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| Professional/Personal Overview |
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Looking for a unique voice for political coverage in the lead-up to the 2008 election? Look no further. I'm an award winning freelancer who's written for The Washington Post, MSN and Marketplace Radio, as well as many other publications. I contribute to XM Radio, POTUS '08 Ch. 130 and am on the executive team at MomsRising.org.
Political commentary and opinion pieces, legal and adoption features, and culture/lifestyle articles are my focus. I know that straightforward topics can be covered with a twist and when they are they can sing!
After a decade in broadcast journalism, I'm also available for on-air projects and voice-overs.
Contact me today at punditmom1 (at) gmail (dot) com!
PunditMom, http://punditmom1.blogspot.com
BlogHer, http://www.blogher.com/topic/politics-news
MOMocrats, http://momocrats.typepad.com/
DC Metro Moms, http://svmomblog.typepad.com/dc_metro_moms/
follow me: http://twitter.com/punditmom
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| mediabistro.com Questions |
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What book is on your nightstand right now?
Late Nights on Air
What's the best job you've ever had?
Besides being a mother and freelance writer, being an enterprise TV reporter where I was responsible for generating my own stories every day.
What's the hardest work project you've ever tackled?
Raising my daughter! After dealing with a eight-year-old all day, conducting a tough interview is a piece of cake! After that, investigating a large securities fraud case as an attorney at the SEC.
What's your idea of a perfect Saturday night?
A leisurely dinner with my husband or relaxing with friends with a nice bottle of wine (preferably a Tuscan red or a French white).
In ten years, I want to be:
Writing regularly for publications I respect and to be a published book author, and a well-established pundit!
What do you wish you'd learned sooner?
I wish I had learned sooner the importance of following your dreams. Getting sidetracked in a job that isn't really what you want to do, even though others think you're good at it, doesn't bring job satisfaction.
What's your idea of a perfect Monday morning?
Getting my daughter to school on time and then a nice, hot cup of coffee!
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| Work Samples |
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The Washington Post |
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(1/4/2007)
Think an all-purpose resume is going to stand out in a crowded field of applicants? Think again. Here's how to create a resume to wow your next employer. (For washingtonpost.com)
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(12/22/2003)
Need to find some extra motivation to get off your bottom and to the gym? Humor, reported piece on unusual workout motivators. (Honorable Mention, Feature Article, Writer's Digest 2005 Competition).
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(8/11/2003)
Reported humor piece exploring why people still send snail mail chain letters and the perceived benefits we get by perpetuating the chain.
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Adoptive Families Magazine |
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(10/1/2004)
Cover story. Adoptive parents pushing the mid-century mark are joining playgroups and digging Dora the Explorer. What's age got to do with it?
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(6/1/2004)
A look at how families who have adopted children of different cultures and ethnicities can prepare themselves for dealing with intolerance. (Honorable Mention, Feature Article, Writer's Digest 2005 Competition).
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Legal Times |
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(6/26/2006)
Half the women coming out of law schools today are women, but the numbers of women in leadership positions aren't keeping pace. Why? The answer isn't what you think.
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(6/6/2005)
It's summer and the living isn't as easy as it used to be for big law firm summer associates. Reported piece on the evolution and today's status of law firm summer associates and the work they do.
Honorable Mention, 2006 Writer's Digest Feature Article Competition.
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(9/6/2004)
Women who graduated from law school in 1988 were expected to be at the top of the legal pyramid by now. Are they? A look at the choices many have made.
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Marketplace Radio/NPR |
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(1/23/2004)
Commentary concerning critique by Congress of SEC's ability to police securities fraud, when Congress refuses to allocate more funds to the Commission.
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The Washington Examiner |
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(2/9/2006)
ABC News missed a chance to show that networks aren't afraid for women to anchor solo permanently ... why is that? Opinion column.
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(6/3/2005)
Those who are left of Nixon's men have wasted no time bashing Mark Felt, aka "Deep Throat," portraying him as a traitor. Now is the time for everyone to revisit that crisis so we don't forget the lessons of Watergate. Op-ed.
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(2/20/2005)
Do we need to be perfect mothers? Op-ed following publication of Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety.
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Small Firm Business |
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(Small Firm Business, 3/14/2005)
Should small law firms take any business that walks in the door? While that might sound good to the bottom line, here are some factors to think about before saying 'yes' to that new client.
