Sandra Said

 Both marketing and journalism usually involve resolving thorny issues. 

The Problem: Desert AIDS Project, a full service medical facility where I worked as a communications specialist, needed to keep all agency stakeholders abreast of the myriad services offered under its roof. The Solution: I created a monthly newsletter, called Dose, filled with stories about clients, programs, staff, donors and issues affecting the HIV-positive community. Each newsletter was announced by an email to subscribers with teasers that linked to a digital version of the story on our website. 

The Salton Sea is an environmental catastrophy for both wildlfe and human populations residing nearby.  I was able to help vulnerable communities by publicizing the problem and its proposed cure during an internship with the Salton Sea Authority. Here's a PowerPoint presentation I created that sumarizes the threat and what the authority plans to do about it. 

I chose to present this story because it's so very relevant today. While reporting it, I learned how a predator's mind works and how institutions can stop them or spur them on.  

These stories proved that Cleveland public schools made grand errors in educating many types of students, including its best and brightest. My stories on college prep and mobility among the district's poorest kids were used in reform efforts by the state legislature and the local district. 

Charlie was a racist, sexist gangbanger circa 1964, who sheds his skin when forced to walk the preverbial mile in his enemy's shoes. Here's Charlie in transition.

Winner of the 2013 Palms Springs Writers Guild Barbara Serenella prize!