Writers

Conceptual and creative, ready to write copy, scripts, and headlines:

Jourdan Cerillo (Writer & Social Media Strategist)

Who am I? I’m guilty. I’m guilty of being too stubborn too quit, even when everything tells me I should. I don’t give up on people or on my goals, so I guess you can say I’m loyal too. My combination of fierce and fearless makes me dangerous to work with. I don’t shy away from challenges and I stand my ground when necessary, it’s risky but it’s me.

For me writing is my savior. Writing never changes and that’s the type of stability I need in a life of unknown variables. For me, writing is a form of escaping. The words flow from my heart to the pen and it doesn’t matter what’s next because they’re no longer a part of me. The words could live eternally on a wall or never see past the desk, I’ll still be here to write my next escape.

Emily Chan (Writer)

Hiya, I’m Em! I’m a writer and strategist with an interest in food and culture. I believe without the two, there is nothing interesting in this world – that’s why I’m dedicated to writing to not just inform and inspire others, but to connect with them. I write for the Daily Emerald, UO’s independent, student-run paper, as the food writer and relationship columnist. To keep to my roots, I’m the treasurer of the Hong Kong Student Association, while also organizing events and meetings. When I meant I’m dedicated to my writing, I really, really am: I also have a personal blog, ‘Sik Fan Mei, Ah?’ which is Cantonese for ‘have you eaten yet?’ because I wanted to share my life and love of food, as well as an industry blog. “Em’s PR Thoughts’ is my space to write about communications-related happenings going on in the food and bev industry. If I’m not slouched over my laptop writing, you can find me trying new restaurants, scrolling through Twitter (@catchuptoemily) or playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Haileigh Farrell (Writer, Strategist & Media Planner)

As a double major in public relations and advertising with an English minor, I am a strong writer that knows how to communicate with a range of different audiences. I feel strongly about using empathy and compassion in my work to connect with the world. With these different sides to myself, as well as being a Division One student athlete at the University of Oregon, I feel as though I am very versatile and multifaceted. I am competitive and able to move at a fast pace juggling many different tasks , characteristics that make me a great fit for this industry. Here at the SOJC, I have specifically learned many hard skills that I want to take into my career such as Adobe Premiere, Qualtrics, Simmons Insight and SRDS Media Planning. I will be continuing my education at the UO in the Master’s in Advertising and Brand Responsibility as I have been accepted to the Fall 2020 cohort.

Jimmy Fortuna-Peak (Writer & Strategist)

Since starting my journey into the idea industry, I knew I wanted to create work that would improve the lives of others. I want to use my skills as a writer and truth-seeker to create work that will inspire and help people through difficult times. Whether this is through writing memorable copy or by finding hidden truths, I know I can do good for the world. When I’m not working on projects, you can find me training for triathlons, reading the newest fantasy novel or attempting to find a new way to implement kale into my diet.

Patience Greene (Writer)

I’m a writer exploring the universe one word at a time. Someday, my stories will change the world. At the moment, I’m looking to work somewhere I feel comfortable bursting into laughter, with a community of artists who embrace dialectic discourse and push each other to overcome limitations.

Sophie Harrington (Writer & Social Media Strategist)

I am a writer, I am a creator, a deep thinker, and a ball of energy. I am from Portland, Oregon -I feel the rain in my knees. I come from a big Irish Catholic family, they are my foundation. I believe everything and everyone has a place in this world, and it all deserves attention and thought and interest. I keep my eyes wide open and my prospective optimistic. I believe there is so much to learn from people, both big and small. Keeping my head up, even while I am walking through mud, is the only option for me. I am inspired by energy, exercise, music, hustle and bustle, acts of kindness, failure, love, and nature. I am driven by my dad beating cancer and my mom’s positivity throughout my dad beating cancer. I listen, reflect, write, create, connect, and laugh. The written word is a great way to to bring all of these aspects together, and that’s why I do it.

Joe Hart (Writer)

I am a coast-jumping cinephile who’s work lies at the intersection of film, writing, and design. Born in Los Angeles, raised in New Jersey, and studying in Oregon, I view myself as a storyteller and connector. As an aspiring writer/producer, my work lies at the intersection of film, writing, and design. Most of all, I love working alongside creative people to bring ideas to life. In a producer role, I excel at being able to step back from my projects to see the bigger picture and communicate what needs to get done, and have found a strength in speaking the language of all different creatives. As a writer I love coming up with crazy ideas and finding unique ways to approach problems and brands to tell a good story. I take my work seriously but never myself, and I’m always watching and listening to the world around me – following curiosity and embracing opportunities as they arise.

Maddie Horn (Writer)

Circa 2005 when I was just a slobbering creative-on-the-rise I wrote a poem about dump trucks on red construction paper. Fifteen years later, my mom’s made a hobby out of reminding everyone that my Advertising career started young- I just traded sing-songy rhymes for mission-oriented taglines.

You can find me on sunny days and Saturday nights alike brainstorming on whiteboards with passionate people. Immersing myself in hands-on experience has taught me to fail smarter, hone my superpowers, and swim in tenacious waters. Thinking visually to execute verbally is my jam, and I believe any damn good writer can hold a damn good conversation.

A little help from quad-shots and quintessentially trained ideation has transformed this Dump Truck Poet into a fiery Copywriter whose secret sauce to success is extra spice, coffee on the side, and a whole lot of heart.

