CANDACE MCKENZIE
Jackson,United States
Summary
Detail-oriented public information officer adept at developing and executing effective communication strategies to enhance public relations and community involvement. Demonstrates expertise in writing, editing, and organizing events, utilizing platforms like Meltwater and Constant Contact to optimize information dissemination. Seeking roles in Memphis, Tennessee, to continue to create authentic and compelling campaigns, leveraging diverse stories to help others succeed.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Reporter
The Mississippi Independent
09.2024 - Current
- Conducts in-depth interviews with diverse sources, analyzing complex narratives to craft compelling stories.
- Meticulously researched and wrote a byline exploring the nuanced relationship between an adult learner and their tutor.
Public Information Officer
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
07.2022 - Current
- Oversees the MDAH Weekly Update to update MDAH staff, donors, and visitors about upcoming events and news.
- Submits requests for artifacts in the department's holdings to utilize in promotional materials.
- Builds relationships with local reporters to engage them with the work of the department.
- Coordinates with the marketing team to implement marketing materials to promote MDAH events and sites.
- Crafts press releases and media alerts to elevate the department's brand and reach.
- Maintains databases for media contacts and subscribers to the Weekly Update via Constant Contact and Meltwater.
- Assists with special events, such as lectures from national figures and the annual Mississippi Historical Society.
Freelance Reporter
Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Produced a byline on the effects of community violence on Jackson youth that was published in local Mississippi news outlets.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with 7 sources based in Mississippi.
- Utilized both primary and secondary stories to gather and verify information.
Staff Advisor to the Purple and White Newspaper
Millsaps College
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with the editor-in-chief and managing editor to brainstorm bylines for student engagement.
Emerging Fellows Reporter
Mississippi Today
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Authored 4 bylines for Next Gen project, a project designed to unpack Mississippi's brain drain.
- Traveled to the Mississippi Delta to enhance Mississippi Today's outreach and engagement.
- Worked closely with editors and audience teams to refine Next Gen project.
Editor-in-Chief, Purple and White Newspaper
Millsaps College
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Orchestrated a 13-member student reporter team, resulting in 6 monthly issues of enhanced content accuracy.
- Co-developed the Purple and White website, boosting user engagement.
- Initiated staff meetings to amplify productivity and team morale.
- Refined over 18 articles for superior accuracy and appeal
- Collaborated with the Millsaps Alumni Office to craft alumni-driven stories.
Education
BACHELOR OF ART - COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Millsaps College
Jackson, Mississippi08.2021
ASSOCIATE IN ART -
Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi05.2019
Skills
- Follow-up coordination
- Research skills
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Organized
- AP-Style writing
- Responsible
- Flexible
- Adobe Photoshop
- Donor Perfect
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Chicago-style writing
- Social media
Open To Relocating
Yes
Additional Information
Nomination, Women in Media Celebration, Women for Progress, 2025; Basic Supervisory Course, Mississippi State Personnel Board, Fall 2024; "Sometimes-My Mind Is Not My Home," Poets Choice, 2023; "The Devil's Spaghetti," The Stylus, Millsaps College's Art and Literary Magazine, 2021; Carpe Diem screenplay, The Stylus, Millsaps College's Art and Literary Magazine, 2020; Presented at the Southeastern Writing Center Association, Birmingham, Alabama, 2020; Presented at the International Writing Center Association, Columbus, Ohio, 2019; Note taker, Hinds Community College, 2019; Volunteer, Riggs Manor Nursing Home, 2019; Hinds Writing Center Seminar consultant, 2019; Phi Theta Kappa, 2018-present; and Hinds Public Relations guest blogger and photographer, 2017.
Timeline
Freelance Reporter
The Mississippi Independent
09.2024 - Current
Public Information Officer
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
07.2022 - Current
Freelance Reporter
Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting
09.2021 - 06.2022
Staff Advisor to the Purple and White Newspaper
Millsaps College
09.2021 - 01.2022
Emerging Fellows Reporter
Mississippi Today
01.2021 - 08.2021
Editor-in-Chief, Purple and White Newspaper
Millsaps College
06.2020 - 12.2020
BACHELOR OF ART - COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Millsaps College
ASSOCIATE IN ART -
Hinds Community College
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