Miranda L. Siwak
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina
Major: Journalism (Print and Online concentration)
Minor: French
Study Abroad, Foundation for International Education (FIE), London, England, Fall 2015
EXPERIENCE
a360 Media| New York, NY
Digital Writer, Us Weekly
Summer 2021-Present
-Pitch, source, and write daily celebrity, pop culture, and trending news stories for US Weekly's website
-Input and update article drafts on CMS program
-Build a daily newsletter via PostUp, curating included stories based on Google Analytics trends
-Help manage the website during weekend shifts, including brainstorming stories, writing, editing, WordPress input, and scheduling social media posts
Self-Employed| New York, NY
Freelance Writer & Editor
Spring 2018-Present
-Pitching, writing, and editing weekly digital lifestyle articles on fashion, entertainment, parenting, and wellness
-Contributing lifestyle news and evergreen features for Zimbio, Moms.com, Nicki Swift, and Muehleder’s Mue Blog
-Inputing article drafts on various custom CMS programs and editing images using Photoshop
-For fashion brand Muehleder, writing three blog posts each week and creating newsletter content to promote each feature
-Content creation, editing, photo creation/editing, and publishing original pieces on my own lifestyle blog, as well
BobVila.com (Acton Media)| New York, NY
Associate Editor, Special Projects
Winter 2020-Present
-Pitching, writing, and editing digital lifestyle articles on interiors, construction and renovation, and DIY projects
-Copy editing licensed guides, affiliate articles, and lead-gen content for BobVila.com and partner websites
-Writing lead-gen and SEO-driven articles to appear on the website
-Liaising and coordinating with freelance writers and editors to ensure all deadlines are met
-Creating and pitching original digital content that is consistent with the Bob Vila brand and industry trends
Adventure Media & Events| New York, NY
Assistant Editor
Winter 2020-Spring 2020
-Writing and editing print and digital content for The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, and The Pop Insider
-Using InDesign and Photoshop to design, layout, and edit pages for the monthly print editions
-Covering toy industry news and toy reviews for The Toy Insider and The Toy Book
-Covering pop culture news, reviews, features for The Pop Insider
-Assist on-site at company events, Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play, as well as man booths and cover Toy Fair New York, New York and San Diego Comic-Cons
-Create newsletter content for The Toy Insider's weekly e-newsletter, the Playlist
Adventure Media & Events | New York, NY
Editorial Assistant
Summer 2018- Winter 2019
-Writing and editing print and digital content for The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, and The Pop Insider
-Preparing samples for editors' on-camera regional and national television segments (including TODAY, Access Hollywood, The Tamron Hall Show, The Wendy Williams Show, and FOX & Friends)
-Using InDesign and Photoshop to design, layout, and edit pages for the monthly print editions
-Covering toy industry news and toy reviews for The Toy Insider and The Toy Book
-Covering pop culture news and features for The Pop Insider
-Assist on-site at company events, Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play, as well as man booths and cover Toy Fair New York, New York and San Diego Comic-Cons
-Handle administrative duties to manage the office upkeep
Interior Design magazine (Sandow Media) | New York, NY
Fall 2017- Spring 2018
Freelance Web Producer
-Assist the digital team with web production
-Build and edit print and digital content on Sandow's custom CMS
-Edit Images on the Adobe Creative Suite
-Produce original roundups and other news stories for the website
Dr. Oz The Good Life and Good Housekeeping (Hearst Digital Media) | New York, NY
Winter/Spring 2017
Digital Editorial Intern
-Contribute, write, and edit healthy living content consistent with The Good Life brand. Examples of my articles can be found here.
-Build and edit digital and print articles and galleries on Hearst's CMS (MediaOs)
-Assist the digital team with various editorial tasks to cover the latests health news and trends
-Beginning May 2017, I began working as a Digital Intern with the web teams at Good Housekeeping/House Beautiful to build articles on their custom CMS and cover daily news stories and galleries. Examples of my articles can be found here.
