UNLEASHED 2011

JESSICA CRABB
Writer & Editor

Jessica was passionate about our creative media projects and was excellent at receiving feedback. She was pleasant to work with, always prompt and courteous, and displayed a great attitude about the work she was doing. We appreciated her efforts on all of our projects to help further our progress on meeting the market organization's mandates. - Jen Arbo, Operations Manager, Royal City Farmers Market

Jessica happened upon Print Futures by chance. While interviewing the editor of alive magazine, as per requirements for entering journalism school, Jessica asked her interviewee where she had studied, and was told all about the fantastic Print Futures program.

So after some research into the program, Jessica turned down her seat in J-school only to sign two years of her life into one of the best choices she has ever made.

Jessica loves to create; she loves to tell stories and paint pictures. Being in Print Futures has allowed her to polish these strengths as well as overcome some of her weaknesses. Jessica also had an opportunity to advance her skills during an internship as marketing assistant for the Royal City Farmers Market.

Jessica hopes to use what she has learned to one day have her own public relations firm, do some travel writing and work on her first children's story. The possibilities are endless!

Email Jessica   
Go to blog.inkquill.ca   

NIKKI FIELD
Writer, Designer, Researcher

It was a pleasure to have Nikki as our practicum student in summer 2010. I was able to rely on her to quickly produce content that was both suitable and well-written. For example, I needed a "Historic Moment in Safety" piece that could be used in three different publications, each reaching a different audience. And I needed it that afternoon. Nikki's piece, "The Tragedy of the Victoria Hall Stampede," was just what I wanted. - Catherine Jones, Managing Editor, Bongarde Media

Nikki knew her talent for writing was more than a hobby. Ever since she was a child stapling notepaper stories together, her skills inclined her toward a writing and design career. Her ability to shape words, whether to provoke emotion or change, or to develop a clear, no-frills technical manual, makes her an effective writer for all types of communications materials.

Nikki's internship with Bongarde Media introduced her to a wide range of media. Her responsibilities as assistant editor developed her versatility in writing styles. By writing poignant articles on topics of workplace safety and compliance, Nikki had an ability to propel audiences to action and awareness. After a successful five-week internship, Nikki was asked to continue on as a freelance contractor to write, edit and assist Bongarde in its transition from print to online.

If she's not writing for a course project, Nikki's writing a blog post or building on her novel. Writing is a part of her life, and she's always ready to take on more!

Email Nikki

JESSICA HEWITT
Writer, Designer, Communicator

Jessica is a confident writer and speaker. I was very impressed with how she handled an informational interview with me and I was surprised that she was still in college. She has the skills to be an incredibly successful writer. - Michelle Cobb, Manager Community Engagement, Sponsorships, and Special Projects, Scotiabank

Jessica has always been passionate about writing. Before attending Print Futures, she completed a BA in English at the University of Calgary. Then, experiencing what she calls a "quarter-life crisis," she applied to the program, packed up her mom's car with cat in tow and made the long trek to the big city.

She has worked with the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, putting her writing, editing, interviewing and design skills to work for the non-profit. She made instant connections with brain injury survivors and stood behind the KBIA's vision: "You don't have to be cured to make a difference."

During her time in Print Futures, she discovered a love of design and became the go-to person for InDesign support. Jessica credits the program with developing her writing skills and giving her the confidence and support she needs to excel as a writer and designer. Jessica's future looks bright as she takes Vancouver's writing industry by storm.

Email Jessica
Go to jessicahewitt.wordpress.com    

KATE HUNT
Writer & Editor

Working with Kate was a breeze and a delight: she took initiative, stayed in close touch when she needed regular input, and disappeared to work solo quite happily once clear about her direction. Kate is a creative and an organized thinker, a confident and skilled writer, and a terrific and pleasant co-worker. - Meg Stainsby, Dean, Douglas College Faculty of Language, Literature and Performing Arts

After completing a BA (Honours) in Psychology from Queen's University, Kate decided to follow the path of her minor, English Language and Literature. Her passion for writing led her to Print Futures.

