Experience
Teaching Artist | Austin Bat Cave | January 2024 - Present
Teach workshops and craft unique lesson plans that build on student interest, confidence, and writing level; collaborate with volunteers to set learning objectives, tailor programs, and develop fun and engaging curriculum; work with students and campus partners to prepare a presentation for end-of-semester showcases & student readings.
Writer | Freelance | August 2017-Present
Write and edit compelling short—and long-form content about mental health care, health and sexual wellness, disability justice, personal style, and more; execute and self-manage personal email marketing with over 4,000 subscribers and a 60% open rate.
Content Creator | Freelance | August 2017 - June 2024
Maintained a social media editorial calendar of 4-6 posts per week; shot & edited video content; fostered an engaged digital community; collaborated on unique digital marketing content with brands like Warby Parker, Etsy, Getaway House, Material Kitchen; and managed an Instagram of over 25k followers featuring engaging, educational, & empathy-driven content.
Communications Team | St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline | January 2022 – October 2023
Wrote and edited public-facing content and communications; researched and wrote about queer-centered, anti-carceral mental health systems; drafted framework for SQSH's social media response to crisis events; facilitated writing workshops and content pitches; built technical expertise, social media savvy, and capacity for bolder communications strategies; curated, designed, and edited a community anthology of queer liberation-focused art; wrote and edited monthly newsletter content focused on community outreach, consciousness-raising, storytelling, queer media, & LGBTQIA+ mental health in the St. Louis metro area; translated complex topics for widespread and diverse audiences; and contributed to ongoing newsletter improvement & subscriber outreach.
Wellness Editor & Content Writer | Swift Wellness | June 2021 - November 2022
Strategized and organized editorial content; wrote and edited up to 10 monthly dynamic, unique, and shareable wellness and lifestyle articles (of at least 1000 words); optimized content for Google and Pinterest; promoted content across digital platforms; managed and led pitch meetings for remote teams; analyzed blog traffic and affiliate marketing metrics to inform content & goals; followed a detailed editorial schedule; created monthly writer outlines based on keyword research; and copyedited writer drafts.
Creative Director | Interfaces | Feb 2020 – Nov 2020
Researched and developed strategies to reach and amplify marginalized artists in Austin, Texas; assisted in hosting and curating an Artist Showcase and Open Mic and quarterly education artist series; published high-quality digital content for social media promotion, website, email marketing, and blog; managed & tracked project direction for digital assets; maintained an editorial calendar in collaboration with relevant teams; and grew social media following 150% in 4 months.
Art Instructor and Direct Support Professional | Imagine That! | March 2018 - August 2019
Taught and developed curriculum for artists; supported artists in achieving their artistic and communication-based goals by offering activities from their individualized plans; managed care support via restroom use, medication passing, mobility assistance, and crisis management per individualized plans; and wrote detailed progress notes highlighting client goals.
Executive Director| Poetic Underground | May 2016 – July 2019
Coached, mentored, and taught local writing workshops; researched fundraising and event opportunities for community members; applied for and was awarded a local arts grant to fund and execute a weekly guest-hosted writing/editing workshops in-person and online; developed and implemented a strategy to increase social media following and in-person audience, created dynamic and high-quality digital content on a fast-paced schedule to create brand and event awareness.
Summary
Possessing a unique blend of community engagement and narrative expertise, I am a passionate creator and teacher dedicated to fostering creativity and nurturing interpersonal relationships. My writing strongly emphasizes storytelling and builds meaningful connections. My broad experience spans numerous topics, including health and wellness, food, mental health, gender and sexuality, disability justice, and fashion. This diverse background and my unwavering passion make me a valuable contributor to any project.
Skills
Coaching and Mentoring, Curriculum-Building, Content Writing and Strategy, Email Marketing and Campaigns, Social Media Strategy, Blog Content Production, Information Design, Trend Awareness, Fact-Checking, Affiliate Marketing, Virtual Organizing, Project Management, Public Speaking, Event Logistics, Creator Relationships, Crisis Management, Conflict De-escalation, Editorial Calendar Management
Programs & Platforms
Zoom, Slack, Taskade, Airtable, Notion, Squarespace, WordPress, Mailchimp, Substack, Flodesk, Ahrefs, Google Analytics, Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Canva, Photoshop, InDesign, ShopStyle, RewardStyle, Hootsuite, Planoly
Education
University of Missouri–St. Louis | BA Communications, Interpersonal Emphasis
Johnson County Community College | AA Liberal Arts
Artistic Archive
Residencies + Workshops
Window Place Residency, September 2024
The Heart of It, Duo Residency, August 2024
The Heart of It, Alumni Cohort, June 2023
Open Mouth Poetry Retreat with torrin a. greathouse and Jake Skeets, June 2021
CENTER Residency with Cody Cook-Parrott, February - March 2019
Winter Tangerine NYC Writing Workshop, February 2019
The Heart of It, First Year Cohort, February 2018
Community Organizing
St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline, January 2022 - October 2023
Interfaces, February 2020 - November 2020
The Friction, October 2019 - March 2020
The Middle of the Mic, March 2018 - July 2019
Kansas City Poetry Slam, May 2016 - July 2019
Poetic Underground, May 2016 - July 2019
Awards
ArtsKC Inspiration Grant Recipient, 2017
Educating
Austin Bat Cave, 2020, 2024
Little Grassy Festival, 2023
Features + Press
Food as Connection: An Interview with Sam Slupski, Little Gay Pod, 2023
Sam Slupski Cooks Up Unique Debut Collection ‘Until Tender,’ Ramapo News, 2023
Beyond the Binary: How Gender-Fluid Fashion is Redefining Weddings, The Knot, 2023
At Home with Sam Slupski, Minna Goods, 2023
Guest Curator of GoodNewsletter, 2023
Bryr Brides, Bryr Clogs: The Big Day, 2023
15 LGBTQ+ Influencers and Creators Making a Difference, GoodNewspaper, 2022
Dinner Party Inspired No Vacancy Wedding, Junebug Weddings, 2022
Interview, Canvas Rebel, 2022
Q&A: Notes from Sam Slupski, Seasons Blog, 2022
Interview, VoyageSTL Magazine, 2022
What LGBTQ+ People Wish More People Understood, GoodNewspaper, 2021
Q&A: Poetic Process with Sam Slupski, Art Bytes, 2021
Podcast: The Tea With Bri Podcast, 2020
Q&A: Read Poetry, Andrews McMeel, 2019
Interview: Samantha Slupski is helping build a livelier, more cohesive poetry scene in Kansas City, The Pitch, 2019