919.972.8583
WELCOME! I'M LAUREN.
I'm a freelance writer and editor with more than 12 years of experience
in the publishing industry and nonprofit sector.
​
My professional journey is much like my passport—it's taken me all over the world! I started my career in Boston editing textbooks for an international publisher while pursuing a Master's degree in Publishing and Writing at Emerson College. During this time, I also helped manage and operate Cucuyo, a cultural and arts nonprofit serving youth in Bonao, Dominican Republic.
​
In 2011, I relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to work as a freelance editor, teach English, and continue learning Spanish. Two years later, I returned to the US and the nonprofit sector. Since then, I've held communications and development positions at two nonprofits and served many more as a full-time consultant. I also serve on the Board of Directors for StrongHER TogetHER, a nonprofit based in Durham, NC.
​
In addition to my fundraising and communications work with nonprofits, I provide editorial services to publishers and authors. I feel very fortunate to be able to use my diverse skills and professional experiences to help people and organizations bring their great ideas and work to the world.
​
Please view my professional résumé below or my LinkedIn page here.
RÉSUMÉ
MA Publishing & Writing, 2007 (magna cum laude) - Emerson College, Boston, MA
BA English Literature & Concentration in Creative Writing, 2006 (magna cum laude) - Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC
FLAKKA CREATIONS, LLC -
WRITER, EDITOR, & OWNER
June 2018 - present
Provide editorial, communications, and grantwriting services to nonprofits, businesses, and creatives.
Serve on Board of Directors for StrongHer Together, a nonprofit based in Durham, NC.
EAST DURHAM CHILDREN'S INITIATIVE -DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
July 2015 - June 2018
Drove fundraising efforts for nonprofit with $2.4M annual budget. Wrote all grant proposals and reports, planned and executed giving campaigns, built relationships with donors, and managed volunteers.
Raised $500,000 in new funding sources and increased year-end gifts from new individuals by 240% in one year.
Oversaw organizational communications and strategy. Wrote op-eds and pitched stories to local media outlets. Designed graphic pieces for fundraising packages and campaigns.
CENTER FOR TEACHING QUALITY - EDITORIAL PRODUCTION
February 2014 - June 2015
Oversaw blogging strategy for national nonprofit focused on reimagining the teaching profession.
Managed team of 15-20 education bloggers, assigned writing topics, and provided editorial coaching and support on weekly basis.
• Placed hundreds of blog posts and articles written by teachers in national media outlets. Edited a weekly column for Education Weekly magazine.Co-led a website redesign for the organization. Wrote website copy and provided project management oversight.
CUCUYO - DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE AND YOUTH COORDINATOR
September 2009 - December 2013
Collaborated with Executive Director to jointly design, manage, and operate a yearly summer arts exchange camp for U.S. and Dominican students in Bonao, Dominican Republic.
Recruited artists to teach workshops and provided in-country program support to teachers, students, and staff. Built strong community relationships using Spanish-language skills.
Wrote and designed promotional publications, including outreach brochures, annual reports, and e-mail newsletters.
Created an online fundraising campaign that raised $5,000.
FREELANCE DEVELOPMENT EDITOR & ENGLISH TEACHER
August 2011Â - December 2013
Developed ESL and EFL student books and ancillaries across print and digital platforms for leading international publishers.
Edited page passes, art and photo logs, answer keys, and audio scripts.
Rewrote and edited manuscript to meet pedagogical standards.
Taught weekly English classes to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
CENGAGE LEARNING - ASSOCIATE DEVELOPMENT EDITOR
May 2007Â - August 2011
Edited print and digital ESL content for student books, teacher’s guides, Interactive White Boards, ExamView® testing software, DVDs, online workbooks, interactive games, and product websites.
Coordinated marketing and administrative projects for international offices.