Professional Experience
A versatile features reporter with background in life and style magazines, newspapers and multimedia production. I have covered everything from the ever-growing issue of homosexuality in Cuba to the latest fashion and beauty trends. A former magazine editor and newspaper reporter, I am prepared to cover anything in almost any format, be it written, photography or video. I am well-versed in the area of health and fitness, as I am also a group fitness instructor. To view my work, please visit www.leahpolakoff.com.
Expertise
Editor
2 Years
Reporter
3 Years
Writer
4 Years
Specialty
Lifestyle
4 Years
Fitness
4 Years
Health
4 Years
Industries
Newspaper - National
Entry Level
Newspaper - Local/Regional
3 Years
Magazine - Local/Regional magazines
4 Years
Total Media Industry Experience
4 Years
Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
The Patriot-News/PennLive (10+), Valley Magazine (10+), The Washington Post (1-2), The Baltimore Sun Media Group (10+), State College Magazine (10+), Lake Erie Lifestyle (1-2), The Centre Daily Times (6-10)
Technical Skills
Photoshop, Adobe Premiere
Computer Skills
Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Calendars, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Equipment
Macbook Pro, Nikon D7100, Shotgun microphone
References
Name: Tony Barbieri, Foster Professor in Writing and Editing at Penn State University.
Contact Information: 814-863-2682, afb15@psu.edu
Name: Richard Abowitz, editor of The Smart Set at Drexel University.
Contact Information: 702-496-9947, rabowitz@drexel.edu
Name: Will Yurman, Senior Lecturer of Journalism at Penn State University.
Contact Information: 814-470-5895, why1@psu.edu
Awards
William Randolph Hearst Journalism Awards, 13th place, enterprise multimedia reporting, 2015
Television Academy Foundation Awards, 1st place, Outstanding Magazine Show, 2015
Randy and Maria Yanoshak Technology in Media Award, winner, 2015
Ralph Flamminio Memorial Scholarship by the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors, winner, 2014
Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Award, regional winner, 2014
Katey Lehman Award for Journalism/Creative Non-Fiction, second place winner, 2014
William Randolph Hearst Foundation Journalism Awards, second place, intercollegiate writing team, 2014
Associations
Penn State Alumni Association