About Me
MY STORYI am a multi-lingual, innovative and dynamic communications professional, public relations specialist, and graphic designer. I love what I do.
As a first generation scholar-practitioner, I am always looking toward new perspectives and research to guide my work. I am focused on using creative design as a catalyst for social change.
Education was heavily emphasized in my household growing up. It was always seen as a measure of success. Through keen observation, I quickly understood that not everyone was awarded the same successes when it came to K-12 and postsecondary education, and I’ve been fighting for a more equitable and just system ever since.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, I am a proud alumna of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Communication, as well as a certificate in Nonprofit Operation. Initially intending to study business, I realized that I wanted to focus on my love for education and advocating for social change.
I believe a lot of the answers lie in our words and our stories. Whether it be through research, opinion pieces, or word of mouth, I believe that strategic communication can serve as a powerful vessel for changing people’s perceptions. Having obtained my Master of Communication and Media, specializing in Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility at Rutgers University, I know this is my calling.
Let’s make the world a more equitable and just place. Let’s transform it together.
WHAT I DOCurrently, I serve as the Senior Public Relations Specialist at the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) to transform data into actionable information across a variety of areas, including workforce development, education, transportation, and public/population health across Southern New Jersey. Prior to joining WRI, I worked with the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity, and Justice at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education to elevate the educational contributions of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and increase rigorous scholarship on higher education to ensure a more just and equitable education landscape. I remain involved with the Center and the Institute as a Research Associate by courtesy.
Additionally, coming from a performance art and music background, I manage outreach and engagement for Illegal Art, an artist collective committed to creating participatory-based public art to inspire self-reflection, thought, and human connection.
My work is rooted in using storytelling, research, and strategic communication to shape policy and practice.
SERVICESSocial media management & strategy
Media relations
Branding & Web design
Public relations & crisis communication
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Graphic & Logo Design
Strategic communication & promotion
Copyediting & content editing
Copywriting
“Natalie is one of the most positive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She is committed to her work and is clearly passionate about what she does. She goes above and beyond! It is always a treat when we connect and I can’t recommend her enough.”
Matt • Senior Account Manager, Garrison Printing