The Pendulum | Elon, NC
Spring 2016 - Fall 2016
Senior Reporter
-Write a weekly Arts & Entertainment/ Features story for each issue in the Style (renamed as Lifestyle) section
-Meet with section editors weekly to brainstorm ideas and discuss story pitches
-Write and compile content for the monthly campus magazine, The Edge
Brandon Maxwell Studio| New York, NY
Summer 2016
Styling Intern
-Assist Styling team with pulling looks and styling looks for clients
-Create and assemble mood boards and inspiration look books for upcoming shoots and celebrity clients' projects
-Manage sample trafficking and other administrative duties to manage the office
-Prepare looks and concepts for photo shoots and assist the Styling team on set at shoots and fittings
College Tourist | Virtual
Winter/Spring 2016
Travel Ambassador and Writer
-Write bimonthly articles about studying abroad and promote work on social media
-Work with a small team throughout the semester to write articles and engage users on social media
Absolutely Magazines (Zest Media Group) | London, England
Fall 2015
Editorial Intern
-Research and write content for the What's On section of the magazines
-Write copy for various magazine sections
-Source images
-Conduct product research
-Serve as a liaison between the magazine and Public Relations representatives for brands
-Assist Absolutely editors with editorial tasks for upcoming issues
Good Housekeeping (Hearst Publications) | New York, NY
Summer 2015
Home Editorial Intern
-Organize and collaborate on content ideas and photo shoots for the Home department
-Research new trends for potential features
-Gather props for upcoming shoots and organize them for ease of use
-Assist Home Editors on set at photo shoots for cover images and inside spreads
The Pendulum | Elon, NC
Winter 2015 - Spring 2015
Design Editor
-Design spreads using InDesign
-Work with section editors to create innovative spreads
-Work with the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor to oversee the production of the issue and creating a PDF for the completed issue using Issuu.
-Use of Adobe InDesign, InCopy and Photoshop
The Pendulum | Elon, NC
Winter 2015 - Spring 2015
Senior Reporter
-Write a weekly Arts & Entertainment/ Features story for each issue
-Meet with section editor and assistant editor weekly to brainstorm ideas and discuss stories
The Pendulum | Elon University, Elon NC
Winter 2014 - Fall 2014
Design Intern
-Design spreads using InDesign
-Work with section editors and Design Chief to create innovative spreads
-Use of Adobe InDesign, InCopy and Photoshop
Women Empowered | Virtual
Summer 2014
Social Media Intern
-Managed social media accounts using Hootsuite
-Wrote a biweekly blog and created an accompanying image for each using InDesign
-Interacted with Twitter and Facebook followers daily
-Corresponded with Women Empowered team in Los Angeles via email and weekly phone calls
Vatterott Educational Centers, Inc. | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2014
Communications Intern
-Worked with Public Relations department at Vatterott headquarters
-Created press releases and media alerts for upcoming campus events
-Created events calendars for this fall for each campus
-Wrote articles and blog posts for their web content
ALIVE Magazine | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2014
Marketing & Events Intern
-Assisted the ALIVE Magazine team on-site at their sponsored events
-Worked with ALIVE's Event Coordinator to ensure events ran smoothly
Where Magazine | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2013
Editorial Intern
-Proofed content for print and online components of the publication
-Used social media as a communications platform
-Attended photo shoots and sales calls
-Conceptualized ideas for cover stories
County Living Magazine | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2013
Summer Intern
-Conducted research for the circulation department
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Epsilon Sigma Alpha service organization, Spring 2014- Fall 2016
Teen Vogue Fashion University, intensive fashion industry seminar, March 2015
FreshTV, first-year accelerated Communications training program, Fall 2013
AWARDS/ ACHIEVEMENTS
Dean's List, Elon University
RELEVANT COURSES
Public Speaking
Students learn principles for speaking in public settings with significant in-class presentation and out-of-class topical research. The course focuses on the structure and effective delivery of ideas, use of language, supporting evidence, reasoning and emotional appeals, diction, pronunciation and non- verbal communication.
Fresh TV
FreshTV is an accelerated training program that prepares students to be successful in the many areas of communications. The program consists of a series of workshops that are designed to set students up to have the base knowledge and contacts to be successful in the beginning of their college career.
Communications in a Global Age
Contemporary media play a vital role in society. In this course, students study the importance of books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, movies, radio, television, the Internet and mobile media, and the messages carried through news, public relations and advertising. The course emphasizes the relationship of media and democracy, ethical decision-making, the diversity of audiences, and the global impact of communications.
