Kasmira K. Smith
Communications Professional
About Me
Highly ambitious and committed journalist with 3+ years of experience. Proficient in producing compelling print, digital and multimedia storytelling into news content. From breaking news to in-depth features, I am committed to delivering accurate and engaging content that resonates with my audience. Through education and workforce experience, I have the content creation and leadership skills to work under pressure. As an early journalist and communications professional maintaining relationships, integrity and dedication to the craft are only a few of my top priorities.
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Work Experience
Feb 2024 - Present
Community Engagement Coordinator, City of Valdosta
Assists the Community Relations and Marketing Manager in the administration and execution of all City of Valdosta marketing initiatives. Assist in planning and coordinating city events, including public meetings, community forums, and other outreach activities. Conduct council meeting Facebook live footage to enhance accessibility and engagement.
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Aid in maintaining and enhancing the city's brand through consistent messaging and communication strategies. Conceptualize programming for television broadcast; research story content and develop scripts. Maintain all recording, production, and broadcast equipment and related software. Edit film footage for Channel 17 and the City of Valdosta's podcast, "Let's Talk Valdosta."
Photograph and videotape special events, awards ceremonies, and meetings. Cover internal and external events for the City of Valdosta. Assist the PIO department with the media, coordinating interviews, press conferences. Help plan, implement, and evaluate various projects designed to provide accurate, timely, and understandable public information to various audiences. Ensure the department's communications materials and public website maintain a consistent tone and feel.
Aug 2023 - Feb 2024
Education and Government Reporter, CNHI - The Valdosta Daily Times.
Covered breaking news, conducted interviews, and wrote objective stories for print and digital media. Wrote articles on local news coverage ranging from city and county government, crime, education, health article assignments on deadlines.
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Pitch and execute magazine and newspaper articles including profiles and human-interest stories. Create multimedia video projects and photography packages.
Assisted in planning and creating content for the publication's social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
May 2022 - Aug 2023
Reporter, CNHI - The Moultrie Observer.
Covered breaking news, conducted interviews, and wrote objective stories for print and digital media. Wrote articles on local news coverage ranging from city government, crime, education, health article assignments on deadlines.
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Pitched and executed magazine and newspaper articles including profiles and human-interest stories. Created multimedia video projects and photography packages. Served as editor when the managing editor was out of office.
Named Georgia Press Association Better Newspaper Contest 2023 -1st Place Winner Magazine Human Interest Story
Jan. 2022 - May 2023
Intern, VSU Office of Strategic Communication.
Drafted and edited press releases under deadlines. Conducted interviews with VSU faculty, staff and students. Arranged photo sessions to accommodate university photographer and subject schedules. Gained experience in video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro.
Assisted Communications Specialist and shadowed "Media Days" interacting with visiting reporters for digital media.
Jan. 2022 - May 2022
Student Editor, Omnino Journal.
Assisted in double-blind review. Copy edited and proofread student submissions.
My article "Giving a Voice to the Voiceless," was published in vol. 12 in Fall 2022
Jan. 2021 - May 2021
Journalism Intern, Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County.
Created graphics, flyers, and brochures. Wrote weekly blog posts, monthly newsletters and press releases. Updated office documents and procedure manuals. Created graphics and posts for the organization's social media platforms. Researched and compiled data for grant submissions.
Education
Aug. 2019 - May 2022
Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Journalism, Valdosta State University
As a English major and journalism minor at Valdosta State University, I gained a deep understanding of the principles and practices of journalistic writing, reporting, and editing. I also had the opportunity to work on various student publications, including the OnTap Magazine and the Omnino Journal.
