CAREER
I am a project manager and creative strategist who thrives on bringing clarity to complexity and turning ambitious ideas into meaningful, impactful results.
My career began in journalism and design, where I developed a passion for storytelling, audience engagement, and creative problem-solving. That foundation evolved into leading cross-functional teams, managing complex initiatives, and driving projects that connect strategy, execution, and results. Drawing on experience across design, audience engagement, operations, and organizational leadership, along with graduate studies in business and analytics, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to every challenge.
I thrive at the intersection of creativity and structure, helping teams transform ideas into action while building the systems, processes, and alignment needed for success. Whether I'm leading a large-scale initiative, improving workflows, or developing innovative solutions, my focus is always to create clarity, foster collaboration, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
My approach combines creative thinking with data-informed decision-making, thoughtful leadership, and continuous improvement. I enjoy bringing people together around a shared vision, uncovering insights that drive better outcomes, and building solutions that create value beyond the immediate project. I believe success is not just about completing the work. It is about leaving stronger teams, better processes, and a foundation for what comes next.
ABOUT
EDUCATION
Postgraduate
American Public University
Graduated with honors
Master of Business Administration
Analytics
Undergraduate
California State University, Long Beach
Graduated Cum Laude
Communication Studies
Organizational and Interpersonal communication
Journalism and Mass Communication
Public Relations
RECOGNITION
Role: Project Editing and Audience Strategy
2024
Peabody Awards
University of Georgia
Radio and Podcasts
"The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop"
The Washington Post
Winner
The Pulitzer Prizes
Columbia University
Illustrated Reporting and Commentary
"Searching for Maura"
Claire Healy, Nicole Dungca and Ren Galeno
The Washington Post
Finalist
Poynter Journalism Prizes
The Poynter Institute
The Dori J. Maynard Justice Award
"The Collection"
Nicole Dungca, Claire Healy and Andrew Ba Tran
The Washington Post
Winner
Selden Ring Awards
Ring Foundation and USC Annenberg
Investigative Reporting
"The Collection"
The Washington Post
Special citation
The Ambies
The Podcast Academy
Best Podcast Host or Hosts
Martine Powers for "The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop"
The Washington Post
Winner
Podcast of the Year
"The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop"
The Washington Post
Finalist
The Webby Awards
The Podcast Academy
Best Individual Editorial Feature - Media Company
"Searching for Maura"
The Washington Post
Nominee
Crime & Justice - Podcasts
"The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop"
The Washington Post
Honoree
45th Best of Digital News Design
Society for News Design
Gold Medal
"Searching for Maura"
The Washington Post
Illustrations: Illustrated Reporting
Silver Medal
"Searching for Maura"
The Washington Post
Illustration: Commissioned Illustration (multiple)
Bronze Medal
"Searching for Maura"
The Washington Post
Design: Investigative
Bronze Medal
"Revealing the Smithsonian's 'racial brain collection' "
The Washington Post
Design: Investigative
Bronze Medal
"The Collection"
The Washington Post
Line of Coverage: Investigative or public service
Award of Excellence
"The Collection" : Social
The Washington Post
Line of Coverage: Investigative or public service
Award of Excellence
"The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop"
The Washington Post
Platform: Podcasts design
Award of Excellence
"Leaked files reveal reputation-management firm’s deceptive tactics"
The Washington Post
Design: Investigative
45th Best of Print News Design
Society for News Design
Award of Excellence
"Searching for Maura" tab
The Washington Post
Single section
Award of Excellence
"Searching for Maura"
The Washington Post
Combination Print & Digital
2023
Online Journalism Awards
Online News Association (ONA)
Excellence in Collaboration and Partnerships
"Story Killers"
International consortium investigation led by Forbidden Stories in partnership with 30 news organizations including The Washington Post and The Guardian.
Winner
Digital Video Storytelling, Long Form - Large Newsroom
"Exploited for decades, female bodybuilders speak out"
The Washington Post
Finalist
44th Best of Digital News Design
Society for News Design
Award of Excellence
"What bodybuilders do to their bodies - and brains"
The Washington Post
Infographics: Health
Award of Excellence
"Built & Broken"
The Washington Post
Illustration: Commissioned Illustration (multiple)
Award of Excellence
"Built & Broken"
The Washington Post
Line of Coverage: Investigative or public service
Role: Designer and Design Editor
2022
43rd Best of Print News Design
Society for News Design
Award of Excellence
"In Memoriam"
Designed for the USA Today Network
Inside Pages - News
Award of Excellence
"America's Day"
Designed for Desert Sun
Front Page
Award of Excellence
"Future of abortion rights in US on the line" opinion cover
Designed for The Cincinnati Enquirer
Opinion Pages
2021
42nd Best of Print News Design
Society for News Design
Award of Excellence
"President-Elect Biden"
Designed for Arizona Republic
Front Page
Award of Excellence
"Iowa Mourns, Iowa Endures" special sections
Co-designed with Merry Eccles for Des Moines Register
Special Coverage - Coronavirus pandemic
2020
41st Best of Print News Design
Society for News Design
Award of Excellence
"Dear Mr. President, We Are Hurting"
Designed for El Paso Times
Front Page