Bachelor of Arts at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina
Major: Journalism (Print and Online concentration)
Minor: French
Study Abroad, Foundation for International Education (FIE), London, England, Fall 2015
EXPERIENCE
a360 Media| New York, NY
Digital Writer, Us Weekly
Summer 2021-Present
-Pitch, source, and write daily celebrity, pop culture, and trending news stories for US Weekly's website
-Input and update article drafts on CMS program
-Build a daily newsletter via PostUp, curating included stories based on Google Analytics trends
-Help manage the website during weekend shifts, including brainstorming stories, writing, editing, WordPress input, and scheduling social media posts
Self-Employed| New York, NY
Freelance Writer & Editor
Spring 2018-Present
-Pitching, writing, and editing weekly digital lifestyle articles on fashion, entertainment, parenting, and wellness
-Contributing lifestyle news and evergreen features for Zimbio, Moms.com, Nicki Swift, and Muehleder’s Mue Blog
-Inputing article drafts on various custom CMS programs and editing images using Photoshop
-For fashion brand Muehleder, writing three blog posts each week and creating newsletter content to promote each feature
-Content creation, editing, photo creation/editing, and publishing original pieces on my own lifestyle blog, as well
BobVila.com (Acton Media)| New York, NY
Associate Editor, Special Projects
Winter 2020-Present
-Pitching, writing, and editing digital lifestyle articles on interiors, construction and renovation, and DIY projects
-Copy editing licensed guides, affiliate articles, and lead-gen content for BobVila.com and partner websites
-Writing lead-gen and SEO-driven articles to appear on the website
-Liaising and coordinating with freelance writers and editors to ensure all deadlines are met
-Creating and pitching original digital content that is consistent with the Bob Vila brand and industry trends
Adventure Media & Events| New York, NY
Assistant Editor
Winter 2020-Spring 2020
-Writing and editing print and digital content for The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, and The Pop Insider
-Using InDesign and Photoshop to design, layout, and edit pages for the monthly print editions
-Covering toy industry news and toy reviews for The Toy Insider and The Toy Book
-Covering pop culture news, reviews, features for The Pop Insider
-Assist on-site at company events, Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play, as well as man booths and cover Toy Fair New York, New York and San Diego Comic-Cons
-Create newsletter content for The Toy Insider's weekly e-newsletter, the Playlist
Adventure Media & Events | New York, NY
Editorial Assistant
Summer 2018- Winter 2019
-Writing and editing print and digital content for The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, and The Pop Insider
-Preparing samples for editors' on-camera regional and national television segments (including TODAY, Access Hollywood, The Tamron Hall Show, The Wendy Williams Show, and FOX & Friends)
-Using InDesign and Photoshop to design, layout, and edit pages for the monthly print editions
-Covering toy industry news and toy reviews for The Toy Insider and The Toy Book
-Covering pop culture news and features for The Pop Insider
-Assist on-site at company events, Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play, as well as man booths and cover Toy Fair New York, New York and San Diego Comic-Cons
-Handle administrative duties to manage the office upkeep
Interior Design magazine (Sandow Media) | New York, NY
Fall 2017- Spring 2018
Freelance Web Producer
-Assist the digital team with web production
-Build and edit print and digital content on Sandow's custom CMS
-Edit Images on the Adobe Creative Suite
-Produce original roundups and other news stories for the website
Dr. Oz The Good Life and Good Housekeeping (Hearst Digital Media) | New York, NY
Winter/Spring 2017
Digital Editorial Intern
-Contribute, write, and edit healthy living content consistent with The Good Life brand. Examples of my articles can be found here.
-Build and edit digital and print articles and galleries on Hearst's CMS (MediaOs)
-Assist the digital team with various editorial tasks to cover the latests health news and trends
-Beginning May 2017, I began working as a Digital Intern with the web teams at Good Housekeeping/House Beautiful to build articles on their custom CMS and cover daily news stories and galleries. Examples of my articles can be found here.
The Pendulum | Elon, NC
Spring 2016 - Fall 2016
Senior Reporter
-Write a weekly Arts & Entertainment/ Features story for each issue in the Style (renamed as Lifestyle) section
-Meet with section editors weekly to brainstorm ideas and discuss story pitches
-Write and compile content for the monthly campus magazine, The Edge
Brandon Maxwell Studio| New York, NY
Summer 2016
Styling Intern
-Assist Styling team with pulling looks and styling looks for clients
-Create and assemble mood boards and inspiration look books for upcoming shoots and celebrity clients' projects
-Manage sample trafficking and other administrative duties to manage the office
-Prepare looks and concepts for photo shoots and assist the Styling team on set at shoots and fittings
College Tourist | Virtual
Winter/Spring 2016
Travel Ambassador and Writer
-Write bimonthly articles about studying abroad and promote work on social media
-Work with a small team throughout the semester to write articles and engage users on social media
Absolutely Magazines (Zest Media Group) | London, England
Fall 2015
Editorial Intern
-Research and write content for the What's On section of the magazines
-Write copy for various magazine sections
-Source images
-Conduct product research
-Serve as a liaison between the magazine and Public Relations representatives for brands
-Assist Absolutely editors with editorial tasks for upcoming issues
Good Housekeeping (Hearst Publications) | New York, NY
Summer 2015
Home Editorial Intern
-Organize and collaborate on content ideas and photo shoots for the Home department
-Research new trends for potential features
-Gather props for upcoming shoots and organize them for ease of use
-Assist Home Editors on set at photo shoots for cover images and inside spreads
The Pendulum | Elon, NC
Winter 2015 - Spring 2015
Design Editor
-Design spreads using InDesign
-Work with section editors to create innovative spreads
-Work with the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor to oversee the production of the issue and creating a PDF for the completed issue using Issuu.