Julio Jaquez (Writer & Strategist)

It’d seem like I had been deprived from learning at first glance, but in actuality, it’s just my relentless thirst for knowledge. It was evident at about 5 years old that my long-winded handwritten stories displayed my creative journalistic potential. Funneling myself in the right direction, I’d quickly discover my passion for strategic communications while in college. I particularly relished in the fact that strategists are encouraged to be the most curious and smartest people in the room, which aligned with my aspirations of becoming knowledgeable in a variety of industries that range from entertainment, politics, economics, sports, music, history, and ultimately, humanity. I would like to see myself in a career where I can merge both of my primary careers interests, politics and advertising, and direct strategies with those who have the capabilities to create change.

Maddie Mabie (Writer & Social Media Strategist)

My best skill is writing and always has been. I like to believe I’m a good researcher as well. I pride myself in working well in both individual and group settings. My beliefs are that while media (especially social media) can be dangerous and toxic, it is what you make of it and we as advertisers have the ability and platform to spread education and positivity through our work.

Jack Mccollum (Writer, Strategist & Producer)

I have a passion for copywriting and creating strategy. I’ve spent the last year working at La-Z-Boy writing and producing videos to generate awareness regarding their interior design program.

Anna Newman (Writer & Strategist)

I am first and foremost a writer looking to convey the good stuff—strategy, creativity and social responsibility. I believe this industry needs to develop a stronger ethical conscience that is able to bleed into the brands that depend on us. Right now I am working to understand how this can come to fruition. I have been learning the basics of all areas of advertising but I’m ready to do great things in the realm of strategy and writing.

Ryan Olmsted (Writer & Strategist)

My name is Ryan Olmsted and I want to be a unicorn. A unicorn is someone or something that can operate on a high level in every aspect of their life while still maintaining a sense of sanity and dare I say bliss. I value the simple things in life like laughter, exploration, and exercise but I am even more energized by life’s complexities. Understanding how other people from different backgrounds interact with culture has always inspired me and made me curious. Empathy is my superpower and I understand it is the key to the human experience because if one cannot understand other people and put themselves in their shoes it is very challenging to understand oneself. I am currently interested in too many things to list in a short bio but my newest quartine hobbies are watching anime and perfecting my mid-range jump shot in my side yard.

Junior Ramirez (Writer & Art Director)

Hi, I’m Junior Ramirez. In my time here at the UO, I’ve been able to hone in on the things that set me apart. I’ve found greatness in my identity and I use that strength to push my agenda of intersectionality, compassion, and disruption. This, coupled with the skills I’ve learned along the way (the Adobe Suite, collaboration, writing dangerously, etc.), have shaped me into the badass I am today. If you vibe with my spiel, let’s connect!

Carly Reid (Writer & Art Director)

I have the same color eyes as my dog
My eyes are covered by fog
From what I don’t know, from what I have seen
When the fog clears, I sometimes believe
That I am not behind, I am me
Me in an ocean, my brain is bubbly
Popping, bouncing, and there’s clarity
I see foam, the wrapper dusted with granola, and a footprint
I put my hand in the stranger’s mold
Sand fills valleys in my fingerprint
I am new to this industry, I am new to life
But life is cake, and I’ve had my first slice

Jessica Rotter (Writer & Art Director)

Hi, I’m Jess! I’m a junior majoring in Advertising and Journalism and minoring in International Studies. I’m a visual thinker, an avid hiker, a coffee enthusiast, and an aspiring writer and art director. On the side, I’m an artist— or maybe the rest is on the side. I believe in the power of spontaneity and in taking risks. When some of those risks inevitably don’t work out, I believe in pats on the back and apologies and I believe those apologies should always come in the form of words before flowers.

Bradley Sigal (Writer)

I became interested in advertising when it gave me the opportunity to write creatively because I have always had a knack for turning a phrase. I am interested in food, fashion, friendship, music, and sports. I’m work well in team settings, and I believe that there are so many good ideas that come from bouncing random thoughts off a friend or a colleague. I believe it is important to be a decent person, to appreciate the little things, and to evolve with the changing of the times.

Blaine Tanner (Writer & Strategist)

I try to attack every problem creatively and judiciously. My interests in technology, politics, comedy, and eyeing the latest trends, serve as a great reservoir for ideas. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned in school, in tandem with my internship experience, to create meaningful work that people love.

Saralyn Troeger (Writer & Social Media Strategist)

Hello, my name is Saralyn Troeger. I am a senior in the SOJC and actively in pursuit of summer internships and entry level positions in the Advertising and Media Industry. Through my time spent in the SOJC I have consistently worked to craft and refine my skill as a copywriter, regularly attempting to push boundaries and create the unexpected. While I have most of my experience in copywriting, I thrive in any fast-paced environment because I am able to think on my feet and perform any task that is asked of me without fail. I look forward to contributing to a dynamic workplace through my drive, consistency, and spirit.

Brendan Tsai (Writer & Producer)

I’m an international shoe dog straight out of Taiwan, love the sneaker culture in the U.S., fresh and trendy. That is why I choose Advertising as mu career. I have a lot of idea in mind my, and I create a small print ad on my own because I have no choice. But most of my idea are visualize like video. I’m not an expert on making videos, editing, nor art design. But I always feel like If I can gather a group of talented people with different skills, then those ideas in my mind can be accomplished one day.

Danika Wagner (Writer)

I am a writer who finds that although actions speak louder than words, the right words can make quite the difference. I love the ocean, Birkenstocks, and good food. One day I’ll own a dog and name it mochi, but until then I live vicariously through others.

Ian Walker (Writer)

Growing up, I had bad anxiety. It’s why I’ve always loved stories. I remember wandering the halls of my hellish middle school hiding behind the hardback covers of Rick Riordan books. In high school, I passed time listening to street rap by a self-proclaimed, mask-wearing supervillain and rewriting professional wrestling narratives in my head. There’s nothing I love more than escaping into another world. I’ve sharpened my skills by finding stories in everything and hearing from a variety of storytellers, and now I want to be one too.