Meena Viswanathan
Award-Winning Journalist • Content Creator • Copy Editor • Public Speaker
Metro Jacksonville • Open to editorial consulting & content strategy collaborations

Powerful storytelling that connects, educates, and moves people to action.

I am an award-winning journalist, content creator, and copy editor with 15+ years across editorial strategy, branding, and media relations. I specialize in SEO-driven content that turns ideas into clear, engaging stories.

Tip: add 2–4 writing samples as links in the Highlights section below for the best impact.

Quick highlights
  • 15+ years in editorial strategy, branding, and media relations
  • SEO-driven storytelling with clean, reader-first editing
  • Awards from Parenting Media Association and Parenting Publications of America

About

I believe in the power of storytelling to connect, educate, and drive action. My favorite work is the kind that makes readers stop, think, and share. Whether I am reporting, editing, or shaping an editorial plan, the goal is the same: clear writing, strong structure, and a message that lands.

How I help

Publications & brands

Elevate editorial content and craft audience-driven narratives.

Writers & creators

Thoughtful editing to refine voice, clarity, and flow.

Speakers & organizations

Engage audiences with practical, memorable storytelling.

Skills

Top skills
Prompt Engineering Transcription Deadline Management
Certifications
  • How to Pitch Science Stories that Sell
  • AI for Work and Life
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Business Computing
  • JournalismAI Discovery
Languages
Tamil (Native/Bilingual) Hindi (Elementary)

Experience

Freelance Writer
Online Media and Newspapers • Greater St. Louis
Jan 2002 – Present
  • Covered education, nonprofit, food, and multicultural topics for local publications.
  • Published work includes Collierville-Herald Independent, Edible Memphis, and Daily Memphian.
Contributing Writer
Collierville Chamber of Commerce
Apr 2025 – Jun 2025
  • Planned and coordinated assignments involving research, interviews, transcription, and follow-up.
Reporter
NPR • Next Gen Radio Project @ St. Louis Public Radio
Sep 2022
  • Reported as part of the NPR Next Gen Radio Project at St. Louis Public Radio.
Digital Editor
Sauce Magazine • Greater St. Louis
Aug 2021 – Sep 2021
  • Managed workflow and content production; edited and fact-checked copy.
  • Scheduled and published stories on the website.
Calendar Editor/Writer
Contemporary Media, Inc. • Memphis Parent Magazine • Greater Memphis Area
Jun 2004 – Apr 2020
  • Specialized in corporate communications with 40+ public relations offices in the Mid-South.
  • Independently pitched and reported 60+ articles and news briefs for print and online.
Editorial Contributor
Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce • Germantown, TN
Sep 2018 – Nov 2018
  • Coordinated assignments involving tours, research, interviews, transcription, and follow-up.
Contributing Editor
Collierville Chamber of Commerce • Collierville, TN
Jun 2017 – Aug 2017
  • Planned and coordinated assignments involving research, interviews, transcription, and follow-up.

Highlights & recognition

Award recognition
  • Gold Award for Travel Feature
  • Bronze Award for News Feature
  • Silver Award for Interview Profile
  • Gold Award for Book Review
  • Bronze Award for Calendar Column
Notable editorial work
  • Interviewed the First Lady of Tennessee for the Read20 Family Book Club campaign.
  • Interview profile cover stories recognized by a national trade organization.
  • Health feature coverage on the dangers of drinking during pregnancy won a bronze award.

Education

Alagappa University

Masters in Corporate Secretaryship • Business/Corporate Communications

Annamalai University

Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration • Business Administration and Management

Ethiraj College for Women (University of Madras)

B.Com. • Accounting and Business/Management

Contact

Email: your-email@example.com
LinkedIn: Profile
If you want a simple portfolio, add a Google Drive folder link with clips or a PDF portfolio.