Olivia's Story
Not to toot her own horn, but Olivia likes to think she's a Jane of all trades! Olivia is passionate about education, leadership, communication, culture and wellness, and mostly, helping people — she's always ready to take all of her experiences to the next level. This page dives into the details about where Olivia came from, where she's been and where she's headed.
Where I Came From
Growing up in a suburb of Chicago around a talkative family, I learned the art of communication. Everyone had a lot to say, but I sure as heck always wanted to speak my piece. As I grew up, I realized it was just as important to learn the art of listening.
I’m the oldest of three and, naturally, a leader who loves the spotlight. I came across some family home videos recently. Watching those, it’s clear that at an early age, I wanted to be in front of the camera. When I wasn’t in front, I wanted to hold the camera, capturing what was going on around me. First, I joined choir in elementary school, then orchestra in 4th grade. Come middle school, theater became my second passion. I fell in love with being on stage and interacting with everyone around me. I made a point to learn everyone’s name and get to know each and every one of them. As I crafted my skills in high school, I was asked to mentor some of the younger actors. It was easily one of my favorite roles, and a role I continue to pursue in my adult life.
Growing up in a suburb of Chicago around a talkative family, I learned the art of communication. Everyone had a lot to say, but I sure as heck always wanted to speak my piece. As I grew up, I realized it was just as important to learn the art of listening.
I’m the oldest of three and, naturally, a leader who loves the spotlight. I came across some family home videos recently. Watching those, it’s clear that at an early age, I wanted to be in front of the camera. When I wasn’t in front, I wanted to hold the camera, capturing what was going on around me. First, I joined choir in elementary school, then orchestra in 4th grade. Come middle school, theater became my second passion. I fell in love with being on stage and interacting with everyone around me. I made a point to learn everyone’s name and get to know each and every one of them. As I crafted my skills in high school, I was asked to mentor some of the younger actors. It was easily one of my favorite roles, and a role I continue to pursue in my adult life.
Where I've Been
After graduating Cum Laude from the University of Missouri in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Spanish, I moved to Sioux City, IA. My full-time career kicked off at Siouxland News as the Morning Anchor/Weekday Reporter. I crafted and refined my passion for people — interviewing farmers, politicians, business leaders, children, cancer survivors, and everyone in between. Some people were delicate and kind, some ignorant or cruel, many generous and loving. Each person I interviewed had a story to tell, and it was my duty and desire to shed a light on these people; to get to the bottom of their passions and/or their intent (whether it was good or bad).
After two years in Iowa, I moved to Colorado Springs and told more stories at KRDO Newschannel 13. Talking to people from all walks of life, doing what I could to help as a journalist, was the best part of my job — and it’s been the core of my career as it's evolved.
In 2014, I left the TV news business and moved to Dallas/Fort Worth to work as a copywriter/project manager for an internal communication agency, PartnerComm. "PComm", as we call it, runs like an ad agency: I coordinated with other writers, graphic designers, web developers, production coordinators and administrative staff to create and manage communication campaigns for Fortune 500 companies (i.e., DHL, United Technologies, Michaels, Alliance Data). Think: benefits, culture, wellness, retirement, company events, recruiting, retainment, etc.
I wrote and managed content on websites and company intranets, wrote scripts and used my acting experience in videos, wrote and managed graphic emails, blog and social media posts, print materials and more. Project management also included strategizing campaigns, creating pricing menus, building timelines, generating billing trackers, and more.
I also dabbled in recruiting and new hire training for PComm — teaching myself how to use tools like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Facebook Jobs, LinkedIn, Handshake and Glassdoor. Along with another senior writer, I created content and co-led new hire training sessions. On top of those duties, I also co-managed our social media channels and was an advocate for improving our employee engagement. Check out this Employee Engagement deck that my colleague and I developed to boost the company's culture.
The many hats I wore for PComm conditioned me to develop better time management skills, meet demanding deadlines and work successfully with high-level company leaders and teammates from varying backgrounds and personalities.
