Projects
Media Relations
I have the unique perspective of having worked in a newsroom for many years, and that has given me an understanding of what journalists and reporters want to cover, and what they need to file their stories. And having worked in media relations, I also know how to use the media to help communicate an organization's values to their stakeholders, community partners, and the public.
Puppies Visit With Stressed Students
Braden Latam/Global News
This event started in 2015, to bring stressed students some calming time with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. I knew this story would be a big hit because it's exactly the kind of feel-good story that news organizations like to have to round out their coverage, and it features adorable puppies. What's not to love? This event runs twice a year, during exam times, it receives coverage on all mediums, and it runs on multiple broadcasts throughout the day. For the organization, it's a great opportunity to show they care about student mental health and well-being, and it can be used in student recruitment efforts.
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Media Release: "The Puppies Are Back at Bow
Valley College"
Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre Opening
Tara Weber/CBC News
The Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre's official opening took place in November 2013, just two weeks after my start date. I had to update our media contact list, write the press release and social posts, conduct outreach to newsgroups, set up interviews and line up resources. On the day of the event, I helped greet dignitaries, including former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. I also had to help all of my contacts, including politicians and reporters, understand the Blackfoot pronunciation of Iniikokaan.
We received coverage across all mediums, and on all the major networks, including CBC radio, CBC broadcast, and CBC online. We used this event as an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with local media, and to introduce the media to our new campus buildings.
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Media Release: "Bow Valley College Unveils the Innikokaan Aboriginal Centre"
1000 Women Rising Campaign
Gavin Young/Calgary Herald
The 1000 Women Rising Campaign had a simple, but powerful goal: 1,000 women rising up to help other women finish their post-secondary education and achieve their career ambitions. Our aim was to raise $1 million in funding support to assist our female students in overcoming barriers to learning.
For this event, we worked closely with our Fund Development Team to help their goal of highlighting the campaign in the media and helping to drive people to their fundraising page, and achieving their objective of raising $1 million in funding. I also arranged the emcee for the event by reaching out to the Global News anchor Linda Olsen, who was eager to help out with an initiative set to benefit female students.
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The campaign was a great success having reached its fundraising goal of $1 million. In fact, between 2016-2019, over 500 students received 1000 Women Rising Awards.
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Media Release: "Bow Valley College Launches 1000 Women Rising Campaign"