In Print Futures, Kate has reaffirmed her natural abilities as an editor. After years of copyediting friends' essays and despairing over typos in her morning newspaper, she is thrilled to have gained some professional validation for her nitpicking.

The program also led Kate to some exciting opportunities. Her internship with Douglas College's Faculty of Language, Literature and Performing Arts allowed her to create and edit content for both print and online materials. Her talent for copywriting and communications was showcased when her and her partner¿s strategic communications plan was selected for a campaign by the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group.

Upon graduation, Kate plans to freelance as a writer and editor.

Email Kate
Go to www.katehunt.ca

JANEL JOHNSON
Writer & Communicator

Janel turned out to be amazing at ad sales. She took it on and had no fear of the "cold call" and was very organized in her approach and follow-up. She established a good rapport with many of the small, literary publishers across the country, thus enhancing subTerrain's public face. - Brian Kaufman, Publisher and Editor, subTerrain magazine

Janel Johnson left the film industry for Print Futures because she wanted to work at the creative focal point of projects, where ideas become words on the page.

During her internship at subTerrain magazine, Janel combined her strong interpersonal skills with her communications and marketing expertise to attract more regular advertising to the magazine. She is now subTerrain's marketing coordinator.

In 2010, Janel promoted The Writer's Studio of SFU's First Book Competition, a national competition for full-length manuscripts by writers who haven't yet published a book.

Janel has written a staff manual for the Lazy Gourmet Inc., collaborated on a subTerrain companion study guide and published a book review in subTerrain , an article in The Globe and Mail and a profile in the book A People Lens , by Volunteer Vancouver.

Janel's future focal points include freelance public relations, communications and film work.

KENNEDY KIERANS
Technical Writer

The task of rewriting our board manual was made more difficult by our binder full of irrelevant and outdated material. Luckily for us, Kennedy was up to the challenge. She presented us with a useful, relevant, much smaller binder that our board members constantly refer to. Organized and focused, Kennedy really did make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! - Terry-Lynn Stone, Executive Director, Kamloops Brain Injury Association

Kennedy was drawn to Print Futures by the prospect of a writing career that did not involve being either a high school English teacher or a starving novelist. Over the program's two years, she has discovered a love of clear, crisp communication ... and bullet points.

Kennedy's practicum at the Kamloops Brain Injury Association gave her the chance to hone her skills in writing, researching and interviewing, while reworking its board of directors' manual.

Her earlier work in the program included leading a team in creating a planning manual for the Douglas College field schools and co-creating a marketing plan for a local fitness facility.

Kennedy hopes to work as a technical writer after graduation.

Email Kennedy
Go to technicallyelegant.com

ZOE KLASSEN
Communications Specialist

Everyone in the department really enjoyed working with Zoe and found her to be consistently pleasant and "smart as a whip." Zoe has exceptional research and analytical skills, completing her research projects in record time. I would recommend her for a job anytime. She is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. - Laura Peacock, Manager, Operations Manual Department, Central 1 Credit Union

Zoe's claim to fame has always been her self-described ability to write her way out of a paper bag. She's put this ability to good use throughout her education: she holds an associate's degree in Creative Writing and graduated from the English Literature (Honours) program at UBC prior to joining the more practical Print Futures program.

Throughout her two years in Print Futures, Zoe has had ample opportunities to practice her talent for performing well under pressure, as well as to expand her writing repertoire. She gained further experience thanks to her internship as a technical writer in the Operations Manual Department at Central 1 Credit Union. She now fears no genre, nor Adobe's Creative Suite.

Zoe will make use of the return of her personal life following graduation by plotting her next plan of attack.

CODY KLYNE
Creative Communications Specialist

Cody distinguished himself by his ability to work effectively as both a team player and individually, requiring a minimum of supervision. Furthermore, he proved himself an exceptional communicator, using tact and diplomacy as situations demanded. He was very reliable and conducted himself in a professional way. His pleasant personal manner and sense of humour made a positive contribution to our overall office environment. - Bryan Pike, Executive Director, Rebus Creative

Incessantly scribbling his way across the page, and through his life up to this point, Cody Klyne has always had a passion for the arts.

