

B. Taelor Smith
Communications/Media Professional - Writer - Journalist
Through my experience in communications and media, I desire to discover and share the unheard stories, but also connect communities in new ways. I look to explore opportunities to develop communication and media strategies, and provide ideal tactics to share news and information.
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Email:
Writer
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Editor/Copyeditor
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Taelor Smith is highly passionate about all things media, news and culture. Her array of skills have led her to a wide range of positions throughout her communications career. While her interest peaks in entertainment, she has covered many topics including health, government, oil and gas and more.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Taelor always held a natural curiosity and experienced diverse environments. This, paired with her creativity, helped shape her desire and ability for storytelling and providing spaces to better access information. As a graduate of The University of Texas of Austin with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in African and African Diaspora Studies, one of Taelor’s journalistic goals is to better represent minorities and their stories throughout the world.
Taelor has always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspect of journalism where she is able to be creative and influence what is being shared with her audience. Researching topics, production, and writing are the aspects of journalism she enjoys most. She has experience in writing, photography, producing video, creating and editing news packages, and publishing stories in local newspapers and magazines. Taelor is active in developing content for multiple platforms including social media, marketing materials, email, speech and script writing, and much more.
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2010-2014
Bachelor of Journalism
The University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX
Minor in African & African Diaspora Studies
2006-2010
High School Diploma
G.W. Carver High School - Houston, TX
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April 2022-October 2024
Content Writer/Communications Strategist/Comms Analyst
CHEVRON via CTM UNLIMITED
Served as writer and editor on behalf of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and other team leaders, developing messaging for a global internal and external audience. Organized complex DEI topics and company focuses into high-level overviews for appropriate audiences. Created, edited, and reworked key messaging for executive leaders including memos and presentation materials. Oversaw development of monthly message on behalf of CDIO. Worked closely with executive and team leaders to develop accurate and profound messaging to be shared across the company. Developed newsletters, talking points, key messages, video scripts, presentations, executive remarks, communication plans and other messaging related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Directly pitched story ideas and strategies to executive and department leads. Handled multiple complex projects simultaneously under pressing timeframes and varying priorities/conditions. Developed comprehensive strategies for streamlined and collaborative workflow across teams. Conducted thorough research for various DEI-related topics to write engaging articles and elaborate statements for corporate departments and leaders. Planned and organized ongoing communication projects for events, engagements, and requested appearances. Served as liaison between CDIO and internal inquiring parties for communications requests. Worked amongst a team, collaborating closely with the project manager and senior communications manager. Delegated and supervised weekly tasks to team interns. Led weekly team meeting to delegate tasks and manage project timelines to ensure deadlines are met and deliverables are streamlined. Worked collaboratively with project manager in organizing department timelines, setting project goals, and scheduling. Provided sound reasoning and judgment when developing projects amongst communications team.
August 2021-January 2022
Public Relations/Community Engagement Manager
K STRATEGIES GROUP
Wrote and developed a variety of content including communications materials, surveys, social media and website content, press releases, video scripts, presentations, program reports, etc. Coordinated the creation of eye-catching marketing materials including flyers, brochures, presentations and digital platforms with graphic designer. Defined, clarified, and created project documentation including scope, strategy, schedules, status reports, dynamic public involvement and community campaigns (both digital and print), and other documents as necessary. Created proactive and successful public and community engagement programs in a wide-range of diverse communities. Coordinated and managed events including focus groups, public meetings, and outreach events (in-person and virtual). Utilized various engagement tools to interact with audience including Mentimeter, Kahoots, and Mural. Developed internal training materials through researching and developing processes for company expectations. Presented training materials through PowerPoint and video presentation. Conducted stakeholder engagement and outreach in target communities and created databases of stakeholder information. Reviewed all client deliverables to ensure high-quality, professional outputs that meet client expectations. Coordinated regularly scheduled client meetings to identify necessary actions to achieve timely completion as well as documenting all meeting and communication. Performed critical duties as contracted by companies including Texas Department of Transportation, Central Health, E Source, CBRE Heery, Freese and Nichols, Guidehouse, Fluor, and others.
November 2019-August 2021
Communications Specialist/Jr. Writer
HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 - OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER CAGLE
Served Northwest Harris County community of 1.2 million residents by writing and editing articles for quarterly and bi-annual community newsletters and magazines, marketing materials, announcements, and advertisements. Led pitch meeting, created issue plan, created and formatted informative content for bi-annual internal newsletter magazine serving more than 100 employees. Garnered media coverage for precinct by writing, editing, and distributing monthly and special event news releases for community parks and centers. Interviewed and built network with community residents by attending community events and contacting active community members. Increased resident online engagement with precinct by providing weekly social media content for community center and park pages. Kept precinct commissioner informed of important community news coverage through daily news clippings.
September 2018-November 2019
Communications Specialist
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
Encouraged student engagement by writing and maintaining weekly online newsletter and web content for the College of Agriculture & Human Sciences with up to six articles each week. Wrote news articles for monthly magazine and created written content for marketing materials including flyers, brochures, and announcements. Scheduled and interviewed university researchers, students, and faculty to develop relevant content for distribution throughout each semester to better accommodate time frames. Proofread, revised and edited general department and submitted scientific research content. Organized and oversaw department projects for on-campus staff and statewide staff employees.Helped manage college budget by not outsourcing; Kept projects within department by providing photography for department use, working with team to create video content, and co-working with graphic designer to layout design of print magazine and other published content. Instructed and managed team of three student workers on project tasks of graphics, writing, and developing content. Increased student engagement with college’s social media by maintaining relevant content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
January 2018-September 2018
Marketing Coordinator
PV RENTALS, LEASING & SALES
Created email campaigns for customers and internal communications. Wrote and distributed internal and external communication to help increase customer sales and contracts with companies. Maintained company social media account by posting relevant content, increasing engagement, and hosting contests. Increased customer sales and inquiries by working with marketing partners to create and distribute advertising content. Improved customer traffic on website by updating and developing website content with new images, graphics, and written content. Served as liaison between company sponsorships/partnerships to maintain relevant advertising and promotion deals.
October 2016-October 2017
Executive Assistant to CEO /
Project Coordinator/ Writer
TALAFERY MEDIA GROUP dba D-MARS.COM
Served as staff writer and photographer for company events and monthly news journal articles. Interviewed, wrote and edited news article in addition to researching news articles for monthly newsletter. Maintained all of company’s social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Communicated design concepts with graphic designers to create company promotional material and client requests. Attended business networking events to attract new clients and business partners. Provided administrative support to CEO including scheduling meetings, drafting contracts, generating and filing work orders, and organizing client lists. Helped coordinate and plan company events by organizing vendors, award recipients and sponsors. Updated company website weekly with news articles and updates.
June 2015-July 2016
Reporter
HOUSTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Researched, interviewed and wrote relevant news articles pertaining to the Greater Northwest Houston community. Produced five to eight articles weekly for online and print distribution. Provided photography for news stories I produced. Maintained community connections with agencies and residents via online and in-person networking for news leads.
February 2015-June 2015
Public Relations/Social Media Liaison
BES GROUP & ASSOCIATES
Increased company’s social media visibility by initiating platforms and creating content on a weekly basis. Integrated interactive media into business strategy. Developed monthly newsletter and increased website traffic by keeping company website content current and engaging. Managed relationships with SEO partners by monitoring social media trends and the impact on the company brand. Networked with companies at industry events and conferences to encourage partnerships and brand visibility.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SKILLS

