Annika Kristiansen

With more than six years of experience as a writer, editor, television host and radio broadcaster, I have delved into the distinct realms of politics, the environment, local news, entrepreneurship, women’s aid and non-profit work.

As the current manager of a small town business, Mangala Yoga Telluride, I have in-depth experience with the interpersonal skills, team leadership, and the underpinnings of running a thriving business through effective communication. I am organized and driven. I lead firmly, compassionately and creatively.

In Cape Town, South Africa I held the role of storyteller for women’s aid organization, Ilitha Labantu, and shared the hard-to-hear truths of women living in rural townships, post-apartheid. I have learned the importance in upholding a particular voice and story to drive home a message and make change.

For three years now, I have taken on the role of lead writer for an event called Radically Rural. This multi-day summit in Keene, NH brings together global, rural leaders to share ideas. From this, I have learned the power in collaboration, connection, and out-of-the-box thinking.

I have worked as a personal assistant, writer and editor for SecondMuse Director, Kristin Coates. SecondMuse brings communities together to help build robust economies around the globe. I worked to gain funding for grassroots initiatives from renowned funders such as NASA, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Pivotal Ventures and learned that effective communication can yield ground-breaking results.

As a freelance copy editor for Fulcrum Advisors, I have incorporated storytelling with “legalese” as we work to support and gain money back for cannabis and wine farmers who have lost crops and equipment to recent California Wildfires. Through this, I know that creativity bolsters effective communication.

While writing for the Sierra Club’s Daily Planet Blog after the 2016 election, my words depicted stories of hope from frontline activists and environmental organizations working to protect public lands and minorities.

Editing is like a puzzle to me. I love sorting through words and piecing them together to create succinct messaging. Writing is where the magic flows out and drives home a specific message to a waiting readership. The joy in the outcome of this “hitting home” lies in effectively connecting to a readership’s mindset and interests.

Wherever there may be paucity of knowledge, my willingness to work hard, learn, develop my own skills, and accept criticism humbly and graciously will quickly fill the gap.