Social Media Digital

CANDICE FREDERICK

Culture Journalist

Brooklyn, NY 617-***-**** **************@*****.*** LinkedIn CandiceFrederick.contently.com Award-winning culture journalist and critic with extensive experience in original reporting, digital media, and editorial strategy. Adept at writing compelling pop culture criticism, in-depth features, and high-impact celebrity profiles for top-tier publications, including HuffPost, the New York Times, The Daily Beast, and Time. Dynamic storyteller with a keen eye for cultural trends, industry shifts, social media discourse, and shaping conversations through thought-provoking articles. Experienced in festival coverage, and audience engagement, with a proven track record of elevating platforms and driving readership growth.

Expertise: Editorial Leadership, Pop Culture Analysis, SEO Optimization, Digital Journalism, Feature Writing & Reporting, TV & Film Criticism, Social Media Strategy, Audience Engagement, Editing, Celebrity Profiling, Interviewing, Research, Media Relations, Brand Development, Project Management, Festival Coverage, Trend Forecasting, Cross-Functional Teams, Press Releases

Recent Professional Experience

HuffPost November 2021 – February 2025

Senior Culture Reporter

● Engaged millions of readers with timely, thought-provoking analysis and reporting on pop culture, feature pieces, and sharp TV and film criticism.

● Represented the Culture team at Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals, identifying emerging trends and forecasting Hollywood’s evolving landscape.

● Strengthened the Culture desk’s reputation as a go-to destination for insightful pop culture reporting that intersects with digital discourse and sociopolitical issues.

● Partnered with Audience and Visuals teams to optimize editorial packaging, enhancing reach and engagement across diverse readerships.

● Key Accomplishments:

o Created, launched, and wrote The ‘90s Notebook series, providing in-depth cultural analysis that reshaped perspectives on the decade’s influence in pop culture. o Conceived and spearheaded and co-wrote the Cancel Culture Unraveled series, an eight-article deep dive into public shaming and accountability, challenging mainstream narratives. o Conceptualized and developed high-impact celebrity profiles, surpassing performance benchmarks while igniting conversation and reader engagement.

Freelance Work August 2017 – November 2021

Television and Film Journalist

● Contributed film and TV reviews, features, reported pieces, and celebrity interviews to The New York Times, Vulture, The Guardian, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, HuffPost and more.

● Founded, managed, and was the sole writer of Reel Talk Online, a respected platform for in-depth analysis of films and the movie industry, driving critical discussions and engagement.

● Key Accomplishments:

o Offered expert commentary on Hollywood and cinema as a panelist, specializing in intersectional criticism and the evolution of cinematic television. OK! Magazine August 2017 – November 2018

Digital Reporter and Editor

● Wrote 6–8 daily articles on celebrity and pop culture news, delivering fast, engaging content optimized for digital audiences via WordPress.

● Crafted SEO-driven headlines, subheads, and metadata, maximizing search visibility and reach.

● Edited and refined 6–9 celebrity features and breaking news stories daily, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compelling storytelling under tight deadlines.

● Optimized visual content by editing stock photography in Photoshop, enhancing article presentation and audience engagement.

New York Public Library December 2014 – August 2017 Communications Manager

● Elevated the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s visibility as a premier resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and the public, strengthening its position within the NYPL and beyond.

● Spearheaded content creation and strategic messaging for events, special projects, and initiatives, developing high-impact materials across magazines, brochures, newsletters, and e-blasts.

● Managed creative talent, hiring and overseeing photographers, videographers, and designers to enhance publications, events, and exhibitions.

● Key Accomplishments:

o Guided editorial vision for all printed and digital content, curating a multi-platform social media strategy that grew audience engagement by 20K.

o Produced and curated 15 audio interviews for an oral history project in collaboration with StoryCorps, preserving vital narratives and historical perspectives. Additional Professional Experience

DJC Communications September 2010 – August 2014

PR Account Executive

Penguin Group USA March 2009 – September 2010

Publicity Assistant

Essence Magazine August 2006 – December 2008

Editorial Assistant

Education, Affiliations, Accolades, and Technologies Bachelor of Science, Journalism, St. John’s University Affiliations:

● Online Film Critics Society and Critics Choice Association Member

● Nominating Committee Member, Independent Spirit Awards’ inaugural Scripted Series Category (2021) Accolades:

● Recipient of the National Association of Black Journalists Awards (2008, 2009) Technologies:

● Athena, WordPress, CMS, Photoshop, Google Workplace, Slack

Contact this candidate