Hello
I’m a writer and fundraiser with a background in advocacy work. I’ve spent much of my career helping organizations and communities tell their stories—whether it’s to raise support, pass a policy, or just make sense of what’s happening in the world.
This site is a home for my writing, the services I offer, and a bit about the work that matters to me.
About Joanne
My growing up years were split between a small town living on a lake and later, a suburb full of kids; there were 31 of us on my block alone. I got to spend a lot of time with my Minneapolis grandparents and some of my 38 cousins, but I’ve always been a small town girl. My second grade teacher gave me sticks of gum and candy as rewards for writing poems and stories during math time, so that’s how I became a writer. It may also explain some other issues, but I’m working on that.
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My undergraduate years were split between Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn for music and the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul where I studied English and Journalism. Journalism and writing morphed into a career in communications and advocacy/fundraising work. I hold a bachelor of arts degree in English/journalism and professional certifications in Strategic Communications Management and in Nonprofit Fundraising.
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My husband and I raised three kids who each started their language immersion education when they were five and kept at it through high school. Not surprisingly, two have already lived and worked in other countries. I’ve stayed in the U.S .(so far) except for travel. I enjoy time spent at our small-town Wisconsin cabin, gardening, songwriting with my kids, wildlife photography and writing.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.