Elizabeth Vinson
Summary
Bilingual, award-winning communications professional with proven track record of success in media relations, earned media, digital communications, writing and editing. Feature and enterprise reporter with expert understanding of AP style grammar. Experience reporting from the U.S.-Mexico border. Award-winning photographer with experience creating compelling videos for social media purposes. Eager and passionate writer with expert knowledge of U.S. policies impeding equity for all. Expert writer with a robust background in nonprofit settings and newsrooms. Advocate for social justice change. Strong organizational skills, research capabilities and public speaking skills. Thrive in high-pressure atmospheres. Diligent and proactive worker with competence in various computer technologies and software. Fast and eager learner with excellent critical and analytical thinking skills. Fluent in Spanish.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Writer, Freelance
Nonprofit Quarterly
12.2024 - Current
- Craft articles to help the nonprofit sector adjust to policymaking decisions affecting marginalized communities
- Writer in charge of producing articles centered on immigration, and how the nonprofit sector can navigate new immigration policies
Editor/Writer Consultant
American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC)
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Prepared, wrote and edited op-eds for ABIC and its partner organizations to emphasize need for immigrants in the U.S., and to improve readability and impact
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work
- Successfully pitched stories to leading publications across the U.S
- For placement
- Wrote other daily deliverables, such as Letters to the Editor, to emphasize need for diversity in the U.S
- Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement
Communications Director
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Created targeted messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring relevance and impact across multiple platforms
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to design strategies for messaging and communications
- Implemented social media strategies, boosting online presence and audience engagement
- Used earned media to spread awareness of MIRA's efforts
- Strategized communications plans to streamline yearly goals
- Developed weekly newsletter for supporters and donors nationwide using MailChimp
- Crafted materials such as the annual report; press releases; talking points; commentaries and op-eds
- Crafted messaging for diverse audiences, leveraging a variety of communication channels
- Mentored junior staff members on effective communication techniques, driving professional growth within the team
Staff Writer
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
04.2018 - 02.2023
- Brainstormed ideas to create useful content for clients, including visiting the U.S.-Mexico border to research immigration policy
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content
- Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content
- Lead writer for the SPLC's 'Attention on Detention' – a series that highlights those currently fighting for their release from immigrant detention
- Lead writer for the SPLC's Immigrant Justice Project, LGBTQ+ and Special Litigation practice groups
- Wrote and pitched op-eds for senior leadership centered around immigration reform
- Wrote breaking news elevated to the nation via the main website and social media platforms
- Regular contributor to the Center's quarterly newspaper, The SPLC Report – a quarterly newspaper that uplifts the SPLC's litigation and other initiatives
- Responsible for creating the SPLC's weekly internal newsletter that summarizes achievements of the Center throughout the week
- Managed multiple writing assignments simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines
Freelance Reporter, Editor
The Montgomery Advertiser
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Collaborated with editors to develop compelling story ideas, ensuring diverse content that appealed to a wide audience
- Researched and produced daily news reports
- Edited stories for accuracy and clarity
- Enhanced news coverage by conducting thorough research and fact-checking for accuracy
- Lead writer for the publication's Arts & Culture section
- Produced 17-page resource guide regarding travel in Alabama
- Contributed to increased readership by consistently delivering engaging and timely stories
- Penned op-eds related to city government decisions
- Conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, providing comprehensive perspectives on relevant issues
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish, Communications
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALMaster of Arts - Linguistics
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALSkills
- Content Editing
- Critical thinking
- Document proofreading
- Research
- Analytical Problem-Solving
- Content development
- Copy editing
- Content planning
- Strategic content planning
- Digital publishing tools
- Managing media
- Visual storytelling
- Story pitching
- Source interviewing
- Brand voice consistency
Locations
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Montgomery, AL
- Tuscaloosa, AL
Personal Information
Title: Writer/Editor, Communications Professional
Awards
- Gold Anthem Award: Awarded first place for my story on abuses sustained by Black men while held in ICE detention in Georgia.
- Best in Show: Participated in the International Photography Exhibit in Montgomery, Alabama, where my photograph received first place among over 300 photographers.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Writer, Freelance
Nonprofit Quarterly
12.2024 - Current
Editor/Writer Consultant
American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC)
01.2024 - 08.2024
Communications Director
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
02.2023 - 10.2023
Staff Writer
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
04.2018 - 02.2023
Freelance Reporter, Editor
The Montgomery Advertiser
01.2016 - 04.2018
Master of Arts - Linguistics
The University of Alabama
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish, Communications
The University of Alabama
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