-Use of Adobe InDesign, InCopy and Photoshop
The Pendulum | Elon, NC
Winter 2015 - Spring 2015
Senior Reporter
-Write a weekly Arts & Entertainment/ Features story for each issue
-Meet with section editor and assistant editor weekly to brainstorm ideas and discuss stories
The Pendulum | Elon University, Elon NC
Winter 2014 - Fall 2014
Design Intern
-Design spreads using InDesign
-Work with section editors and Design Chief to create innovative spreads
-Use of Adobe InDesign, InCopy and Photoshop
Women Empowered | Virtual
Summer 2014
Social Media Intern
-Managed social media accounts using Hootsuite
-Wrote a biweekly blog and created an accompanying image for each using InDesign
-Interacted with Twitter and Facebook followers daily
-Corresponded with Women Empowered team in Los Angeles via email and weekly phone calls
Vatterott Educational Centers, Inc. | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2014
Communications Intern
-Worked with Public Relations department at Vatterott headquarters
-Created press releases and media alerts for upcoming campus events
-Created events calendars for this fall for each campus
-Wrote articles and blog posts for their web content
ALIVE Magazine | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2014
Marketing & Events Intern
-Assisted the ALIVE Magazine team on-site at their sponsored events
-Worked with ALIVE's Event Coordinator to ensure events ran smoothly
Where Magazine | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2013
Editorial Intern
-Proofed content for print and online components of the publication
-Used social media as a communications platform
-Attended photo shoots and sales calls
-Conceptualized ideas for cover stories
County Living Magazine | St. Louis, MO
Summer 2013
Summer Intern
-Conducted research for the circulation department
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Epsilon Sigma Alpha service organization, Spring 2014- Fall 2016
Teen Vogue Fashion University, intensive fashion industry seminar, March 2015
FreshTV, first-year accelerated Communications training program, Fall 2013
AWARDS/ ACHIEVEMENTS
Dean's List, Elon University
RELEVANT COURSES
Public Speaking
Students learn principles for speaking in public settings with significant in-class presentation and out-of-class topical research. The course focuses on the structure and effective delivery of ideas, use of language, supporting evidence, reasoning and emotional appeals, diction, pronunciation and non- verbal communication.
Fresh TV
FreshTV is an accelerated training program that prepares students to be successful in the many areas of communications. The program consists of a series of workshops that are designed to set students up to have the base knowledge and contacts to be successful in the beginning of their college career.
Communications in a Global Age
Contemporary media play a vital role in society. In this course, students study the importance of books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, movies, radio, television, the Internet and mobile media, and the messages carried through news, public relations and advertising. The course emphasizes the relationship of media and democracy, ethical decision-making, the diversity of audiences, and the global impact of communications.
Media Writing
Clear, logical writing is necessary to communicate effectively with an audience. This course focuses on background research, interviews, accuracy, attribution and styles of writing (print, broadcast, online, news releases). Grammar and language skills are refined, and Associated Press style is introduced.
Web and Mobile Communications
The development of the World Wide Web and the proliferation of mobile devices have transformed the way people gather information and communicate. In this course, students learn key terminology and principles of web and mobile communications. The course also demystifies basic technologies used to create web pages.
Creating Multimedia Content
Clear, logical writing is necessary to communicate effectively with an audience. This course focuses on background research, interviews, accuracy, attribution and styles of writing (print, broadcast, online, news releases). Grammar and language skills are refined, and Associated Press style is introduced.
Web and Mobile Communications
The development of the World Wide Web and the proliferation of mobile devices have transformed the way people gather information and communicate. In this course, students learn key terminology and principles of web and mobile communications. The course also demystifies basic technologies used to create web pages.
Creating Multimedia Content
Media content comes in many forms: text, photos, graphics, audio and video. In this course, stu- dents learn principles of aural and visual design, acquire knowledge of media production techniques, and create accessible content for the web and traditional media. The course features units on pho- tography, audio and video recording and editing, and online content management.
