Karen Allen

Experience

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  Nortel Networks

  Apr 1999 - Aug 2001

   Led a team of communications and design contract workers Project managed the redesign of a 1,500-page website in 6 weeks Edited all content for Global Operations site and wrote content as required Provided strategic web communications advice to management Helped write a marketing brochure and plan town halls and teleconferences  Created a style guide to ensure consistency in content development  Wrote and edited technical documentation and website material Created a website for technical writers Received two awards for work excellence

  • Website Editor, Global Operations

    Feb 2000 - Aug 2001

  • Technical Writer

    Apr 1999 - Feb 2000
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  Imatics Inc

  Sept 2001 - Nov 2002

  Project Manager

   Assessed client needs and wrote proposals, project plans, project requirements, user guides and project budgets Conducted quality assurance and ensured on-time, on-budget delivery Successfully project managed the creation of Web sites for Health Canada, Justice Canada, and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival, and an online course registration system for three local universities Wrote analytical reports, user guides, and Web site content for the Canada Student Loans Program, National Crime Prevention Centre, and the Canadian Centre for Management Development Taught a public sector course on Web site usability testing Show less

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  Justice Canada

  Nov 2002 - Aug 2004

  Team Leader, Corporate & Internal Communications

   Supervised a team of four communication advisors Provided strategic communications advice to senior management Wrote press releases, backgrounders and fact sheets to explain the government’s position on the complicated Firearms scandal to the public  Proofread several drafts of the department’s Report on Plans and Priorities using an “average Canadian lens,” rewrote several sections to make it easier to understand, and provided project management for translation, editing and design of this major corporate publication Wrote and edited communication plans and products like newsletter articles, fact sheets and senior management memos to employees Managed projects and coordinated publishing and translation contracts Show less

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  Industry Canada

  Aug 2004 - Oct 2005

  Manager, Internal Communications

   Managed and motivated a team of employees and contractors Supported Deputy Minister and senior government officials by providing strategic advice, developing an employee outreach strategy, and writing communication plans, memos and newsletter articles for high-profile events Led the creation of an international award-winning employee newsletter  Won an award for improving Public Service Survey results Initiated a popular series of policy articles to help employees understand the big picture, and wrote a feature interview article on Minister Emerson Launched an advisory committee, created a list of best practices and gave presentations on employee communications throughout department Show less

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  Karen Strang Allen Consulting Inc.

  Jan 2009 - now

  Karen is a Love and Empowerment Coach for women, and motivational speaker. Her mission is to help women stop settling, build an extraordinary life, and create an epic love relationship that lasts.  Provide writing, editing, marketing and communications services to government and business Produce information that is clear, creative and compelling for various audiences Manage contracts with graphic designers, web developers, translators, printers and other associate contractors to provide full-service communication solutions for clients

  • Love and Empowerment Coach & Speaker

    Sept 2013 - now

  • President

    Jan 2009 - May 2024
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  Health Canada

  Feb 2009 - Jul 2012

  Senior Communications Consultant (Contract)

   Wrote and edited over 250 pages of content for www.healthycanadians.gc.ca  Wrote an 80-page writing and publishing guide, focusing on plain language techniques Developed easier-to-understand risk communication templates Wrote Health Canada’s Consumer Information Strategy Created content maps for Health Canada’s new consumer information web portal

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  Canadian Health Services Research Foundation

  Aug 2010 - Sept 2010

  Editing & Writing Consultant (Contract)

  Wrote a 28-page style guide so that CHSRF staff could be consistent in their presentation of information to CHSRF audiences.

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  Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

  Nov 2010 - Sept 2011

  Web Writer (Contract)

  Helped INAC update its website content for aboriginal businesses. Involved project management, writing, and editing.

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  Transport Canada

  May 2012 - Mar 2013

  Senior Web Writer (Contract)

  Helped TC organize and rewrite web content as part of its intranet site redesign.

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  Fisheries and Oceans Canada

  Aug 2012 - Mar 2013

  Senior Web Writer (Contract)

  Helped DFO rewrite and re-organize web content as part of its Internet site redesign.

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  Public Works and Government Services Canada

  Jan 2014 - May 2014

  Senior Web Writer and Strategist

  Consolidated content for three websites into oneCreated content map and IA structure for new intranet websiteWrote 50+ pages of content for new website

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  Public Works and Government Services Canada | Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada

  Sept 2014 - Dec 2014

  Information Architect

   Created information architecture and content map for Public Works and Government Services Canada’s Chief Information Office, and for the Information Management Directorate Consolidated three websites into one information management/records management portal Presented information management plan to multiple stakeholder groups to gain consensus Wrote and edited 100 pages of content in plain language

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  Health Canada (Contract)

  Apr 2015 - Jun 2018

  Senior Technical Writer

  * Designed and lead plain language training to hundreds of employees* Developed project plan, style guide and document templates* Acted as senior editor, reviewing content from a team of writers and ensuring consistency* Rewrote over a thousand pages of regulatory guidance documents in plain language