As the arts & entertainment editor (and board of directors member) for Douglas College's newspaper The Other Press , Cody has enjoyed the privilege of writing, editing and communicating in a creatively challenging and fast-paced environment.

Cody's other experiences include working as a fundraising assistant for local non-profit organization BC Book Prizes, interning as an editorial assistant at Event magazine and blogging at geek culture website Walyou.com. Over the course of his adventures so far, Cody has discovered what it¿s like to work with genuinely passionate people and, as a result, refuses to settle for less.

What will the next year hold for this lifelong geek, passionate communicator and hopeful idealist? Challenges, fun and, hopefully, fun challenges.

Email Cody
Go to www.codyklyne.com

JENN MARKHAM
Writer & Journalist

Having Jenn Markham come to write for The Other Press has already turned out better than we could have asked for. There are very few people who rival the energy and passion she brings to her job as our News Editor, and it translates into a high quality section. If I could sum up Jenn up in one word, it would be dynamic. I only hope that she remains with us for a very long time. - Garth McLennan, Editor, The Other Press

Jenn joined Print Futures because she's always had a passion for writing, and loved the idea of turning it into a career. In the program, she excelled in substantive editing, design and journalism.

In fact, Jenn put her journalistic skills to work during her internship at the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times , where she enjoyed meeting people and telling their stories. She has also worked hard as the news editor for Douglas College's The Other Press for the past year.

Jenn's vivacious and lively personality comes out in her writing. In the program's many client-based projects, her interpersonal communication skills shone through. After graduating, Jenn plans to pursue journalism and possibly continue her education.

Email Jenn

ARIENNE MULLIGAN
Communications Specialist

I have found Arienne to be a capable and competent employee. Arienne is very customer focused and manages her time well. She adapts quickly to change and has the ability to listen and communicate well with others. - Kari Lagrandeur, Former Alder Crossing Starbucks Manager

Print Futures came to Arienne at an opportune moment. She never knew that something she loved (writing) could be turned into a fulfilling career. The program not only taught her how to find that career, but also helped her discover her skills within the communications field: graphic design, marketing and public relations. These skills mesh with her personality because she is a social, diplomatic team player.

Arienne got to put her skills to work during an internship with Be Clear Communications, where she wrote press releases and blog entries, carried out market research and designed a catalogue and annual report.

After graduation, Arienne plans to use her talents to pursue a career as a communications coordinator or public relations specialist. She would love to help companies create and maintain their positive brand, for both their employees and their customers.

Email Arienne

SARAH NEESON
Editor & Designer

Sarah is, in one word, awesome. She learns easily, asks great questions, and works quickly and diligently. She has already contributed a lot to the copy editing team, and I look forward to seeing her become a forms expert. - Angel Desjarlais, Copy Editor, Central 1 Credit Union (Print Futures 2008)

After deciding that she hated chemistry and calculus too much to continue a career in biological sciences, Sarah turned to her other passion: writing and the English language.

She started Print Futures in September 2007. Every class taught her valuable lessons that she will use in her daily life as a writer, editor and designer. However, Sarah benefited most from the technical classes where she learned to use InDesign and Dreamweaver.

Having these skills will help Sarah immensely when she starts her own business: Neeson Editing and Design. In this business, Sarah hopes to help other organizations get their print media ready for publishing.

She currently works as a copy editor at Central 1 Credit Union, where she designs forms and edits the manuals used by credit unions in British Columbia and Ontario. She looks forward to everything that is to come.

Email Sarah

MELISSA NILAN
Writer & Communications Specialist

Melissa created our publicity campaign from the ground up with creative ideas that fit in well with the desires of the committee and the promotional needs of the event. She was a pleasure to work with throughout. She was particularly effective at taking direction and enacting that direction independently. - Dr. David N. Wright, Chair, Douglas College Student Research Working Group

Melissa has been a writer since she realized she lacked the artistic skill to draw the stories in her head - she traded paint for a keyboard and never looked back. Writing led her to Simon Fraser University, where she received her BA in English Literature and Humanities, and then to Douglas College where she learned there is more to writing than essays and novels.

Melissa most enjoys the creative aspects of marketing and communications. She created a tenant handbook for Mole Hill Community Housing Society during her summer internship and was in charge of developing the publicity campaign for Douglas College's Student Research Days event.

