Cassandra West Email and Phone Number

I edit Crain's Forum, an award-winning monthly series that reports on major issues affecting the Chicago region by drawing on the expertise and insights of thought leaders in the civic, business and nonprofit arenas.

Provided strategic and communications advice and support to candidates running for village and school board seats in the Village of Oak Park. Created fundraising and get out the vote campaigns. Designed and wrote campaign literature and email blasts.

Oversaw all external communications for the Foundation — everything from newsletters and press release to web content and social media campaigns.

Online brand development, social networking strategies and campaigns. We provide editorial content for websites, develop and manage and social media sites for clients; create video stories for businesses and organizations.

I founded Seeding Chicago to chronicle news about urban agriculture, community gardening and the sustainability movement in the Chicago area.

In addition to writing an occasional column, I was the initial writer for a special monthly series called SAY Connect that reported on the community resources that support healthy, resilient young people.

Report and write on diversity issues, initiatives and people in higher education

Edited stories and blogs for the website.

Taught courses in news writing, editing and multimedia storytelling.

Directed external and internal communications programs and materials and new media efforts utilizing organization's Web site and social networks. Oversaw and approved all content for newsletters, brochures and direct-mail pieces. Edited weekly e-newsletter. Wrote speeches for key staff and board members. Created online multimedia projects for Web site and YouTube.Developed, directed and implemented media, public relations and external communications in support of Foundation's missions and objectives. Worked closely with development, advocacy and program staffs.Directed media-relations activities related to Foundation activities, programs. Initiated media contacts and cultivated relationships with local media outlets. Responded to press inquiries; coordinated and conducted interviews with funders, supporters, board members. Wrote press releases and media alerts and other press materials. Initiated meeting with editorial boards. Represented Foundation on public panels, television and radio community affairs programs.

News Editor; Assistant Editor Books Section; WomanNews section editor; associate editor, Tempo.

Managed editorial direction, production and staffing for MedLife and AutoTimesCopy editor, News and Features desks

Edited features, news, business and sports stories.

Copy editor for Travel, Style, daily Features, Entertainment, Books sections. Multiple winner of monthly headline-writing contest.