www.shanellematthews.com

Award-winning, results-oriented, creative senior communications strategist with a wealth of content expertise across diverse issue areas. Engineers the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive strategic communications plans aimed at internally and externally communicating an organization’s or individual’s values, goals, and agenda. Demonstrated success in legislative, litigation, rapid response, and campaign communications. Experience managing staff, consultants, volunteers, and departmental budgets.

Strategy: As a full-time strategist and in consulting capacities, I have developed, implemented, and evaluated complex, comprehensive communications strategies, which compliment organizational or departmental plans and goals. Additionally, I have tailored communications plans for campaigns, litigation, and legislation. Strategies often include but are not limited to: determining priorities and goals; developing timely and culturally appropriate messaging; media relations, pitching, and placement; robust social media development; spokesperson training; and evaluative tools.

Writing: I am a journalist by trade. Many pieces of my writing have appeared in the following publications: San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee, Ebony Magazine, The Root (Washington Post affiliate), Women’s eNews, Women’s Media Center, Colorlines, Clutch Magazine, RH Reality Check, Crème Magazine, and a handful of academic women’s journals. I am an experienced ghostwriter; I can draft web copy, develop messaging, and write blogs and media advisories.

Media Relations: As an alumna of Progressive Women’s Voices, the Women’s Media Center’s premier media and leadership training program for women, I’ve been formally trained as a spokesperson. Training that I’ve executed in outlets like Al Jazeera and NPR. I am also especially gifted at training organizational and campaign spokespeople including staff, board, consultants, and volunteers. I have developed personal relationships with reporters and editors in progressive media.

Core values: Innovation, justice, transparency, sustainability, and progress.