I regularly contribute creative and informative blog posts on a volunteer basis for BrendaAfterSixty.com, a site for women in and around the Boston area. My themed posts include book and film suggestions, local travel ideas, and cultural and historic destinations in and around Boston, Greater New England and New York.

Provide expertise and support for the administration of grants awarded by the Neighborhood Jobs Trust and other BPDA grant-making programs to non-profit agencies.• Copy edit and proofread RFPs, RFQs, RFGAs and other official documents before public release• Review and rate grant proposal submissions, providing initial recommendations for funding decisions• Draft initial grant contracts and review submissions of required paperwork for contract execution• Review documentation and advise funded agencies on tracking and billing materials• Follow up with agencies on paperwork through the life of the contract• Assist with other related projects as assigned

I provide copy, content, editing and proofreading for businesses and organizations – including both BTB and BTC companies.As a Copywriter, I have extensive experience and expertise in apparel, accessories, fragrance, jewelry, gifts, textiles, home furnishings and home décor, plus additional background in real estate, finance and education. As a Book Reviewer, I focus on historical and women's fiction, mysteries and thrillers, the arts, cookbooks and children's, and maintain a long-running blog which also includes posts on movies, TV, museum exhibitions and other cultural events: No Shortage of Words at https://copy-content-lamaestra14.blogspot.com/. I have also published book reviews at Indiereader.com, the former Sonsi.com, and both book and cultural event reviews at the former WomenofGloucesterCounty.com.

This former company offered an online social networking site for the senior population, with the goal of supporting better health outcomes by helping to reduce isolation and loneliness. As a "Greeter", I helped to facilitate member engagement via dedicated social media and Zoom events. I initiated and managed online conversations in member interest groups on books, art, music, and other areas of interest to the membership. When new members joined, I was their first point of contact, welcoming them and answering their questions via individual messaging.

I taught adult ESOL classes that incorporated conversation practice, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing. In addition to the basic curriculum and provided text, I researched and provided targeted materials to add context and awareness of current events, history, and civics, for a more focused and stimulating student experience.

I wrote and edited product descriptions for the company's Elodie and Sophie Rue lines of women's/young women's fashions, which were sold via their Amazon store. All items were written to feature keywords, as well as product details, fabric information, and care instructions. As a copywriter working remotely, I developed the descriptions from photos of the garments, drawing upon my knowledge of clothing construction and textiles to provide potential customers with an understanding of the garments, and how they would fit and feel.

I followed up on households that had neglected to complete their 2020 Census Forms, interviewing over 750 households in less than 3 months, using government-provided software, and traveling each day throughout a multi-county area, meeting and speaking with individuals from all walks of life. In addition to the minimal training provided, I relied on tact, and think-on-your-feet responses to unexpected questions and behavior. I was able to call on my background in civics education that I had acquired as an ESL/ESOL instructor to be able to explain the purpose and importance of the Census count to those who were reluctant or uninformed. My efforts resulted in a high percentage of completed "cases".

I wrote and edited copy/content for an iconic multi-channel merchant’s mix of moderate-to-better women's apparel, accessories, gifts, and home décor. Focused on bringing a superior customer experience at all touch points; product descriptions for print and digital, product naming, email, social, credit solicitations, customer service announcements. Partnered with design, production, merchandising and marketing teams. Managed proofreading – hired, trained, and scheduled freelancers.

Provided the editorial "voice" for a boutique direct marketer of plus size women's apparel – all copy and content for print and online including SEO-enhanced product descriptions, promotional website copy, emails, social media, press releases and public relations materials. Developed and monitored topics for the company's online community and blog.

Digital and print copywriting/editing for digital and traditional retailers and direct marketers. Primary client: Charming, Inc. (an affiliate of Ascena Retail Brands), apparel brands: Catherines Plus Sizes, Fashion Bug, Lane Bryant Outlet, and social media at Sonsi.com. Product descriptions, promotional emails, site updates, book reviews, house wears, and how-to articles. Secondarily, adjunct and part-time instructor at local community colleges, teaching English as a Second Language classes in reading, writing, pronunciation and grammar, plus SAT Prep.

Managed all editorial content for Roaman's, a plus size women's brand, including editing weekly catalogs and writing e-mails and site updates, public relations and articles for house publications.

Managed all aspects of advertising/creative for big and tall men's catalog. Worked with art directors, coordinated model selection, arranged and monitored photo shoots in conjunction with advertising agency, hired freelance writers for copy and edited all catalogs and collateral. Responsible for accuracy of all materials and final sign off with printer.

Wrote and edited corporate public relations materials, annual reports and financial presentations, working directly with CEO, CFO and other officers. Contributed to corporate newsletter; prepared employee handbook for Human Resources. Simultaneously managed copy development for the company's largest brand, then known as Lane Bryant.

Managed all editorial and promotional functions for the Lane Bryant catalog (the company's marquee brand), from concept, through layout and copy development, through final approval and bluelines. Hired and supervised staff and freelance copywriters.

Managed editorial and promotional functions for the Roaman's women's plus-size fashion catalogs, from concept, through layout and copy development, through final approval and bluelines. Hired and supervised staff and freelance copywriters.