About Me
My background & values
Hi, I’m Andrea! A lifelong word nerd, disability justice and neuro-inclusion advocate, and project admin enthusiast.
Words have always been my thing. Family lore has it I read the word “metamorphosis” from my stroller (though to be fair, my grandma might’ve made that up). From advanced reading and writing at an early age, to getting an English degree in college, it’s no surprise that my career has been all about writing and editing.
The problem is, the world where my career started is a far cry from the world we live in now. AI is changing the way we do everything, and writing and editing are no exception. (I always imagined the robot apocalypse would look more like Terminator than Office Space, but here we are.) That said, just because AI can generate content, doesn't mean the content’s any good. Skilled copywriters and editors are more important now than ever for developing compelling copy that sounds ✨human✨. And that’s where I come in.
My background has a little of everything, from proofreading and editing, to copywriting, tech writing, and quality assurance. I specialize in instructional and informative writing, things like process documentation and wiki content, but I’m adaptable to all kinds of writing and editing tasks. I’m also brushing up on AIO (AI optimization) writing frameworks, making writing processes more efficient while keeping human beings at the creative wheel.
If you’re looking for a professional with the depth of experience to take on any writing or editing challenge, the adaptability to evolve with the changing times, and the executive skill to get the job done, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s work together to keep copy human!
Education
I was halfway through an AS in Business Administration at Florida State College Jacksonville when it hit me—accounting classes made me want to cry, and I didn’t want to be a Business major anymore. I recall a conversation where I said something along the lines of, “I love writing papers. It doesn’t even feel like work!” And just like that, I’d answered my own question about which major to pick.
After receiving my AA with honors in English (minor in Business Admin), I matriculated into the University of Central Florida’s College of Arts and Humanities, where I studied Technical and Professional Writing.
Unlike other English majors that focus on lit and poetry, the Tech Writing track explored writing for the worlds of business and science. We learned how to research and present complex topics to any audience, avoiding pitfalls like the “curse of knowledge” wherein an expert on a subject is unable to explain it because they’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a newbie. We learned all about top-down processing, documentation, critical analysis, cognitive bias, and virtual communication. I thrived in the fully remote educational environment, and eagerly applied the concepts I learned to my professional life.
There’s that joke, “I got an English degree, and now I get to be a barista!” But I’m proud to say I’ve always worked in my field in one way or another. My talent for documentation, coupled with exceptional administrative acumen, has been my superpower in many a role. I think it’s safe to say I’ve made my English degree work for me.
Skills
An INTJ (mastermind) or INFJ (advocate) depending on the day, my niche lies at the intersection of left-brained pragmatism and right-brained vision. I’ve got creativity for days, with the initiative to set plans into motion, the executive prowess to project manage from start to finish, and the skill to get the job done on time with quality results.
I can see the big picture, break it down into its smaller parts, and navigate complex projects using a combination of agile and waterfall methodology. When I encounter pain points, I find outside-the-box solutions. My natural inclination is to make workflows as streamlined and efficient as possible, allowing plenty of space for creativity and flow while hitting targets and meeting deadlines. I’m known for my writing and editing skills, attention to detail, and thorough communication. Colleagues, clients, and managers alike agree that I’m organized, proactive, accountable, fun, and I care a great deal about everything I do.
What can I say? I was a gifted kid, and I LOVE a gold star.
Advocacy
DE&I and social justice are dear to my heart, and I’m a passionate champion of disability rights and intersectional, trauma-informed neurodiversity awareness. We’ve come a long way since I entered the workforce, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.
In 2018, I founded Mailchimp’s employer-sponsored business resource group, the Disability & Neurodiversity Alliance (DNA for short) and its Braintrust Committee for Mental Health. For 18 months I served as Founding Chair, leading a small team of volunteers to promote awareness and support for those living with or affected by disability and neurodiversity. We organized a number of events, from casual one-offs like Tea & Cake Day as part of a self-care series, to intimate “fireside” chats for people to come together in a safe space to discuss matters related to mental health. For my efforts on this innovative endeavor, I was honored with the Q3 2018 Support Values Award for Empowering People.
It’s important to note that DE&I isn't just a performance I put on in the workplace. It's the path I strive to walk in all areas of my life, even when it’s uncomfortable to do so. Today more than ever, the importance of advocacy for marginalized people can’t possibly be understated. The right work environment for me is one where diversity and authenticity are truly valued, with an employer who walks the walk with integrity when it comes to equity in the workplace and beyond.