I thrive in the dynamic world of marketing, where creativity intersects with strategy to drive business success. With a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations (‘19) and Masters in Strategic Communications (‘21) under my belt, I bring both academic rigor and practical expertise to my role as a Marketing Communications Specialist. At Madden Media, I focus on business development initiatives and strengthening internal branding, helping to align our mission with impactful storytelling and strategic growth. Whether it’s identifying new opportunities, enhancing brand loyalty, or fostering engagement, I’m passionate about connecting destinations to Madden Media, resulting in shared economic growth that empowers communities to thrive. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring new destinations, embracing all things travel and leisure, and living the stories that fuel my work. I am deeply honored to support Our Military Kids (OMK) as a brand ambassador, an organization that shaped my life in profound ways. In 2005, I became OMK’s first grant recipient during its pilot program while my father, then Lt. Col. Blake C. Ortner, was deployed to Afghanistan following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I received a total of three activity grants with the additional two occuring during his deployments to Iraq ('07/'08) and Afghanistan ('11/'12). Through my OMK grants, I was able to find resilience during a time when I often felt invisible as the daughter of a National Guardsman.Today, I share my story at events to raise awareness and inspire support for the children of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, and post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. It’s a privilege to give back to the organization that once uplifted me, helping to ensure other children just like me feel seen, supported, and empowered through OMK’s life-changing grants.