ELLEN KOTZIN

Built a combined online following of nearly 150,000 across multiple online platforms to engage viewers and tell stories, mainly about Pittsburgh, PA, creating a quirky one-woman virtual visitor's bureau, with multiple videos achieving millions of views.

Duties include:

• Serving as host/on-camera talent
• Writing scripts
• Editing video
• Production and promotion

Content includes a mix of humor, historical and educational shorts, highlighting and promoting neighborhoods, activities, events, local businesses and "hidden gems" in the area.

Voted "Best Pittsburgh TikTok" in the Pittsburgh City Paper 2024 annual readers' poll and nominated among the top five influencers in Pittsburgh Magazine's "Best of Pittsburgh" Awards.

Passionate about connecting audiences to places, and experiencing new adventures.

Collaborated with organizations including:

• Visit Pittsburgh
• NEXTpittsburgh (monthly freelance contributor in 2024)
• The Office of Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro/VisitPA
• YaJagoff Media, LLC
• Pittsburgh Airport

Performed in many roles on stage and screen over several decades, including in musical theater, plays, feature films, and television/streaming shows. Recent local appearances include:

• Improv student/performer, Upright Citizens Brigade, Pittsburgh, Dec. 2025
• Panel moderator, Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books, May 2025
• Featured storyteller in Arcade Comedy Theater's Arcade Hootenanny, Dec. 2024
• Guest, YaJagoff Podcast, multiple episodes, 2023-present

Taught multiple grade levels of French throughout school districts in several states employing diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand materials for targeted levels of proficiency. Fostered positive learning environment by using enthusiastic and energetic instructional strategies. Responsibilities included all facets of curriculum development, instruction and learning assessment.