Alejandra Vargas
SUNNYVALE,CA
Summary
As an experienced science writer with a proven track record, I bring a unique blend of skills and expertise to any team. With 22 years of experience, I have a strong understanding of content, audiences, and fact-checking, allowing me to efficiently handle multiple tasks. My background in science journalism equips me with the necessary research, writing, and communication skills for roles requiring precision, information synthesis, and effective multitasking.
My experience as an editor and director of multicultural, multilingual, and multidisciplinary multimedia teams at La Nacion and Univision has provided me with the skills to coordinate various timelines across diverse topics and budgets while maintaining quality control. Additionally, I have worked as a communication strategist for public figures like Christiana Figueres, managing their social media accounts and personal email, creating scripts for podcasts, and writing speeches and opinion articles on their behalf.
I look forward to leveraging my experience across Samsung’s mobile, TV, and digital ecosystems.
I'm a happy person, mother of two, yoga teacher, and professional musician.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Journalist
El País
, Spain
09.2023 - Current
- Contributing articles on science, environment, technology, and leadership to El País, Spain's prestigious newspaper
- Providing expert analysis and insights, fostering trust in critical domains.
Communication Strategist
01.2023 - Current
- Specializing in tailored communication strategies for organizations, businesses, and individuals
- Led communication and media management for the Central American Space Congress, achieving extensive regional coverage
- Orchestrated the dissemination of over 55 pieces of content across various media platforms.
Bilingual Communication Assistant
Stanford Child Wellness Lab
05.2022 - Current
- Using experience as a Hispanic science journalist to help a group of researchers recruit Hispanic people and perform their investigation with them
- Assisting with the Biomarkers of Risk and Resilience in Preschool Children study.
Community Coordinator
Chicas Poderosas
05.2019 - Current
- Bringing people together and helping them find their best version
- Providing mentorship on various topics and organizing workshops to enhance communication skills.
Content Manager and Science Curator
La Ciencia es Pura Vida
08.2018 - Current
- Managing a Facebook group dedicated to science outreach
- Imparting critical science news, enabling lively debates, and encouraging STEM vocations.
Science Reporter
SciDev.Net
10.2007 - 01.2020
- Researching Latin American science, innovations, and public policies.
Online Content Manager
Melania Guerra: La Tica Polar
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Creating and growing a bilingual audience interested in polar and ocean science topics
- Promoting ocean conservation and environmental awareness.
Research Assistant
National Geographic
05.2019 - 06.2019
- Performing research on Costa Rica's biodiversity for an ongoing project.
Scientific Communication and Social Media Strategist
Global Optimism
02.2019 - 04.2019
- Designing communication strategies to effectively reach thousands of people through the Outrage And Optimism podcast
- Optimizing social media content for Christiana Figueres' Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Science & Environment Editor and Reporter
Univision Communications
01.2016 - 05.2018
- Writing, producing, and copy-editing articles, videos, documentaries, TV segments, special reports, and social media campaigns
- Managing social media presence and growth.
Science Editor and SEO Analyst
Periódico La Nación
08.2001 - 12.2015
- Starting and managing the science-dedicated section of the newspaper
- Balancing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and mentoring fellows
- Assisting with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) analysis.
Education
Google Data Analytics Certificate -
Coursera
03.2024
Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication Sciences -
University of Costa Rica (UCR)
01.2001
Social Media Strategist -
Poynter Institute
Master's Degree in Natural Resources Management -
Distance Studies State University (UNED)
Skills
- Writing Excellence
- Content Strategy
- SEO Strategies
- Content Strategy
- Online News Content
- Content expertise
- SEO strategy development
- Content Curation
- Data Analytics
- Multilingual Proficiency (Spanish/English)
- Project Management
- Quality Control
- Fact Checking
- Attention to Detail
- Social Media Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Public Speaking
- Documentation and Reporting
- Speaker Coach and Communications Assistant
- Public Opinion Expertise
- Breaking News Coverage
- Problem Solving Skills
Awards
- Ortega y Gasset Multimedia, 2017, Madrid, Spain
- Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, 2017, Washington, D.C., USA
- Henri Pittier Dormond National Journalism Award, 2015, Costa Rica
- AAAS-Eurekalert Fellowship for International Science Reporters, 2013, Boston, USA
- International Society in the News Design Excellence Awards, 2012, San José, Costa Rica
- Woodrow Wilson-Washington Post Journalism Fellowship, 2010, Washington, D.C., USA
- National Science Journalism Award, 2009, Costa Rica
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Italian
Professional
References
-Sandra Cauffman, Deputy Director for the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters Sandra.A.Cauffman@nasa.gov
-Christiana Figueres Olsen. Paris Agreement on Climate Change Architect. Global Optimism CEO. christiana@globaloptimism.com
-Patricia Velez, Senior Editor, Univision Patricia Velez Patricia.velezsantiago920@gmail.com
-Armando Gonzalez, La Nación Director agonzalez@nacion.com
-Mariana Santos, journalist, CEO of Chicas Poderosas and Harvard Business School Alumni. mymarysaints@gmail.com
-Arturo Larena, EFE VERDE director alarena@efe.es
Timeline
Freelance Journalist
El País
09.2023 - Current
Communication Strategist
01.2023 - Current
Bilingual Communication Assistant
Stanford Child Wellness Lab
05.2022 - Current
Community Coordinator
Chicas Poderosas
05.2019 - Current
Research Assistant
National Geographic
05.2019 - 06.2019
Scientific Communication and Social Media Strategist
Global Optimism
02.2019 - 04.2019
Online Content Manager
Melania Guerra: La Tica Polar
01.2019 - 12.2019
Content Manager and Science Curator
La Ciencia es Pura Vida
08.2018 - Current
Science & Environment Editor and Reporter
Univision Communications
01.2016 - 05.2018
Science Reporter
SciDev.Net
10.2007 - 01.2020
Science Editor and SEO Analyst
Periódico La Nación
08.2001 - 12.2015
Google Data Analytics Certificate -
Coursera
Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication Sciences -
University of Costa Rica (UCR)
Social Media Strategist -
Poynter Institute
Master's Degree in Natural Resources Management -
Distance Studies State University (UNED)