Jessika Ward

Experience

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  WSNN-TV / The Suncoast News Network

  Jan 2018 - Oct 2019

  Multimedia Journalist

  Recorded audio and video material for television to tell stories after conducting the research and writing the story. All audio and video material was used for packages that aired daily.

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  Sarasota Magazine

  Jan 2019 - now

  Writer

  Write articles about Black culture, Black life, and the marginalized and overlooked— Dan Houston Uses Art to Tell Stories of Underrepresented Communities, What It’s Like to Visit The Ringling as a Young Black Woman, Neirda Lafontant Paves the Way for Future Innovators in S.T.E.A.M. Careers, A New Facebook Group for Black Businesses Takes Off, and more.

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  Tempo News Digital

  May 2019 - now

  Writer

  Pitched story ideas, provide standard news reports, reviews, and features. Remained in contact with community members and attend events as requested. Provide photos for each story. Meet weekly deadlines. Covered stories on "Black America”, more specifically, African Americans living in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County, and Manatee County— Ringling Museum Looking to Become More Inclusive, inviting John Sims as an Artist in Residence, Sarasota County School Board to Begin Search for Superintendent after Approving Settlement for Sexual Harassment Victim, Newtown Native has Plans to Help Redevelop the Historic Community. Provided photos and videos for each story. Show less

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  The Atlanta Voice / Voice News Network

  Jan 2021 - Aug 2021

  Multimedia Journalist

  Host, film, and edit weekly Black Business Monday social media segment. Write articles on business, education, and politics. Interview business owners, parents, teachers, students, voters, elected officials, and more. Pitch stories weekly.

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  DREAM DEFENDERS

  May 2021 - Oct 2023

  Press Secretary

  Coordinate with Communications Director to develop, manage and organize communications activities, including writing press releases, talking points, organize local press events, and coordinate with reporters through media releases for events, rallies, marches, and other efforts made by the organization. Wrote OpEds published by Sarasota Herald Tribune, Florida Sun Sentinel, CASSIUS (TV One), The Weekly Challenger, and more.

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  Ebony Magazine

  Aug 2021 - Oct 2023

  Freelance Writer

  Write articles about Black culture and Black life—Black, Pregnant and Incarcerated: A Dire Problem Within the Prison System in the U.S., Famed Music Producer Sean Garrett on Working With Summer Walker on Her Latest Album, Writing for Beyoncé, and What’s Next for Hey Young World. Created a Black Owned Business series that ran for roughly 3 months and covered Black businesses in New York, Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta.

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  Polyphonic Incorporated

  Nov 2021 - now

  Founder

  Polyphonic aims to influence social change by providing filmmakers and artists with an equal opportunity to tell stories about social and economic injustices that will empower and influence social change. This organization also aims to provide artists and filmmakers with a creative space to work and engage the community. Polyphonic exhibits and produces films and art projects that tell stories about issues that impact oppressed individuals and communities of color.

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  MGEP Fundraising and Consulting Firm

  Nov 2023 - Mar 2024

  Co-Founder

  MGEP Fundraising and Consulting Firm aims to support nonprofits, for-profit businesses, and organizations by assisting them in raising needed funds from corporations, foundations, and private funding partners. Our team of experts works closely with our clients to develop strategies that align with their goals and mission to help them succeed.

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  Medium

  Nov 2024 - now

  Christian Yoga Blog