About

I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to build a communications background with a mix of news media, digital and audience development strategy, marketing, teaching and mentorship.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in French from Tulane University (with a double minor in linguistics and film studies), I returned to Florida to enroll in the University of Florida’s Master of Arts in Mass Communication (MAMC) program. This foundation paved the way for my nearly three decades as a journalist with news organizations such as the Orlando Sentinel, Palm Beach Post and Military.com.

Throughout my media career, I was motivated gain a broad understanding of the entire publishing ecosystem. My roles included reporting, editing, print layout, digital/multimedia innovation, software project management, analytics and more.

Along the way, I also taught journalism and writing at several colleges and universities in Florida. These mentorship opportunities touched my heart as I continually found I was learning as much from my students as I was teaching. Over the years I taught about 500 students, and every class inspired me deeply.

I organized an excursion for Eckerd College journalism students to attend the premiere of the "Stop the Presses" documentary (dir. Deborah Kerr) at the Tampa Theatre on May 3, 2017. The excursion provided a powerful look into newsroom culture, media economics, and local news deserts. (Photo: Kimberly DeFalco)
Leading an excursion for Eckerd College journalism students to attend the premiere of the “Stop the Presses” documentary (dir. Deborah Kerr) at the Tampa Theatre on May 3, 2017. The film provided a powerful look into newsroom culture, media economics and local news deserts. (Photo: Kimberly DeFalco)
At the University of Tampa with student journalists with the Minaret campus newspaper, where I served as faculty advisor.

A return to higher education

A longtime dream came true when I was invited to return to higher education full-time in 2026. I now lead communications for Beyond120 at the University of Florida, where students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences gain experiential learning opportunities — internships, research and global engagement — and the space to reflect on what those experiences reveal about who they are and where their life paths will take them.

I work alongside an amazing team of faculty and professionals who are dedicated to helping students step into their purpose and build a solid foundation for the rest of their lives.