Communications leadership at USAID/Timor-Leste meant producing quality content, of course. But my work on relationship- and brand-building, internal communication, partner engagement, training and mentoring, executive advising, and event coordination was just as important.

In diplomacy no one acts alone. And in international development, nothing gets done without partners. My successes at USAID combined grunt-level document production with strategic messaging insights that communicated policy and development direction at the highest levels of bilateral government relations. I didn’t just sit at a computer, though. Sometimes, I grabbed a camera and documented a Vice Prime Minister’s greeting, or packed a bag to support an ambassador’s trip to local tourist treasures.

My leadership accomplishments include:
+ Relationships and content driving internal and external visibility, coordination, and cohesiveness
+ Collaboration with technical and program teams to highlight agency successes
+ Event coordination and communications support
+ Media and executive comms: Speeches, press releases, talking points, presentations
+ Coordinating, drafting, and editing internal and external report content
+ Branding and comms quality training for technical and non-technical staff
+ Leading internal comms processes and providing expert review of comms products
+ Social media coordination, content, campaigns
+ Photography and video production and review

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Work Sample: Social media content, calendaring, and campaign
Below are samples of a social media campaign I planned, coordinated, and published from start to finish. Its messaging against gender-based violence and supporting women’s rights featured Timorese voices, resulting in successful advocacy and engagement.