Side note about my family life: My dad passed away suddenly in November 2016, then my mom, Dawn, got very sick in early 2017. I took a long, hard look at my work/life balance and realized my priorities needed to focus on my family. I moved back to Chicago in August 2017 and worked part-time for PComm. I picked up two additional part-time jobs to escape the reality of chaos at home. By April 2018, I could no longer juggle all of it. I decided to leave PComm and help tackle my mom’s illness then sell our childhood home. Thanks to God, family, friends and my mom's incredible medical teams, Dawnie is in good health now (she got a liver transplant!), and we sold the house! If that wasn't enough, she endured a stroke in 2020, shingles in December 2021, and a kidney transplant in January 2022. Somehow, she's still standing and doing her best to thrive (and so is the rest of our family). Phew!
After graduating Cum Laude from the University of Missouri in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Spanish, I moved to Sioux City, IA. My full-time career kicked off at Siouxland News as the Morning Anchor/Weekday Reporter. I crafted and refined my passion for people — interviewing farmers, politicians, business leaders, children, cancer survivors, and everyone in between. Some people were delicate and kind, some ignorant or cruel, many generous and loving. Each person I interviewed had a story to tell, and it was my duty and desire to shed a light on these people; to get to the bottom of their passions and/or their intent (whether it was good or bad).
After two years in Iowa, I moved to Colorado Springs and told more stories at KRDO Newschannel 13. Talking to people from all walks of life, doing what I could to help as a journalist, was the best part of my job — and it’s been the core of my career as it's evolved.
In 2014, I left the TV news business and moved to Dallas/Fort Worth to work as a copywriter/project manager for an internal communication agency, PartnerComm. "PComm", as we call it, runs like an ad agency: I coordinated with other writers, graphic designers, web developers, production coordinators and administrative staff to create and manage communication campaigns for Fortune 500 companies (i.e., DHL, United Technologies, Michaels, Alliance Data). Think: benefits, culture, wellness, retirement, company events, recruiting, retainment, etc.
I wrote and managed content on websites and company intranets, wrote scripts and used my acting experience in videos, wrote and managed graphic emails, blog and social media posts, print materials and more. Project management also included strategizing campaigns, creating pricing menus, building timelines, generating billing trackers, and more.
I also dabbled in recruiting and new hire training for PComm — teaching myself how to use tools like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Facebook Jobs, LinkedIn, Handshake and Glassdoor. Along with another senior writer, I created content and co-led new hire training sessions. On top of those duties, I also co-managed our social media channels and was an advocate for improving our employee engagement. Check out this Employee Engagement deck that my colleague and I developed to boost the company's culture.
The many hats I wore for PComm conditioned me to develop better time management skills, meet demanding deadlines and work successfully with high-level company leaders and teammates from varying backgrounds and personalities.
Side note about my family life: My dad passed away suddenly in November 2016, then my mom, Dawn, got very sick in early 2017. I took a long, hard look at my work/life balance and realized my priorities needed to focus on my family. I moved back to Chicago in August 2017 and worked part-time for PComm. I picked up two additional part-time jobs to escape the reality of chaos at home. By April 2018, I could no longer juggle all of it. I decided to leave PComm and help tackle my mom’s illness then sell our childhood home. Thanks to God, family, friends and my mom's incredible medical teams, Dawnie is in good health now (she got a liver transplant!), and we sold the house! If that wasn't enough, she endured a stroke in 2020, shingles in December 2021, and a kidney transplant in January 2022. Somehow, she's still standing and doing her best to thrive (and so is the rest of our family). Phew!
Where I’m Now
I'm currently looking for a new role as a Corporate Training Leader in the Learning & Development / Talent Management area. Most recently, I was the Education & Training Manager for a creative ad agency, The Marketing Arm (aka 'TMA'). Due to the delayed effects of the Pandemic and anticipation of a potential recession, in August 2022, I was unfortunately laid off along with several other coworkers.
For nearly four years, I was in charge of planning, strategizing, designing and facilitating training and leadership development opportunities for TMA's Learning, Education & Development (LEAD) program. Learn more about my role on my Résumé.
I honed my Outgoing Olivia people-personality and grew among talented, fun, hard working people. I’m a strong leader and a great teammate, and was always adamant about continuing to help cultivate the company culture.
Looking back at all of my experiences, every challenge has made me a stronger, more resilient person, both personally and professionally. My former co-worker said it best, "Never give up, enthusiastically pursue what is important to you, and always greet everyone with a smile, a personal anecdote, and enough energy to light the world on fire."
