Hi, I’m Zella.
Over the years, I've worked to help fledgling projects take flight.
With eight years of experience in professional writing and brand development, fused with project management and product design, I hope that my multidisciplinary skillset can help your brand flourish.
About me?
I’m 28 years old, a Capricorn, and speak 3 languages!
I grew up in New England but currently live in Brazil, with my sneezy old cat, and my favorite book is a tie between The House of the Spirits and Phantom of the Opera.
Past Roles & Experience
You can learn more about each position’s responsibilities & related work on my blog.
Head of Communications, Sandblast Arts
Design Consultant, Java Gift
Creative Manager, English Building Market
Research Coordinator, RuleDD
Assistant Coordinator, Trama Textiles
Lead Storyteller, Your Wedding Writers
SEO & Copywriter, The Dark Knot
Sustainability Writer, Barbra Lorain
Letter Writer, American Cruise Lines
Background:
Education
Southern Connecticut State University Professional Writing, B.A., with Honors Business Minor in Marketing, with Honors
Selected Internships & Courses
Bellis Bourbon, Outreach Intern, 2019
Fashion History & Costume Construction, indep. study, 2019
Junk & Java, Digital Communications Intern, 2018
Civvies Vintage, Apprenticeship, 2018
I studied Professional Writing and Marketing at Southern Connecticut State University. The coursework explored the diverse applications of writing for business, technical writing, writing for the web/SEO, and press/public relations. These strategic writing styles were blended with the traditional English major studies- like rhetoric, contemporary literature, Shakespeare, and Greek Classical Drama.
I held a variety of internships before entering the workforce. While in undergrad, I petitioned to apply additional internships for course credit. I was the recipient of my graduating class’s Professional Writing Award, after submitting a thesis summarizing my projects and experiences.
Though my university did not offer Fashion Design, I also pursued an independent study course in Costume Construction and Fashion History. This was made possible by the generosity and flexibility of the theater department’s resident costume designer, supported by my apprenticeship with designer and seamstress at Civvies Vintage. The experience was enriching, and helped me enter the fashion and textile industry. My passion and curiosity later lead me to my work with Trama Textiles and a lifelong interest in weaving and fiber arts.
Academic Writing Specialist
Becoming an Academic Writing Specialist at SCSU is what made me the writer that I am today. I spent three and a half years working with the center, helping a diverse body of students improve their writing and reading comprehension skills. I coached students on all styles of writing and citation for undergraduate assignments, and handled each session with compassion and encouragement.
As an English Major, you write. As a Writing Specialist, you learn to comb through writing, and understand how to make it stronger and more concise. Through this experience, I earned a foundation far beyond what my undergraduate courses alone could provide, while also developing professional editing and teaching skills.
After over 200 hours of tutoring as an Academic Writing Specialist, and earning a Level 2 CRLA certification, I was hired as the Senior Writing Coordinator. This was a managerial position overseeing 25 undergraduate and graduate specialists. I worked with department leadership and the Disability Resource Center to design and administer 15+ trainings, programs, and events on topics such as: learning styles, accessibility, integration, and diversity. I also gained administrative skills by conducting interviews and crafting the schedules for the entire Writing Team.