I’m Whitney Dawn Carlson.

Even while growing up in small-town South Dakota, I dreamed of living in a big city. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do—either teach or write—but I wanted to live in the perpetual commotion of a city. Now, I’m living that dream and loving it.

After graduating from high school, I spent two years at college in Oklahoma. I took a few years off, then graduated from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. I love new adventures, which is why I fell in love with digital communications.

I moved to Chicago to be a Social Media Editor for the Chicago Tribune, then I went to Michigan where I was a Digital Producer for the Lansing State Journal. I’ve freelanced and consulted with various companies and nonprofits for social media and marketing work. And I’m currently a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at First Book.

The overarching theme of my life is to help people and make the world a better place. It may seem cliché or like I’m wearing rose-colored glasses, but I don’t care. I’m relentlessly optimistic. When people work together and work hard, they can change the world. And I can help by utilizing my passion, experience, and skills.

If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, let me know! I’d love to hear from you.