SKILLS
Multimedia: Proficient in digital, audio, and video recording and editing (Final Cut Pro, Pro Tools).
Web: WordPress, basic HTML, Flash CS3, Photoshop, Photo Mechanic. Proficient in social media applications and strategies.
Languages: Fully bilingual in English and Bulgarian.
EDUCATION
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, New York, N.Y. — Master of Science, broadcast concentration. May 2010
- Coursework includes: Video Storytelling, served as Executive Digital Produced for nycTAKE2.com; International Newsroom, worked in conjunction with GlobalPost contributing multimedia projects focused on Haiti and the Haitian diaspora; Beat reporting for Northattan.com
- Master’s project: Living on Thin Ice: Marriage Fraud among Illegal Immigrants.
Caldwell College, Caldwell, N.J. — B.A. in Communication Arts, minor in Marketing, summa cum laude. May 2005
- Class Valedictorian, Kappa Gamma Pi
- Served as Resident Assistant and oversaw co-ed undergraduate dorm of 300 students (Jan. 2002 – May 2005).
MULTIMEDIA/ PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
Ambrica Productions, New York, NY Nov. 2011 — March 2014
Associate Video and Web Producer, The Story Exchange, a digital media project that publishes its video profiles of entrepreneurial women on The New York Times and The Huffington Post, among other platforms.
- Produced, wrote and edited multimedia stories; wrote, published, and updated content for the website.
- Shot and edited short videos; filmed additional footage for documentaries; organized video shoots and prepared call sheets.
- Researched, pre-interviewed, and evaluated women entrepreneurs for video profiles.
- Assisted in conceptualizing and revamping a new look and functionality for the website, implementing HTML and Photoshop.
- Developed and implemented SEO and Social Networking strategies that increased twitter followers 7 times and tripled Facebook subscribers.
- Collected, prepared and organized media to assist editor on ongoing documentaries and shorter video features.
- Assisted with administrative tasks, including tax forms and equipment insurance; prepared expense reports; and managed office supplies.
Futuro Media Group/ NPR’s Latino USA, New York, NY June 2010 – Oct. 2011
Radio Producer
- NPR’s Latino USA: “Living with Alzheimer’s” – wrote and produced this radio documentary for special series on Latinos and health.
- NPR’s Latino USA: “The Bronx River” – reported, wrote and produced a 12-minute radio story for the series RadioNature, which documented people’s connection with the outdoors.
- NPR’s Morning Edition and Latino USA: “La Posada” – recorded and produced the story of traditional Mexican Christmas carols and celebration brought on the streets of New York City.
Associate Producer (TV)
- BBC World News America: “The Latino Obama from Texas”– conducted research, prepared call sheets, served as second camera operator.
- BBC World News America: “Meet America’s Newest Immigrant Soldiers” — conducted research, prepared call sheets, served as second camera operator.
- PBS World Compass: “Greening the Ghetto with Majora Carter” — conducted research, prepared call sheets.
Web Producer
- Managed and maintained websites for NPR’s LatinoUSA.org and FuturoMediaGroup.org.
- Wrote web copy for stories, gathered and edited images, assembled and embedded written, audio and visual materials; produced and edited web videos and audio slide shows; managed and updated Social Media sites.
Production Coordinator
- Participated in editorial meetings; researched projects and stories, prepared questions for interviews.
- Managed Maria Hinojosa’s demanding schedule; managed company itineraries; served as computer admin; worked directly with the Executive Producer on the administrative management of the company.
- PBS’s Need to Know: “A Place Called Home” – coordinated correspondent’s itineraries and shooting schedules.
News 12 New Jersey Television, Edison, N.J. Jan. 2005–May 2005
Intern
- Wrote copy and teases for newscasts; produced and edited short video packages; operated teleprompter.
- Assisted reporters in the field covering breaking news.
- Worked at the assignment desk, evaluated news tips, briefed producers and contributed to reporting.
- Developed stories, provided research and wrote segments for feature lifestyle and animal shows.
Caldwell Communications Network (CCN), Caldwell, N.J. Aug. 2001–May 2005
TV Host & Producer
- Produced and anchored newscasts; covered local news; shot, produced, edited and narrated pieces for campus TV station.
- Co-created and hosted live entertainment show targeting school events and interests of college students.
- Operated TV studio and control room equipment.
PROMOTIONS / SALES EXPERIENCE
Employment Guide (Division of Dominion Enterprises), Fairfield, N.J.
Office Manager Sept. 2006–July 2009
Account Executive Aug. 2005–Sept. 2006
- Edited and optimized contents of job postings for better search results; partnered with the Internet development team to post career opportunities, videos and banners on EmploymentGuide.com, HealthCareerWeb.com, CareersInGear.com and WiserWorker.com.
- Produced, wrote, shot, edited and narrated a video of the first NYC Job Fair for EmploymentGuide.com
- Wrote local event articles for the company’s national publication.
- Contacted advertising agencies and employers, securing more than $200,000 in new business for the first year, leveraging the office to number one in total sales out of over 75 publications nationwide.
- Directed job fairs that each served approximately 2000 attendees in the NY/NJ Metro area.
- Oversaw production and accounts receivable departments; mentored and supervised 12 sales reps in the Northeast region.
- Analyzed and provided daily and weekly sales performance and revenue reports to upper-level management.