Target Market-Specific Writing -- It can be frustrating to find the perfect message for your target market if it comes to you with terms most people can’t comprehend. Monica specializes in taking hard-to-understand material and making it user friendly. Whether it’s understanding the political process and what’s happening, or creating an easy to read “how-to” on complex topics with esoteric terms, she’s able to produce enjoyable reading on what might otherwise be an overwhelming burden to endure.
Research-Oriented Writing -- With Monica’s extensive educational background, it’s no surprise that she specializes in assignments that require research, sometimes connected with investigative reporting or live interviews. Having spent over a decade in the media industry, she understands the need to ferret out unique information for clients to add quality and interest to their message. Monica also realizes that the clock is ticking and knows that she must find the hidden pearl and report it first! Her training at the National Press Club and the Journalism Institute also taught her that the material has to be well-written and pristinely accurate. Clients are delighted by both the quality of her work and the protection her extensive bibliographies provide them.
Interviewer and Public Speaking -- As a media professional and political pundit, Monica has interviewed hundreds of experts and engaged in public speaking on core advocacy issues being addressed by our leaders within the political realm of Washington DC. Monica was also host for a political news & commentary radio show for over 10 years. Examples of experts she interviewed include Senator George McGovern, NASA Administrator, Chuck Bolden, and Swiss Embassy officials along with their pilots, which was sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland to promote their experimental plane (Solar Impulse) and was held live at Dulles Airport near Washington DC.
Finding key leaders for client issues and interviewing them for exclusive quotes is a core function that Monica provides for many of her clients
Strategic Planning is Central to Every Document -- So many writers are great at writing stories, but forget the main thrust that drives the document – achieving the clients’ goals through a cohesive winning message. Each word included should be used for this purpose. Every article, blog, newsletter or press release is a mini-strategic plan telling a compelling story. Trained in business and strategic planning, and coupled with decades of experience, Monica understands this concept well.
She has designed comprehensive blueprints, such as a plan for a religious group's school that gained over 200% percent enrollment within the first year after the plan was implemented. Yet, Monica has also sparked interest in 500 word stories, such as those she covered for the wire service at the National Press Club. Big or small, Monica focuses on putting the words together strategically so the body of work achieves the client’s goals.
If Monica is not officially working, chances are you will find her in someone's kitchen. Whether cooking at home or trying out the new restaurant in town, Monica enjoys creating, assessing and writing about food and events. She is the "go-to" person in her community when it comes to menu and events planning. She has written several short unpublished cookbooks such as for students attending her cooking classes and her local Weight Watcher's group. In addition, she writes short stories about some of the many recipes that she has created throughout the years. Her taste in food is eclectic and invites the palette of many countries. When writing on food, home or other magazine-type issues, she typically uses the Chicago Manual of Style.
Monica enjoys golf and small aircraft, particularly aerobatic flying. At home, in addition to cooking, she enjoys sewing and crafts, particularly those that draw in the entire family.
In pursuit of a business career, Monica entered a local two-year community college. Within the first year, she decided to obtain a Bachelor's of Science degree. After consulting with the admissions office at the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), she decided to transfer to JHU after the completion of her first year at the community college.
Monica earned a 4.0 average while attending Catonsville Community College.
Monica transferred to the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in January, 1983, after spending one year at a community college, where she had earned a 4.0 GPA. One-and-a-half years later, she graduated from JHU.
Monica obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree in two-and-a-half years with a major in business and an emphasis in economics. She earned a 3.7 GPA and graduated with honors.
Monica also received the Wall Street Journal's Student Financial Achievement Award in 1984 for her financial acumen.
Monica had spent several years in the financial industry before entering law school. A major part of her work included pensions and estate planning, which are deeply rooted in legal issues. With a desire to learn more about the legal aspects of the field, Monica attended the University of Maryland Law School as a full-time student while maintaining a full-time professional career. She graduated in 1992.
Monica took several independent research and writing courses while at law school, focusing on issues relevant to her work. However, it was several years later, when her interests turned to government affairs and environmental issues, that Monica appreciated the value of her legal training and how easily the skill sets were transferable to other areas.
As a government affairs, media and association management specialist, her legal training has proven invaluable. Whether analyzing proposed legislation, writing a strategic plan, or creating a cogent argument in a press release or article, her legal training is a tool she regularly applies.
Monica covers in and around our nation's capital. Her written work in this area includes wire submissions, articles, press releases, web content and radio scripts. The material of Monica's articles is usually provided through briefings and events she attends in and around the nation's capital.
Monica is a non-profit management consultant. She provides a wide range of services in this area, such as writing policies and procedures, "how-to" training with accompanying manuals, media representation, and advocacy. Monica initially specialized in environmental clean-up and marine wildlife conservation, and has expanded her experience to include healthcare, the elderly, education, budget, environment, and copyright.
As a government affairs consultant, Monica helps clients reach their goals through government interaction. Monica focuses on developing winning strategic plans and showing clients how to successfully implement them. Monica also provides follow-up materials for clients' advocacy programs, such as newsletters articles, "how-to" fact sheets, and website content with strong keywords.
Monica has written about scientific endeavors happening in and around our country for several years. She regularly covers NASA and other science facilities in and around Washington DC. Being able to translate the complex esoteric terms of the industry into easily understandable and interesting stories is a core function of Monica's role in this area.
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