Staff Writer

Warm and blessing salutations,

I bring to this opportunity a lifelong dedication to storytelling that began at Montgomery High School’s Montgomery Media Institute (KMMI), matured through work at The Southwestern College Sun, and culminated in my journalism degree from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University.

My perspective as a journalist is shaped not just by classrooms and newsrooms, but also by the battlefield. I served eight years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, where I developed a commitment to service, clarity under pressure, and a deep respect for the U.S. Constitution. These values guide my reporting—rooted in fairness, curiosity, and context rather than partisanship.

Most recently, I served as a Staff Writer for Times Media Group in Tempe, Arizona, where I covered everything from local government to in-depth feature profiles. Highlights included interviews with Oscar-winning actor Troy Kotsur, Olympic medalist Jagger Eaton, and country music star Lainey Wilson. In each story, I aimed to amplify the voices of both the extraordinary and the everyday, always with empathy and accuracy. I recently worked as a Car Description Editor for Barrett-Jackson, ensuring the clarity and consistency of thousands of vehicle listings, a role that has sharpened my editing and cross-department collaboration skills.

I would love to bring my wide-ranging experience, mission-driven mindset, and adaptable storytelling to your team. I can be reached at 619-***-****, and I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you further.

Wishing you blessings and prosperity,

Joshua Ortega

Joshua Ortega

San Diego, CA ● 619-***-**** ● ******.*.********@*****.*** EXPERIENCE

Car Description Editor - Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, Scottsdale, AZ Dec 2023 – Feb 2025

● Edited and proofread thousands of classic car listings to match house style.

● Collaborated with consignment, marketing, and publishing departments.

● Ensured real-time accuracy for up to 2,000 vehicle entries during live auctions. Staff Writer - Times Media Group, Tempe, AZ, Jan 2022 – Jun 2023

● Produced weekly stories on local government, education, community, and culture.

● Profiled high-profile figures including Oscar winner Troy Kotsur and Lainey Wilson.

● Delivered 5+ timely stories weekly across seven Arizona-based publications.

● Mastered sourcing, interviewing, and writing under strict editorial deadlines. Business Editor / Reporter, Downtown Devil, Phoenix, AZ, Mar 2020 – Apr 2021

● Oversaw business section coverage for downtown Phoenix.

● Collaborated with Cronkite News in D.C. as a healthcare beat reporter.

● Interned at Phoenix Business Journal, covering startups and metro-area trends. EDUCATION

Arizona State University – Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Bachelor of Arts, Journalism and Mass Communication – Dec 2021 Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA

Associate of Arts for Transfer, Journalism – May 2018 U.S. Army Medical Dept. Training Center, San Antonio, TX, Healthcare Specialist (68W) – May 2014

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