Years of balancing a social life with full-time school and work have made Melissa an efficient organizer and multi-tasker. She is enthusiastic about new projects and always has more than one idea to bring to the table. Melissa looks forward to pursuing a career in communications.

Email Melissa
Go to melissanilan.wordpress.com 

TINA PENGELLY
Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Tina is a valuable part of our team. She listens carefully and creates beautiful and striking designs which best represent our organization. She is open to input and writes strategically to best develop a piece that is effective and marketable. She is a delight to work with. - Jasmine Small, Co-founder of Velocity

Tina Pengelly has been telling stories since she was little, and exploring the meaning of words was one of her favourite pastimes. It was only natural for her to become a writer. Now Print Futures has equipped her with the right skills to share the stories of businesses and organizations as a communications and public relations specialist.

Since she is a creative type who loves to meet new people, communications is the ideal job for Tina. She is currently working as communications coordinator for Velocity, a non-profit group. She has also done work for the Port Moody Arts Centre and Connect Fitness.

Tina completed her internship as an editorial assistant at Event magazine. She hopes her future holds more work in the non-profit sector.

Email Tina

REIJA ROBERTS
Writer & Editor

Reija Roberts is a talented writer, armed with a keen sense of imagery and phrasing. There's a poetic element to her prose, spare and elegant, with a strong rhythmic quality. Reija has also been a solid and dependable member of the Event magazine team this past year. Intelligent, articulate and insightful, she has excelled as both a first reader and assistant to the Managing Editor. - Rick Maddocks, former Editor-in-Chief, Event Magazine

Reija Roberts has always been a writer. But she never imagined that what started as a solitary act of comfort and a vehicle for expression would one day become marketable.

Reija is a problem-solver. When something isn't working, she finds out how to fix it. That's what got her where she is now. After graduating from Lakehead University with a BA in English, Reija realized that she had been released into the real world unarmed. After moving from the small city of Thunder Bay, Ontario to Vancouver, she found Print Futures. Reija knew that if she wanted to be a writer, she had better learn how to be a professional.

Reija now writes and edits promotional materials, magazine content, web content, research reports and creative writing. A diverse writer with an adaptable voice, Reija is ready to inspire and persuade.

Email Reija
Go to reijaroberts.blogspot.com   

ALLY SHEANE
Professional Communicator

Working with Ally is a one-of-a-kind experience. Her unique personality and contagious energy keeps all her colleagues enlivened on the job. Always the one to go the extra mile and help out both staff and management alike. Ally is of the highest calibre employee. -  Sarah Heck, Restaurant Manager, Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse

When Ally was a little girl, she always dreamed of being an author. What that meant, she wasn't entirely sure, but she knew she loved to read and that authors were the magical people who made all the books.

As she got older, Ally's enthusiasm for reading continued to grow and eventually blossomed into a passion for writing. She loves being able to turn words into meaning and takes pleasure in being able to communicate with and touch her audiences through words.

Ally joined Print Futures with an aim at finding where her writing fit in the world. Leaving the program she feels she has learned much, not only about her passion as a writer, but also about the excitement she has for so many different areas of life.

Heading into the future, Ally hopes to combine her many interests and find a career that allows her to do everything that she loves most.

Email Ally

WILL STEARN
Scribe & Editorial Manager

Among many other responsibilities, Will Stearn was given the monumental task of developing our circulation plan and increasing newsstand sales. He performed all his tasks effectively, and increased our sales by 25% through his due diligence and excellent interpersonal and sales skills. Mr. Stearn was well adept to wearing multiple hats. He was part event-planner/sales person/ circulation manager and assistant managing editor. In addition to business development, Mr. Stearn assisted in copyediting, proofreading and acquisitions. We miss him dearly. - Leni Goggins, Editor-in-Chief, Lester's Army Magazine

Will has always had an affinity for the written word. Even as a wee child he frequently wrote letters to his father, who worked long days at the local mill. Later, in Honours English and Literature classes in high school, Will was drawn to the laughter and tears his writing elicited from his classmates.

