RAQUEL

Creative freelance writer and editor with 20+ years of experience crafting compelling, data-driven content across broadcast media (TV and radio), print media (newspapers and magazines), and digital media (websites and social media platforms). Excellent communication and analytical skills, with the ability to research, fact-check, and provide insightful narratives on diverse topics and stories.

• Building on a solid foundation in computer science, I am dedicated to staying at the forefront of AI and natural language processing technologies. I have completed DeepLearning.AI's ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers and IBM's Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics, enhancing my proficiency in these developing technologies.

I collaborated with fellow management committee members to steer volunteer engagement and training, strategic vision, and fiscal viability, adhere to broadcasting regulations, and act as a passionate voice for Eurobodalla's diverse community.

• Established and maintained strong relationships with volunteers, listeners and community organisations
• Oversaw volunteer recruitment efforts and training, policy review and revision
• Spearheaded promotional events to raise awareness and promote awareness of Eurobodalla's community radio station
• Developed ideas for raising capital and increasing sponsorship and membership participation
• Facilitated open communication among committee members and volunteers, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect

Delving into a stack of new releases each week, I meticulously researched and curated a diverse selection of new and recent Australian music releases. This was in the pursuit of creating an engaging, inclusive program passionately promoting local and Australian artists.

• Created and planned radio content, broadcast storylines, interviews, scriptwriting, programming, and audio editing.
• Sought out, researched, fact-checked, and wrote scripts for topics in local news that directly impacted our community
• Maintained exceptional knowledge of current events and local music to provide relevant commentary during radio shows
• Conducted thorough pre-interview research to ensure engaging, informed conversations with guests on a wide range of topics
• Researched and maintained the 2EARFM GIg Guide and Community Bulletin Board
• Managed 2EARFM Facebook page to engage listeners and musicians and grow station visibility
• Organised and attended promotional events, Market Stalls, and Mardi Gras Parades to create station awareness and boost listener reach
• Operated studio sound boards, desks, and playout software
• Utilised exceptional verbal communication skills to convey information clearly while maintaining a conversational tone on air

A one-stop online hub for all things kid-cool in the baby and child industry, Kidstylefile began focusing its curiously keen eye on beautifully innovative fashion, toys, and gear in 2007, providing a platform for emerging boutique, handmade, and designer brands to showcase their goods and have parents discover them. As a Kidstylefile columnist and content writer, I curated captivating and informative content for discerning parents.

My role at Kidstylefile was more than just writing. I actively participated in editorial meetings, contributing fresh story ideas and collaborating with the team to shape engaging narratives. I took a proactive approach to staying ahead of the curve, vigilantly keeping up-to-date on the industry's latest developments, innovations, and eco-conscious practices. This commitment to continuous learning allowed me to craft compelling content that informed and entertained readers, empowering them to make informed decisions aligning with their values and lifestyle aspirations.

• Contributed to increased website traffic through timely and well-researched articles on trending topics
• Kept a detailed schedule of column deadlines
• Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight
• Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy
• Utilised SEO principles to optimise content for search engine rankings
• Promoted the publication's brand and values through engaging columns that aligned with editorial objectives
• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
• Covered special events and breaking news with an eye for detail and essential information
• Kept up-to-date on developments in sustainable lifestyle and parenting goods

With a deliberate pace, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to substance, Peppermint Magazine, Australia's first eco-fashion print quarterly, provided me with an incredible platform to curate informative content. This was a space for those seeking ethical lifestyle options, engaging conversations, and inspiring stories, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values.

.

Joining Peppermint's passionately dedicated team on the fourth issue. My responsibilities included researching, pitching, and writing content for the kids' pages, Teenie Greenie. I also regularly contributed to other magazine areas, such as writing product reviews, profiles, and a feature spread on sustainable parenting.

• Contributed original articles on various topics as writer and editor, including an eight-page feature spread on sustainable parenting
• Conducted thorough fact-checking to ensure the accuracy and credibility of published information
• Conducted editorial meetings with staff members to collaborate and review proposed publication suggestions
• Devised attention-grabbing headlines and summaries to increase clicks and engagement
• Collaborated with design, editorial and marketing departments to meet desired content goals

Writing and editing website copy with the occasional hand-softening plus of

trialing beauty and skincare products for review.

• An investigative report on the ugly business of distributing counterfeit cosmetics through grey market channels in the feature: 'The Truth About Fake Beauty'
• Presented a balanced perspective in the face-off between natural and synthetic skincare products, exploring the best of both worlds in the article 'Hi-tech vs Hippie'
• Meticulously researched, investigated, and compiled a comprehensive glossary of over 700 skincare ingredients, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry
• Developed compelling story ideas, conducting thorough research and interviews to create comprehensive articles
• Supported editorial team in achieving publication deadlines, maintaining a consistent writing output
• Translated technical terminology and jargon into plain, clear language

As an IT Support Consultant, I loved troubleshooting complex technical issues through meticulous research and solution identification. My core responsibilities involved installing, configuring, and maintaining computer systems, operating systems, applications, hardware, and network connections. I ensured seamless onboarding by setting up workstations, granting system permissions, and providing comprehensive training to new employees. Before deployment, I rigorously tested new software and hardware to preempt potential issues.

Delivering exceptional customer service, I promptly addressed user concerns professionally and translated complex technical concepts into easy-to-understand language for non-technical users. I streamlined help desk processes, improving response times and employee satisfaction. Moreover, I implemented robust data backup protocols to safeguard vital information from loss or corruption. My contributions extended to designing user-friendly documentation that enhanced IT support processes and procedures.

• 1st and 2nd line information systems support
• Maintenance of IT hardware database
• Interviewing, induction and training of new employees
• Budgetary management and forecasting
• Creation, design and implementation of an online IT Induction Pack for new employees
• Creation, design and implementation of an IST Team intranet
• Creation and implementation of BSI Quality Assurance Procedures, gaining BSI accreditation

• 
  
• Managed course registration, assisting students in selecting and registering for appropriate courses based on program requirements
• Maintained and optimise database systems for tracking student information
• Performed data entry, cleaning, and fundamental analysis to support business operations
• Responsible for backup and recovery strategies, database security best practices, access control, and user roles
• Designed and created course brochures with Adobe PageMaker
• Handled queries and resolved issues related to course enrollment