Experienced journalist and out of the box thinker ready for Austin

Experience

Features/Entertainment Staff Writer The Monitor, McAllen, TX March 2005-present (circulation 65,000 with online presence)

* Conduct in-depth interviews with local and national artists for entertainment supplement, Festiva. Worked as defacto entertainment editor for 10 month period; organizing story items, coordinating interviews.

* Coordinated cover spread photo shoots and staff meetings.

* Write concert previews, as well as live concert coverage for quick turnaround.

* Earned fourth place in the 128th Annual Texas Press Association Awards for feature writing. (June 2007)

General Assignments Reporter/Entertainment Editor, Mid-Valley Town Crier, Weslaco, TX Jan 2003-Feb 2005 (circulation 30,000)

* Developed weekly newspaper's first entertainment section, serving as editor for one year.

* Write concert previews, profiles and live concert coverage for quick turnaround.

* Started as a free-lancer following a Letter-to-the-Editor submission, three months later hired as a full-time reporter.

* Worked as the Executive Editorial Assistant, worked alongside the Editor-in-Chief and overlooked editorial staff.

Other

United States Army, Military Police Fort Lewis, WA Aug 1997-Jan 1999

Education

Associate of Arts, South Texas College Weslaco, TX 2003

* Speak Spanish fluently