Journalism in a Free Society
Good journalism is essential for a vibrant democracy. This course focuses on the role and contem- porary practices of print, broadcast and online journalism. Students examine freedom of expression and the value of journalism in society, the historic evolution of news, the rise of participatory and citizen journalism, and changing business models and entrepreneurial efforts that support journalism today.
Reporting for the Public Good
Students become reporters and writers who emphasize accuracy, logic, and the sound and sense of words. Students analyze good journalism and discuss concepts such as civic journalism, the watch- dog function of the news media, ethical practice, and journalism’s role in serving the public good in a democracy.
Multimedia News Production
Students learn techniques of news production across media platforms and in converged news envi- ronments. With a focus on broadcast news production and online publishing, students gain the abil- ity to produce news content through audio, video, photo and text for traditional, web and mobile media distribution.
Editing & Design
Precision in word usage and style and an aesthetic sense of design are valuable in publications. Stu- dents practice crafting content, editing copy, writing headlines, using photos and graphics, writing captions and designing pages.
FIE Study Abroad in London, England
Immerse yourself in one of the most diverse cities on the globe. Live and study in Kensington, one of London's most attractive and desirable locations. The FIE Semester in London includes 14 -15 weeks of study with an FIE Key Course and elective courses, and an optional internship.
Media Law & Ethics
The First Amendment is the philosophical foundation for freedom of speech and press in America. This course distinguishes between forms of communication that have constitutional protection and those with limitations (libel, privacy, copyright, censorship, commercial speech, broadcast licensing, access to information). Students explore the foundations of moral reasoning and apply ethical responsibilities to communications cases.
Multimedia Journalism
Students gather and present news and information in a converged media environment that combines text, graphics, photojournalism, audio and video. Students work as individuals and in teams to write, report and produce online multimedia products. Capstone course in the Journalism major.
Great Ideas: Issues and Research
Students examine great ideas that shape media and communications such as free expression, the global reach of communications, technological innovation, media entrepreneurship, the diversity of audiences, and media effects. Students have seminar-style discussions on such issues and write an original research paper or substantive analytical paper that examines a specific issue.
Course descriptions taken from Elon University Academic Catalog and Foundation for International Education course listings.
Journalism in a Free Society
Good journalism is essential for a vibrant democracy. This course focuses on the role and contem- porary practices of print, broadcast and online journalism. Students examine freedom of expression and the value of journalism in society, the historic evolution of news, the rise of participatory and citizen journalism, and changing business models and entrepreneurial efforts that support journalism today.
Reporting for the Public Good
Students become reporters and writers who emphasize accuracy, logic, and the sound and sense of words. Students analyze good journalism and discuss concepts such as civic journalism, the watch- dog function of the news media, ethical practice, and journalism’s role in serving the public good in a democracy.
Multimedia News Production
Students learn techniques of news production across media platforms and in converged news envi- ronments. With a focus on broadcast news production and online publishing, students gain the abil- ity to produce news content through audio, video, photo and text for traditional, web and mobile media distribution.
Editing & Design
Precision in word usage and style and an aesthetic sense of design are valuable in publications. Stu- dents practice crafting content, editing copy, writing headlines, using photos and graphics, writing captions and designing pages.
FIE Study Abroad in London, England
Immerse yourself in one of the most diverse cities on the globe. Live and study in Kensington, one of London's most attractive and desirable locations. The FIE Semester in London includes 14 -15 weeks of study with an FIE Key Course and elective courses, and an optional internship.
- Contemporary British Broadcasting
- Media in Britain
- British Life and Cultures
Media Law & Ethics
The First Amendment is the philosophical foundation for freedom of speech and press in America. This course distinguishes between forms of communication that have constitutional protection and those with limitations (libel, privacy, copyright, censorship, commercial speech, broadcast licensing, access to information). Students explore the foundations of moral reasoning and apply ethical responsibilities to communications cases.
Multimedia Journalism
Students gather and present news and information in a converged media environment that combines text, graphics, photojournalism, audio and video. Students work as individuals and in teams to write, report and produce online multimedia products. Capstone course in the Journalism major.
Great Ideas: Issues and Research
Students examine great ideas that shape media and communications such as free expression, the global reach of communications, technological innovation, media entrepreneurship, the diversity of audiences, and media effects. Students have seminar-style discussions on such issues and write an original research paper or substantive analytical paper that examines a specific issue.
Course descriptions taken from Elon University Academic Catalog and Foundation for International Education course listings.