ANITA VALENTIN
Chicago,IL
Summary
Studying for Masters Journalism • DePaul University
B.A. Broadcast Journalism • Columbia College Chicago One Year Fellowship: Channel Two's Investigative Unit. Lead Assistant to Pam Zekman 2016
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance
JOURNALISM & WRITING
01.2010 - Current
- NewCity Chicago Best of 2019: Misc Stories on Chicago People. • The DePaulia: Freelance Writer/ Articles published on Personal Relationships and Business • Girl Weekly: Photographer
So Far Publishing
Reporter/Photographer
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Reporter for So FAR
- Publishing; 7-10 articles/ week, and original photography
- Also produced 1-2 videos/month for the website
- Created and mentored an international database of reporters to cover stories on what people had learned in their lifetime around the globe
CHICAGO REPORTER
REPORTER
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Wrote the non-features material - profiles, for the society’s bimonthly magazine, copy edited all pages prior to publication, updated calendar and social media
- Attended School Board/City Council/Local Government meetings.
Multiple Organizations
FREELANCE WRITER/EDITOR/ PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALI
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Wrote features material focusing on individual clients businesses
- Solidifying partnerships with NIKE, and FLEET FEET for certain clients
- Created Creative Content that included Video Interviews and
- Packages, controlled and updated clients Social Media accounts, organized Networking Events and
- Garnered Interest from other Media News Outlets.
Southport Performing Arts Center
MANAGER
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Fine Arts Performing Center focused on Classical Music Training, Dance and Theater
- Managed all three separate departments
- Assisted
- Founder and teachers with juries, schedules, new registration and quarterly Gala Event preparation.
Legal News Network
FREELANCE REPORTER
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Wrote 5-7 articles/week on local government, pitched several original feature stories, copy edited, took original photos, laid out news sections using InDesign.
Skills
- Teaching, Mentoring In Person/Online
- Public Speaking, Theatre, Non-Violent-Communication (NVC) practitioner, Poynter Institute Trauma training for trauma victims
- Mac, Windows, Excel, Photoshop, Adobe Suites
- Final Cut Pro
- Completed Three Chicago Spring Triatholons
Affiliations
- Member of the Society of Professional (SPJ) Journalists since 2010
- Author “A Book About Friendship” early reader.
- Founder/Facilitator of WriteNow Writer’s Group
- Founder/Facilitator of The Chicago Accountability Group for Writers (CAG)
- Certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Former VP of Trauma Training for Prison Yoga Chicago
Additional Information
Blind Services
- Worked with the blind in various capacities, some of which included bill pay, reading, outings and typed letter writing
Sunrise Senior Living Center
• Companion Volunteer Provided companionship along with playing board games with those suffering for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Albany Park Food Pantry
• Bagged groceries for low income families
Inspiration Cafe Homeless Food Shelter
• Helped conduct mock worker interviews
• Food server
Timeline
So Far Publishing
Reporter/Photographer
01.2018 - 01.2023
CHICAGO REPORTER
REPORTER
01.2017 - 01.2018
Multiple Organizations
FREELANCE WRITER/EDITOR/ PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALI
01.2014 - 01.2017
Southport Performing Arts Center
MANAGER
01.2011 - 01.2014
Legal News Network
FREELANCE REPORTER
01.2011 - 01.2012
Freelance
JOURNALISM & WRITING
01.2010 - Current