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Go, AirTran In-flight Magazine |
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(5/1/2007)
Frustrated about getting your kids to mind their P's & Q's? A couple of manners' experts say a little consistency goes a long way when teaching, and modeling, polite manners for children.
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(3/1/2007)
Are you one of THOSE parents on the sidelines at your children's soccer matches? Or do you know someone who is? Sit back, relax and become the best soccer parent in town! Here are some tips from the experts to keep players, coaches AND parents calm and cool during the game!
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(4/1/2006)
Project Runway finalist Wendy Pepper is making the most of her 15 minutes of fame! She's ready to turn her small design business into a bigger venture. How will she do it?
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(1/1/2006)
Have a petulant pooch? Give the Dog Whisperer a call! Profile of Cesar Millan, who has created a niche business of solving the behavior problems of dogs and grown a successful small business at the same time.
(Honorable Mention, Feature Article, Writer's Digest, 2006 Competition).
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Washingtonian |
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(11/1/2006)
In an age of toddler interviews and fierce pre-K competition, parents of little children are hiring admissions consultants to help them navigate the system and give their kids and edge. Has Harvard-track mania come to the nation's Capital?
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MSN |
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(MSN, 3/1/2008)
Sure there are plenty of notable and accomplished women we've heard of and discuss, especially during Women's History Month. But name recognition doesn't always equate substantial accomplishments. Here's a look at 10 amazing women who deserve more attnetion.
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(10/8/2007)
During October -- Breast Cancer Awareness Month -- campaigns to sell all things pink to support research to cure breast cancer abound like daisies on a spring day. But are they all they're cracked up to be?
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Arrive (Acela/Amtrak) |
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(3/1/2007)
"Making partner" used to be the big payoff for toiling away in the corporate hive. Today, though, it means more work, more time at the office and, sure, more money. But is it worth it? A look at generational attitude changes about the golden handcuffs of partnership.
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The Huffington Post |
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(8/18/2008)
Barack Obama wants to be president, but he seems to be ignoring some big constituencies in his bid. Maybe he just isn't ready for a second date with Hillary supporters. Political commentary
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(7/8/2008)
Whether Barack Obama is listing to the right or not, it sure seems like it to me. Can a good progressive woman voter cast a ballot for someone who seems like a political shape-shifter for the good of the party? Opinion
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(6/24/2008)
Federal employees don't get paid maternity leave. Congress is trying to change that but President Bush said paid maternity leave is a "costly entitlement."
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(6/18/2008)
Now that Barack Obama is the Democratic presidential candidate, some say Michelle Obama should be less outspoken. Will a political make-over backfire?
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(6/3/2008)
Hillary Clinton will not be the first woman President of the United States. In light of her treatment by the media and social policies that still don't favor women, when will we have another chance to see a woman running for president?
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(5/19/2008)
Hillary Clinton has taken every sexist comment the pundits have thrown at her, and she's still standing. But will things be different for the next "viable" woman presidential candidate? Opinion
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(5/9/2008)
Some journalists believe mommy bloggers are just "yapping" about their kids and potty training. Others know better. Katie Couric vs. Kathie Lee Gifford. Opinion
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(4/14/2008)
Was Barack Obama being elitist when he said Pennsylvania voters cling to their guns, religion and anti-immigration views? Or is he just not listening to the voters? Opinion
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(4/9/2008)
Women make up half the bloggers online, and that means about 36 million women. Are they just being chatty, or is there a new movement afoot? Opinion
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(3/5/2008)
Many are calling for Hillary Clinton to gracefully make way for Barack Obama. But if the political shoe was on the other foot, would we expect the same of him? Commentary.
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(1/28/2008)
A chance to spread the voices of political women? If Gloria Steinem calls on you, how can you say no?
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(1/17/2008)
The politics of a presidential campaign can be complicated. Unless you're a second-grader. For an eight-year-old, only one things matters -- girl power! Commentary.
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(12/19/2007)
I keep wondering what Barack Obama's mother would think about her son's presidential campaign. Surely, she would be proud as any mother would be. But I can't help wondering how she, his Caucasian mother, would react to his campaign's focus on the African-American part of his heritage? Opinion.
