SKILLS
- Professional writing in many genres, including social media posts, news releases, blogs, brochures, adjustment letters, and newsletters.
- Website design (WordPress) and content management (Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) experience.
- Visual design in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Canva, and GIMP.
- Languages: English, Chinese (HSK Level 2 certified), Japanese, Spanish.
- Creativity, communication skills, leadership, organization, time management, flexibility.
EXPERIENCE
Editor
(2020 – 2023)
The Nomad Literary Magazine
- Discussing student contributions, designing a literary magazine, and printing and distributing it with a small team.
- Planning and hosting weekly meetings and collaborating to advertise issues.
- Hosting and selecting finalists for an annual writing competition.
- Creating a website from scratch and archiving historical issues for future viewing.
- Preparing a subordinate to take over my position and further develop the magazine.
Communications and Outreach Intern
(Asheville, NC)
North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies (NCICS)
- Informed the public about the environment through web stories and social media campaigns on NOAA channels that received consistent engagement.
- Tailored complex scientific information for a general audience and to address local concerns.
- Assisted with development of long-term strategic science communications campaigns.
Development Intern
(Chapel Hill, NC)
Child Care Services Association (CCSA)
- Described complex program details to the general public through brochures and newsletters.
- Researched new sources of funding for the company and wrote grant application materials to pursue financial assistance.
Technical Writer
(Asheville, NC)
Locus Technologies
- Writing comprehensive manuals for using and configuring company software.
- Becoming an expert on the features of unfamiliar programs to create help content.
- Updating documentation to account for years of software updates.
Communication and Storytelling Intern
(Mombasa, Kenya)
Imani Collective
- Created web stories, blog posts, and newsletters outlining company history, employee experiences, production methods, sustainable practices, and more.
- Wrote grant applications about planned projects.
- Organized a social media campaign to encourage donations for non-profit development programs.
Writing Fellow and Course Tutor
(Cullowhee, NC)
WCU Writing and Learning Commons
- Discussing essay drafts with students in one-on-one conferences to improve their writing skills.
- Composing detailed end notes with suggestions for student papers.
- Tutoring students in particular subject areas and developing study skills.
EDUCATION
Western Carolina University — Cullowhee, NC
Bachelor of Arts in English, Professional Writing Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Communication, Journalism Concentration
- Enrolled in the Brinson Honors College
- Earned Chancellor’s List every semester
WCU Human Development and Leadership Retreat (January 2020)
- An exclusive retreat focused on developing leadership skills.
EXTRACURRICULARS
The Wesley Foundation at WCU
(2019 – 2023)
- Connected with other college students to contribute to the local community and celebrate God’s grace
- Split wood using heavy machinery
- Delivered wood and built ramps across Jackson county
Sunrise Movement, WCU Hub
(2021 – 2022)
- Informed students about issues relating to climate change and ways they can benefit the local environment
- Wrote grant applications to receive funding for student-led projects
- Assisted in recycling and river clean-up initiatives
Stephen M. Pierce 