AP Style Writing
Photography and Videography
Newswriting, articles, email, blog, email, newsletters, etc.
Adobe Suite
Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Audition, InDesign
Content Management Systems
Wordpress, Wix, Sharepoint, Squarespace
Microsoft Office
Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Planner, Forms
Interviewing/ Reporting/Hosting
Proofreading/
Editing/Revision
Image design and photo/video Editing
Canva, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, iMovie
Content editing and development
Event planning and promotion
Directing, Producing, Production Assistant
Social Media
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
Copywriting/
Copyediting
Marketing and Public Relations
Google Suite
Mail, Docs, Sheets, Forms
Communications Strategy and Planning
Email Distribution
MailChimp, Constant Contact
MEDIA AND EDITING EXPERIENCE
Published Works
Acknowledged Contributor as Editor/Proofreader
"Real Lives, Real Money: The Road Back To Prosperity"2017
Author: Cheryl D. Creuzot, CFP, JD, LLM, MBA
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"Creative Against All Odds"2019
Author: Michael Todd Thomas, Jr.
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"Faith Focus Formula"2023
Author: Precious Azureé
June 2020-Present
Director of Content/Content Writer
EVERYDOPEGIRL - HOUSTON, TX
Write and develop content to promote on social media and web platforms. Leads team of contributors to support development, planning, and marketing of organization news and events. Organize content development for publishing.
April 2017-March 2020
Host/Production Assistant
COREVIZION TV NETWORK - HOUSTON, TX
Served as an on-screen host for entertainment news and music videos. Conducted interviews with music artists and entertainment figures. Interacted with fans via social media. Developed, wrote and presented news and show ideas to producer. Contributed ideas and participated in weekly show meetings. Performed production assistant duties including set up and break down on set, alternate camera shooting, prepping guests, and camera setup.
September 2014-May 2015
Blogger/Contributing Writer
2LOUD MAGAZINE - HOUSTON, TX
Researched and wrote daily entertainment news updates and breaking entertainment news. Contributed to editorials. Performed street team duties at local events in an effort to represent the brand. Transcribed recorded interviews for magazine print. Developed, wrote and presented news ideas to editor.
September 2013-December 2013
Publicity Intern
ATLANTIC RECORDS - LOS ANGELES, CA
Generated, maintained and updated client files based on press coverage and media outlets. Created quote sheets and press releases. Scanned numerous print and electronic publications for articles on our clients. Maintained contact with artist managers and teams to coordinate appearances and events.
August 2012-June 2013
Intern with Untapped Radio Show
KAZI RADIO STATION - AUSTIN, TX
Created and distributed monthly newsletters via email. Prepared guests for interviews with question reviews and topics of discussion. Answered phone lines. Tallied song votes. Cued music for on-air disc jockeys.
ARTICLES
EDUCATION
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VIDEO CONTENT
Collaborated with communications team to produce video highlighting the organization's ongoing initiatives. Developed strategy and story, titles/copywriting, subject features, scripting, and pre-production planning. Worked with third-party production company to align on filming, subject interviews, edits and final product.

Researched and developed story; shot, edited, and wrote all content.
Developed communication plan, interview questions, scripting, pre-production and directing. Worked with third-party production on video concept, shotboarding, editing and final cut.
UT Student News Reel. Wrote, developed, shot, and edited all stories and content.
Hosted entertainment news episode. Provided writing, editing, and production throughout content.
ADDITIONAL LINKS WRITING AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Examples of writing, photo and video editing, researching, and interviewing for the EveryDopeGirl social media platform.
Examples of writing, photo editing, researching, interviewing and publishing using CMS for PVAMU College of Agriculture.