Nowadays, when he's not burying his nose firmly in a book or seeing an article of his getting published somewhere, Will enjoys sharing what he's learned with close friends or striving for that next great epiphany.

Always the avid learner, Will is taking the great experiences and skills gained from the Print Futures program and adding a psychology doctorate to his portfolio. This, combined with his second love and minor, philosophy, should make for some interesting books from Mr. Stearn.

Email Will
Go to www.stearn.ca

KNOWLTON THOMAS
Writer, Online Strategist, Social Media Specialist

Knowlton's ability to write with profound articulation is only the beginning of an expansive skill set. He employs a savvy business sense that complements well his strong work ethic and passion to produce the highest quality work. He has consistently demonstrated an outstanding degree of ingenuity, enthusiasm, and reliability. - Robert Lewis, President of Techvibes Media

Knowlton Thomas is an industrious writing professional who pairs business savvy with passion and enthusiasm for his work.

A proficient online strategist and expert in social media, Knowlton has carved out a career in the digital space. He is fascinated by the tremendous opportunities present in today¿s world and aims to take advantage of them with the skills he has developed in Print Futures.

Knowlton has written more than 1,000 articles for Techvibes.com and has had dozens of articles published in print publications such as The Globe and Mail and The Other Press . He has also led the creative direction of many design projects, including advertisements, sales decks and branding materials.

Email Knowlton
Go to knowltonthomas.com

NANCY TINARI
Writer, Editor, Communicator

Nancy contributed a great deal to the professional look and feel of my website, www.westenddogwalking.com. Her editing clarified my vision and thoughts in a precise and positive manner. She was able to complete the work in less time than I expected, which helped expedite the launch of the website. Thank you, Nancy! - Rita Ivanauskus, Owner, West End Dog Walking

Nancy entered Print Futures with excited anticipation and a "better-late-than-never" attitude. She has had a lifelong passion for reading and writing, but she got sidetracked by a biology degree, a running career and a family. Tutoring ESL students rekindled her fascination with the English language. She decided to see if her ability to write could be turned into a career.

Nancy has always considered editing her greatest strength; she loves reading others' work, polishing it and perfecting the details. During the past two years, Print Futures courses have turned her into a writer ready for today's market, with skills in design and writing for the web.

Nancy hopes to find a career editing and writing in a scientific field. However, she would also enjoy the challenges of a communications position in a corporate or non-profit organization.

Email Nancy

AMY WOOD
Writer & Editor

Amy brings a fresh and youthful perspective to our department while also displaying a maturity beyond her years. This is demonstrated in her strong work ethic, her enthusiasm, and her creative approach to each and every writing, editing, and research assignment. Excellence is what we expect from our team, and Amy fulfills this expectation with tact, empathy, and dependability. - Sandi Gauvin, Senior Editor, alive magazine

Amy has always had a knack for writing, and since entering the Print Futures program she has turned this talent into a full-time paying gig.

Having always been interested in health and fitness, when Amy caught wind of the alive magazine internship, she knew she had to have it. Since her employment there, she has had the opportunity to utilize many of her newly refined skills and has written several articles for the publication.

Amy has accepted a full-time position as editor at alive and will further develop her skills with the help of her wonderful editorial and design team.

Email Amy
Go to thesexyflexitarian.wordpress.com   

JO YUEN
Editor, Writer, Web Designer, Digital Artist

Joanna was great to work with. She always took initiative and went out of her way to help everyone in the office. - Smita Acharyya, Development and Special Events Coordinator, Out On Screen

Jo was searching for a direction in life when she stumbled across the idea of being an editor. After a few weeks of researching the available education, a teacher suggested Print Futures to her.

Since enrolling in the program, Jo has learned more than she expected and retained more than she thought possible. It has been a life-changing process for her.

Jo can visualize endless possibilities for herself after graduation. She could be an editor and work on her own or in a publishing house. She could write her own stories, design company websites or create marketing materials for the public. Jo knows these opportunities are out there, and she feels confident that she is one of the best the world has to offer.

Yes, Jo knows what she is doing, and she is ready to take a go at life.

Email Jo
Go to twitter.com/azhwi