Kikora N. Mason, B.A.

2970 N. Sheridan Road, Apt. 825 Chicago, IL (850) 322-2923 kikora.mason@gmail.com @kikora_
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ EDUCATION: DePaul University Chicago, IL Master of Arts in Journalism Graduation: 6/2013 Florida A&M University Tallahassee, FL Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Journalism, Magna Cum Laude Degree conferred: 8/2010 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXPERIENCE: 01/2013-Present Walker Sands Communications, Public Relations Intern Chicago, IL Writes press releases, contributed content articles and pitches Writes weekly Inc. columns for client, BizBuySell.com Uses the PR database, Vocus to track media coverage and build media lists Coordinates media interviews and contributed articles with top technology, business and trade outlets Brainstorms and researches ideas for new pitches and articles 07/2012-10/2012 Flowers Communications Group, Public Relations Intern Drafted public relations materials including news releases, media alerts and fact sheets Monitored and tracked media Worked on the agencys social media task force to increase FCGs digital visibility Assisted with research for new business opportunities and client presentations 01/2012-03/2012 National Community Tax Coalition, Communications and Member Relations Intern Contributed to NCTC blog, WorkForward Reached out to national VITA programs about becoming members of NCTC Designed flyers for various committees using Adobe InDesign Responsible for adding new members to directory database, Salesforce Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

08/2009-12/2009 The Famuan, Lifestyles Section Editor Tallahassee, FL Managed a staff of three junior editors and staff writers Formulated out of the box layouts and oversaw the flow of copy Reviewed pages of section for editing and formatting Created several stories ideas as such seasonal fashion spreads, coverage of arts events on campus and regular departments, such as 20 Questions 06/2009-08/2009 U.S. House of Representatives, Press Secretary Intern Washington, D.C.

Wrote press releases and media advisories about Congressman Allen Boyd Corresponded with local and national media outlets to gain publicity for Congressman Boyd Wrote constituent letters, assisted with grant requests and legislative concepts New York, NY

06/2008-08/2008 National Economic & Social Rights Initiative, Program Intern Researched violations of human rights for poverty stricken Americans Traveled to NOLA, helped start non-profit organization, May Day New Orleans Corresponded with displaced residents of NOLA about rights denied to them

08/2006-05/2008 Fisk University Chapel, Administrative Assistant Nashville, TN Carried out office dutiesran errands and answered telephones Created and designed programs for Chapel events Assisted dean of Chapel ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ SKILLS: Proofreading and news judgment, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office Suite Applications, Macintosh and PC proficient, Associated Press Writing Style, basic HTML, Proficient with social media management tools, Experience monitoring user-generated content on social media platforms, Strong understanding of ethical issues as they apply to emerging multimedia and social media, Experience using Twitter and Facebook as a journalist/copy editor as well as for business, Experience with fact-checking procedures