, self-presentation, and writing skills.
As a content creator for adult learners I utilize multiple teaching and learning styles to work with, and elevate, the audience’s current knowledge base. I believe in calling people up to reach their highest potential. “Calling up” both values the strengths and skills people already have, while asking them what support they need to go further in their roles.
To discuss opportunities for presentations, workshops, articles, and editing please contact me.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Communication and Culture, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, August 2008
Master of Arts in Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, May 2005
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, May 2005
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Magna Cum Laude, Pfeiffer University, Charlotte, NC, August 2003
Associate in Arts, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC, December 2000