Karen Edwards Almendares

Hi there! I am an experienced multimedia storyteller and soon-to-be Communications and Digital Media Studies graduate. At the moment, I am  finishing the last semester of my undergraduate program at Ontario Tech University. I also have more than three years of direct experience working in local news production at various newsrooms across Canada. I have a passion for storytelling and communicating important information to my community through words, photos, videos and much more. I also have a three-year college diploma in Print and Broadcast Journalism. I have experience working in communication departments within NGOs and government-funded agencies. 

Cuso International - Communications Specialist (June 2022 to March 26, 2023)

• I was initially hired in June 2022 as a summer student within the Communications and Marketing department to assist in writing, editing and proofreading stories related to Cuso International.
• After my summer internship ended, I stayed on part-time during the fourth year of my degree.
• Some of my duties included interviewing, drafting stories, creating content for social media, scheduling social media content, and monitoring digital activity.
• Creating digital graphics, posters, and signage for community events and social media. 
• Drafting CEO messages, and media releases.
• Pitching story ideas, and working closely with the Manager of Communications and Marketing.

Durham Children's Aid Society - Placement Student (September 2022 to December 2022)

• I completed a 100-hour student placement with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Communications at Durham Children's Aid Society.
• Some of my duties included writing content for social media and scheduling posts with photos and videos.
• I also created graphics to accompany signage for events or social media campaigns.
• Assisted in drafting various internal communications documents (editorial style guidebook on branding, social media strategies, employee email signatures)

TbNewswatch.com by Dougall Media - Court and Crime Reporter (March 2020 to May 2021)

• Local news reporter covering crime and police-related content for TbNewswatch.com
• Attended the courthouse daily to observe court proceedings.
• Pitched story ideas to editorial team.
• Worked closely with the managing team to select high priority stories.
• Wrote up to 12 articles weekly.
• Uploaded copy onto content management system with accompanying original art.
• Interviewing, researching, proofreading, and editing daily.
• Daily use of DSLR and iPhone software
• Regular use of CP style guidelines.

iNFOnews Kamloops - General Assignment Reporter (April 2018 to February 2020)

• Local news reporter covering community events, breaking news and more.
• Conducted interviews daily in-person or by phone.
• Wrote 12-15 stories weekly.
• Regular use of CP style guidelines.
• DSLR experience.
• Uploaded content into the content management system.
• Editing and proofreading daily.

I am just a few weeks away from obtaining my degree in Communication and Digital Media Studies from Ontario tech University's Bachelor of Arts program within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. I also have a three-year advanced college diploma in Print and Broadcast Journalism from Durham College. I graduated from journalism school in 2016.