I'm currently looking for a new role as a Corporate Training Leader in the Learning & Development / Talent Management area. Most recently, I was the Education & Training Manager for a creative ad agency, The Marketing Arm (aka 'TMA'). Due to the delayed effects of the Pandemic and anticipation of a potential recession, in August 2022, I was unfortunately laid off along with several other coworkers.
For nearly four years, I was in charge of planning, strategizing, designing and facilitating training and leadership development opportunities for TMA's Learning, Education & Development (LEAD) program. Learn more about my role on my Résumé.
I honed my Outgoing Olivia people-personality and grew among talented, fun, hard working people. I’m a strong leader and a great teammate, and was always adamant about continuing to help cultivate the company culture.
Looking back at all of my experiences, every challenge has made me a stronger, more resilient person, both personally and professionally. My former co-worker said it best, "Never give up, enthusiastically pursue what is important to you, and always greet everyone with a smile, a personal anecdote, and enough energy to light the world on fire."
What I've Been Doing (in my free time)
In my free time, I play flag football for a charity organization called BvB Dallas — raising money for Alzheimer's research and care across the DFW area and beyond. Feel free to donate to my personal fundraising link.
Staying active, I'm also a member of Orangetheory Fitness, Lotus Yoga Dallas, and play sand volleyball with the Dallas Sports and Social League. Through all of these experiences, I've made lifelong friends while giving back to the community (and yeah, it keeps me fit!)
For two years, I mentored a young girl with Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteered for a dog rescue. I get together occasionally with friends from a Meetup group called #ispeakSpanish to practice Spanish in a social setting. ¡Que divertido! I was an active member of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce (DJCC) for four years, and the VP, Communications in 2019, in charge of social media, event planning and live coverage.
I've kept up my singing skills — karaoking with friends, breaking out into song randomly (annoying my friends and family— ha!). Plus, I’ve had the privilege of performing and recording in studio with a local duo: The Lonesome Wonderers. Look up “Keep Your Love Alive” on Spotify or wherever you stream music.
Professional networking has taken me many places, especially with ATD (Association for Talent Development) Dallas Chapter — learning from the best in the biz to help me flex my L&D muscles. In 2021, I was the co-chair and co-emcee for the Southwest Learning Summit hosted by ATD Dallas. Check out a recap video here.
In my free time, I play flag football for a charity organization called BvB Dallas — raising money for Alzheimer's research and care across the DFW area and beyond. Feel free to donate to my personal fundraising link.
Staying active, I'm also a member of Orangetheory Fitness, Lotus Yoga Dallas, and play sand volleyball with the Dallas Sports and Social League. Through all of these experiences, I've made lifelong friends while giving back to the community (and yeah, it keeps me fit!)
For two years, I mentored a young girl with Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteered for a dog rescue. I get together occasionally with friends from a Meetup group called #ispeakSpanish to practice Spanish in a social setting. ¡Que divertido! I was an active member of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce (DJCC) for four years, and the VP, Communications in 2019, in charge of social media, event planning and live coverage.
I've kept up my singing skills — karaoking with friends, breaking out into song randomly (annoying my friends and family— ha!). Plus, I’ve had the privilege of performing and recording in studio with a local duo: The Lonesome Wonderers. Look up “Keep Your Love Alive” on Spotify or wherever you stream music.
Professional networking has taken me many places, especially with ATD (Association for Talent Development) Dallas Chapter — learning from the best in the biz to help me flex my L&D muscles. In 2021, I was the co-chair and co-emcee for the Southwest Learning Summit hosted by ATD Dallas. Check out a recap video here.
Where I'm Headed
Now, I'm looking for the next level in my Learning & Development career. Although my experience has always been working for a marketing/communication company, I'm ready to expand my horizons and work with an exceptional corporation that focuses on people — whether that's in sales, tech, transportation, food & beverage or any other industry. My goal is to build best-in-class training as a Corporate Training Leader — in both instructional design and facilitation.
Let's see what we can do together to help all of us improve daily!
~Outgoing Olivia
Now, I'm looking for the next level in my Learning & Development career. Although my experience has always been working for a marketing/communication company, I'm ready to expand my horizons and work with an exceptional corporation that focuses on people — whether that's in sales, tech, transportation, food & beverage or any other industry. My goal is to build best-in-class training as a Corporate Training Leader — in both instructional design and facilitation.
Let's see what we can do together to help all of us improve daily!
~Outgoing Olivia