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(11/27/2007)
Millions and millions of American women happily and easily take the advice of Oprah Winfrey when it comes to books, bras and jeans. Now Oprah has given her endorsement, and all that the Oprah brand carries with it, to Barack Obama. Will her fans follow or will her efforts backfire?
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(11/26/2007)
The Democratic candidates for president all have separate sections on their official websites to address "women's issues." The Republican candidates don't (at least at last check). What's up with that? Commentary?
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(8/30/2007)
If mothers are the key demographic that advertisers want to reach, why aren't we also being courted by the presidential candidates? They say the 'women's vote' will determine the next election, but you'd never know it by the way the candidates are acting. Commentary.
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(8/21/2007)
Willing to give up a few lattes a month in exchange for real political influence? It's time for women to think about that. Commentary.
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(7/31/2007)
The Presidential candidates want to woo bloggers, but not the ones who are moms. Hmmm. I say they'd better think again.
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(7/30/2007)
If the main stream media are so interested in the YearlyKos convention of bloggers, why do they ignore the women of BlogHer?
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(7/20/2007)
Think you're far from terror or disaster? Think again. The steamy New York City explosion has brought me out of my comfortable denial. Commentary.
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(4/10/2007)
When it comes to families, many people have a hard time accepting those who don't fit the "traditional" family mold. Commentary on adoption.
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(3/22/2007)
When families grow by adoption, many feel entitled to ask intrusive and rude questions about why that was the path chosen. Commentary on why it's time to stop.
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| Work Info |
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Expertise |
| Political Blogger |
3 Years |
| Writer |
25 Years |
| Reporter |
16 Years |
Specialty |
| Adoption |
7 Years |
| Lifestyle |
6 Years |
| Law |
21 Years |
Total Media Industry Experience
25 Years |
Media Client List (# assignments
last 2 yrs)
D.C. Metro Moms (11+), BlogHer, Contributing Editor (11+), The Washington Examiner (11+), Parent Bloggers Network (11+), Work It, Mom! (11+), The Huffington Post (11+), Adoptive Families Magazine (11+), MOMocrats (11+), Go, AirTran's in-flight magazine (11+), American Lawyer Media publications (11+), MomsRising (11+), The Soccer Mom Vote (6-10), Moms Speak Up (6-10), MSN (6-10), XM Radio, Commentator (3-5), Washington Post (3-5), Capitol File (1-2), Rails to Trails Magazine (1-2), WashingtonPost.com (1-2), Arrive, Acela magazine (1-2), Marketplace Radio (1-2), Washingtonian (1-2), Legal Services Corporation (1-2) |
Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
Book project (1-2), Adoptions Together, Inc. (1-2), KornFerry International (1-2), Corporate ghostwriting (1-2) |
Other Work History
Ten years experience as broadcast reporter, anchor and producer at variety of stations including:
KMBC-TV, Kansas City;
KSNW-TV, Wichita;
WGBY-TV, Springfield, Mass.;
WUTR-TV, Utica, NY.
Deputy Director of Public Affairs at U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
15 years experience as litigation attorney in private and government practice, specializing in business and securities litigation. |
Computer Skills
Microsoft Word |
Equipment
Laptop computer, digital camera, 35 mm camera, audio recorder. |
Foreign Language Skills
Learning Chinese with my daughter and discovering how to order wine and cheese in as many languages as possible! |
References
Debbie Bruno, Legal Times, dbruno333@hotmail.com; Orion Ray-Jones, orion@ink-publishing.com |
Awards
Honorable Mention, Feature Articles, Writer's Digest 2006 Competition, The Dog Whisperer, Go Magazine (AirTran Airways) and This Summer, It's Real, Legal Times (an ALM publication); Honorable Mention, Feature Articles, Writer's Digest 2005 Competition, Riding Your Fantasy Life to Fitness, Washington Post, and Ready for the World, Adoptive Families Magazine. |
Associations
American News Womens Club; American Society of Journalists & Authors; National Press Club; admitted to practice law in state and federal courts in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and the Supreme Court of the United States. |
Other
Law degree, B.A. in Political Science. Former Deputy Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. 15 years experience as litigation attorney.
I'm close to Baltimore and Virginia, as well.
Participant, Progressive Women's Voices program, Women's Media Center
I am also available for on-camera and voice-over work.
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Freelancer Availability
I freelance full-time. I live near Washington, DC. I am willing to travel anywhere. I have a driver's license. I have access to a car. |
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