About

I’m Rita, and I’ve been helping movers & shakers grow better and smarter for over a decade. As a development consultant and organizational strategist, my job is to make your job easier.

I’m interested in how change is made and how power is wielded — whether by organizations, governments, or individuals. But I’m even more interested in how people approach changemaking every day, from within their communities and businesses.

Nonprofit and social change work can be taxing. I can lighten the load (and the mood!) by developing efficient working strategies and positive workplace cultures.

My graduate studies were focused on global grassroots social movements, exploring ways people create structural change in the face of unreasonable odds. I’m a union-trained organizer who has worked on campaigns and projects ranging from women’s reproductive rights to climate change to public arts festivals. And I’ve helped to raise and manage millions of dollars for nonprofits and advocacy groups around the country.

I’m also a performer, and a writer, and a co-founder of KNCE 93.5FM (a community radio project in Taos, New Mexico). I received my MA in Public Advocacy and Activism from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and my BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College.  

So what can I do for you?

Maybe you need help designing and launching your new community program, or crafting a strategic communications plan for your nonprofit. Or maybe your organization’s manifesto needs a quick grammar check. Whatever the task, I commit to bringing a level of focus, joy, and attention to detail that helps elevate your great work.

Peruse my services page to see what we can do together.

 

View or download my current resume

EDUCATION

M.A., Public Advocacy and Activism

Galway, Ireland

National University of Ireland, Galway; first-class honours

B.A. in Writing, Literature, & Publishing

Boston, MA

Emerson College; cum laude

SKILLS

  • Curious and eager analytical thinker, with quantitative and qualitative research experience
  • Trained public speaker and meeting/workshop facilitator, comfortable speaking to crowds of all sizes
  • Experienced event planner and organizer
  • Excellent interpersonal and digital communicator
  • Concise and precise writer/editor, Chicago and AP fluent
  • PC and Mac literate; proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
  • Extensive cross-platform social media experience
  • Experienced user of WordPress, Google suite, Dropbox, Hootsuite, Slack, Asana, Mailchimp, Basecamp, Trello, Eventbrite, NVivo, Raiser’s Edge, and more
  • Basic HTML; basic SEO; quick to learn new software/programs
  • Flexible team player with a sense of humor and a positive attitude

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Independent Consultant since 2007

Experienced communications and development support for your work or life. Whether you’re working in person, online, or on good old-fashioned paper, I’ll help you share your brilliance with the world.

Communications: I work with individuals and organizations to develop concise, honest communications strategies and materials, focusing on clarity of voice and vision.

Development: I’ve helped raise and manage millions in grant funding from private foundations and federal, state, and local agencies, and I’ve developed and delivered successful crowdfunding and direct fundraising campaigns.

Specialties include strategic communications; community engagement and networking; community organizing; fundraising and grantwriting; grant and program development; event coordination and hosting; and editing and copywriting.

To learn more, or for a more-complete list of my other professional endeavors, find me on LinkedIn!

PERSONAL PROJECTS

KNCE 93.5FM, True Taos Radio

Partner & Senior Optimization Coordinator

Operating out of a 1978 Airstream Excella on Taos Mesa, KNCE is an independent, locally-owned, community-supported radio station. KNCE has been broadcasting local, grassroots media into the airwaves over northern New Mexico and worldwide at truetaosradio.com since 2014. With over 75 volunteer DJs, KNCE is bringing it back to the old days of radio — with real live people from the community getting on the mic to bring you tunes and talk they love and believe in, all day, every day.

LiveTaos.com

Co-Founder and Editor emeritus

LiveTaos is the leading independent voice in arts, entertainment, and culture in northern New Mexico. With dozens of contributors from the local community, LiveTaos strives to find and lift up all the people, places, food, stories, adventures, and events that make Taos and the surrounding communities so remarkable.

Company Member, Working Class Theatre and Teatro Serpiente

An actor since childhood and a classically-trained mezzo-soprano, I’m a proud member of two theatre companies who work to bring engaging, challenging, and fun theatre to our communities. As an actor, playwright, singer, musical director, and vocal coach, my work with these companies helps — I hope! — to keep me joyful, playful, and honest.