Introduction
Hello!
If you’re reading this, it means I am a proud graduate of Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies. At the outset of this program, I was in a new role, building Epson America’s first-ever internal communications program from the ground up as a tiny-but-mighty team of one. As I graduate now with my Master’s in Communications and Leadership, I find myself again in a new role, leading a team of eight incredible writers and content managers for Cisco’s employee newsroom.
None of this would have been possible without the lessons I’ve learned during this program—and more importantly, the support from my fellow classmates. For 24 months, I have had the luxury of exploring my passion—ok, borderline obsession—for internal communications through a spectrum of lenses. Each reading and discussion board post brought me deeper into my practice as a communications professional. I emerged from each paper with a more textured understanding of strategic and organizational communications and how internal communications functions within it.
As a former journalist who truly believed my life peaked the day my paper went out of business—and with it, my career as a writer and editor—finding communications was no second act. I realize now it is the continuation of my life’s work. Although the path I’ve traveled took me through a few hair-pin turns and roundabouts, I know now I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
My story continues with this portfolio. May the work I share here lead you to consider the stories that fill each day of our lives, and help you tell more of them.