I am a digital communications strategist with a robust career path that allows me to help organizations large and small succeed. Remember the simplicity of social media's beginnings? I was attracted to the organic, real communities and engagement that evolve from good content and true interaction with your audience. But the digital world is now a pay-to-play environment. That means we have to understand how to spend efficiently while continuing to create excellent content and community building. I've learned how through years of experimenting and communicating with social and digital tools through running my own nonprofit, supporting one of the largest national nonprofits in the United States, and years of work in the broadcast news and higher education industries.

Through the last 12 years, I've moved from traditional journalist to non-traditional strategist and consultant in the worlds of social media and digital communications. This blog is a place where I share my thoughts, ideas, and hopes.

I recently supported the national social communications strategy for AARP's 53 state offices. In past years, I supported the organization's growth into using social communications as its enterprise social communications trainer. You can see some of my training on the AARP Learn@50+ website. Before that, I was the interactive director at KOMU-TV and komu.com and an associate professor at Missouri School of Journalism. A lot of my love of online community grew from being a part of the inaugural class of Reynolds Journalism Institute fellows (2008-09). I love engaging in my communities - near and far. I have a Master's in Management and I'm pretty obsessed with workflow and communication. I see how those workflows and communication skills are INCREDIBLY useful in any setting. My comments, rants, raves, and ideas have everything to do with me and do not represent the views of AARP or any of my former employers. You can also visit the nonprofit I founded with my daughter by visiting Born Just Right.

Here are ways to contact me if you want me to work with your brand, book a speech, hold a training session or chat:

Twitter: @jenleereeves Email: jenleereeves [at] gmail [dot] com

I'll share a cell number with you if you ask

I am available to speak and consult on a number of topics. They include:

Content Teams Bringing social media into your workflow Coordinating online with traditional content Setting up a professional personal brand Setting up and expanding your brand on social Extending community conversations online and in person

Digital Literacy Multi-generational digital communication Parenting in the digital age Using social media tools on a personal and professional level Mobile content creation Mobile videography skills

Non-profits Using technology to spread your message How to help your community connect online Developing your message in social media

Disability Advocacy How technology can power the disability community Learning advocacy by trusting your gut

Upcoming 2018 Speaking Engagements March 10, 2018 - SXSW, Austin, TX May 3, 2018 - Mom 2.0 Summit May 5, 2018 - United State of Women

2017 Speaking Engagements January 27, 2017 - Ability Day - Concord Elementary School, St. Louis, MO September 28, 2017 - Diversity Awareness Partnership Annual Diversity Dinner, Columbia, MO

2016 Speaking Engagements April 22, 2016, TEDxBattleHighSchool, Battle High School, Columbia, MO June 23, 2016, Health & Human Services Making Health Day, MedStar Health, Washington, DC

2015 Speaking Engagements May 14-16, 2015 - AARP Life@50+ Conference, Miami, FL

2014 Speaking Engagements All over the country for AARP Feburary 18-19, 2014 - Ragan PR and Social Measurement Conference, Washington, DC March 29, 2014 - Type-A Parent KidCon, Orlando, FL May 8-10, 2014 - AARP Life@50+ Conference, Boston July 25-26, 2014 - BlogHer 2014, San Jose, CA August 19, 2014 - TEDx Poynter Institute, St. Petersburg, FL August 26-28, 2014 - Show Me Summit on Aging & Health, Lake Ozark, MO September 5-6, 2014 - AARP Life@50+ Conference, San Diego September 19-21, 2014 - Type-A Parent Conference, Atlanta September 23, 2014 - SCSEP National Conference, Washington, DC September 24, 2014 - Finding Your Non-Profit Voice, Aquent Offices, Washington, DC October 11, 2014 - Stony Brook Women's Leadership Symposium, Stony Brook University

2013 Speaking Engagements All over the country for AARP July 25, 2013 - BlogHer Healthminder Day July 26-27, 2013 - Blogher 2013 August 6, 2013 - AEJMC Pre-Conference AARP National Member Conferences inLas Vegas and Atlanta September 24, 2013 - Baltimore Innovation Week October 3-4, 2013 - BlogaliciousFIVE September 9-10, 2013 - Ragan Social Media for Non Profits, St. Louis

2012 Speaking Engagements March 12, 2012 - SXSW Interactive March 30, 2012 - New York Press Association Spring Convention April 20-21, 2012 - International Symposium on Online Journalism April 23-27, 2012 - RJInnovation Week July 21, 2012 - Brands and Bloggers Summit August 2, 2012 - BlogHer Healthminder Day