I am an audience-focused content creator. I’m equally comfortable writing engaging social media messages, persuasive donor proposals, memorable executive speeches, and on-brand outreach content.
My career path includes a significant focus on communications and science, in fields varying from philanthropy to international development, online commerce, and purpose-driven partnerships.
Click on the links below to see writing samples and find out more about how I can help your organization achieve its communication goals.
Writing Samples
Focused storytelling - I wrote this job-winning story to show how scientific data can spur donor support.
Capability statement - Collaborating with experts and comms team members, I helped turn technical content into clear explanations like this one.
Branded web content - To support an action campaign, I worked with global partners to ensure this site was easy to read and understand for participants.
Proposals and technical writing - On the technical side, I collaborated with experts to create this support story as part of a team response to an international development solicitation.
Executive communications - I worked with the secretary-general of a UN agency to incorporate his messaging goals into this speech.
Exhibition labels - I co-wrote exhibit labels for a large visitor center; one of the labels won an annual award for positively engaging visitors.
Marketing copy - This book review, one of countless reviews I wrote as an Amazon.com editor, was intended to help the title find its audience.
Resume
Selected Experience
CNFA
Senior Writer
2023–2025
Contributed to development of successful proposals for international development solicitations.
EQUALS Global Partnership
Communications Consultant
2018–2023
Developed and implemented comprehensive internal and external communications strategy for a large, multisector partnership.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Curator of Exhibits & Public Programs
2009–2013, 2014–2015
Led concept strategy, curation, research, interpretation and education for the foundation’s interactive visitor center, ensuring accurate presentation of the foundation’s work.
Museum of Pop Culture
Director of Curatorial Affairs
2003–2009
Co-led the creation, development, installation, and travel of exhibitions and a vibrant schedule of public programs.
Amazon.com
Editor
1998–2001
Wrote, edited, and produced content for Amazon.com’s Science & Nature, Reference, and Science Fiction & Fantasy book categories, and managed the nonfiction editorial business group.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Biologist
1993–1998
Conducted biological research, reviewed projects for regulatory compliance, and co-authored scientific articles in aquatic toxicology and fisheries biology.
Education
M.S. Fisheries Biology
University of Washington
B.S. Marine Biology
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Recognition and Memberships
ITCILO Communication for Development Certificate
2020
AAM Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing Award
2013
Advisory Committee, Pacific Science Center
2012
Senior Leadership Team, Museum of Pop Culture
2007–2009
Gilbert Ichthyological Society, University of Washington
1992–1993
Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
1990–1993
Testimonials
“I had the pleasure of collaborating with Therese both at Amazon and EMP. At both jobs, written communication was key. Therese is thoughtful and strategic in how she plans and executes her writing. She deeply considers her audience, and crafts great messaging that is clear, warm, direct yet never artificial. She’s a pleasure to work with.”
“Therese is the type of team member and Hiring Manager every Recruiter hopes to encounter. She is gifted with the spoken and written word - which, in combination with her keen intellect and intuitive nature, enables her to assess and describe individual, team and organizational dynamics with exceptional accuracy. Therese consistently shows herself to be a fair-minded and dedicated manager, a visionary strategist, a uniquely informed curator, and a talented team mate and business partner. At the risk of sounding cliché – Therese walks her talk in every aspect of her work, and truly rocks!”