About Me
I am a communications specialist located in Vancouver, BC, and I love working on projects that challenge me creatively. I offer consulting and freelance services in communications, graphic design, illustration, content creation, social media management, copywriting, brand identity, and research/writing. But, how did we get here?
For my projects, I combine my work in writing, academia, and visual arts to make a uniquely thoughtful impact. I have been interested in art and design for as long as I can remember, and have gravitated towards graphic design since I decided to make myself a logo instead of a signature at 8 years old. In high school and post-secondary, I studied visual arts as much as possible, including it in my work on every level from assignments to volunteering. I graduated with a gold medal Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Gender Studies (Western University), and then completed my Master of Arts in Linguistic Anthropology (UBC).
Oftentimes when I talk about my educational background and communications work, I encounter a very common question: what is anthropology, and what does it have to do with your work? Anthropology is the study of humans, human culture, and how we see the world. My focus on linguistic anthropology means I have a specialized knowledge of how humans communicate to each other through language and other signs, which is actually kind of perfect for the type of work I do. Once you pair that with my MA Thesis, which focused on how social media language trends impact algorithmic visibility, you've got someone who has an extensive background in design and writing, cultural sensitivity, and a niche understanding of how humans communicate online. What better ground to stand on when representing your organization?
Now, I'll let my background speak for itself. Check out my CV for more information on my education, work experience, volunteering, publications, and more!
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Software Proficiencies
Education
With a Master's degree focusing on how we humans use social media and technology to communicate, my educational background means I both know how to research, and how to translate that research for audiences of all levels.
2024
University of British Columbia
Master of Arts (MA) in Linguistic Anthropology
Thesis topic: Language, behaviour, and keywords on social media that boost algorithmic visibility amongst niche audiences.
2022/2023 SSHRC CGS-M Award Recipient
2024 Recipient of the Sentinel Prize in Pop Culture Anthropology
2022
Florida Atlantic University
Lavender Languages Institute Cohort
A summer intensive program for linguists interested in the field of Queer linguistics. I studied topics including semiotics (the study of signs), discourse analysis, and ethnography
2022
University of Western Ontario
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Honours
Honours Specialization: Anthropology (Concentration in Linguistic and Sociocultural Anthropology)
2022 Gold Medal Recipient in Anthropology (Hons. Spec.)
2022 Canadian Anthropology Society Certificate of Achievement Recipient
2021/2022 Recipient of the Lee Guemple Scholarship in Anthropology
Minor: Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
2021/2022 Recipient of the Mongentaler Scholarship in Women’s Studies
Work Experience
I have nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, and 3+ years of professional communications experience. I have overseen long-term projects, complete rebrands, website redesigns, and social media management, all with measurable performance growth under my supervision.
2025
Development Coordinator
Investigative Journalism Foundation
-
Overseeing the corporate fundraising pipeline, including prospecting and research, outreach, meetings with prospective donors, grant applications, and donor retention/stewardship
-
Completing graphic design and illustrative work for both the fundraising and marketing teams
2022-2025
Fund Development and Communications Coordinator
North Shore Women’s Centre
-
Monitored and coordinated multiple social media profiles (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) while creating and copywriting for educational, inspirational, culturally sensitive, and informative content posted multiple times weekly.
-
Delivered a 147% increase in Instagram followers and a 69% increase in Facebook likes from 2022-2024.
-
Used graphic design and software skills to create evocative and cohesive social media feeds, coordinated with the design of the monthly newsletter campaign that I designed, wrote, and distributed.
-
Redesigned, updated, and maintained a Wix-hosted website, leading to a 46% increase in website traffic and a 37% increase in unique visitors from 2022-2024.
-
Used Salesforce software to track donor contacts and prioritized donor retention through newsletter highlights and individualized thank-you letters for donors, including through platforms like Canada Helps, Charitable Impact, and PayPal.
-
Delivered a 197% increase in donations through Canada Helps from 2022-2024, including a 280% YOY increase in 2024.
-
Created and issued tax receipts for all donations, trained in Salesforce NPSP.
2022-2025
Program Coordinator- Sexual Assault Prevention in Bars and Restaurants (the Angel Shot Code)
North Shore Women’s Centre
-
Conceptualized, researched, and designed a pilot project to measure the efficacy of a coordinated response to the use of a viral social media codephrase to alert service staff to risks of sexual violence
-
Secured municipal funding to engage in a pilot research project
-
Communicated with and recruited third parties to ensure project success (training partner organization Good Night Out Vancouver and restaurant partner Beva Brewing and Blending)
-
Co-created sexual violence prevention and bystander intervention training for participating restaurant staff
-
Designed and distributed materials, including program poster for display in washrooms
-
Administered and analyzed monthly reporting surveys with restaurant partners and wrote and produced final report about the program’s efficacy
2022-2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of British Columbia, Department of Anthropology
-
Assisted with the instruction and delivery of four 13-week semesters of undergraduate level courses, including ANTH 100: Introduction to Anthropology, ANTH 217: Culture and Communication, and ANTH 317A: Linguistic Anthropology, in both in-person and digital modes of delivery.
-
In this role, I created lecture materials, gathered supplementary and core readings for students, graded assignments in both essay and exam formats, held weekly office hours, and led lectures and class discussions when relevant to my research specializations.
-
I designed elements of the course ANTH 217, gave lectures in 217 and 317, assisted in syllabus construction, and facilitated active learning activities in addition to assignment design support and grading/student assessment.
-
These roles primarily involved instructing approximately 75-120 students, and conveying a range of complicated topics in a way that was clear, effective, and that students could connect with and understand on a deeper level.
2020-2021 (seasonal)
Researcher, USRI Internship
University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Social Sciences
-
In the summer of 2020, worked as a Research Assistant in Anthropology to Dr. Karen Pennesi collecting and analyzing data using programs such as excel and NVivo.
-
In the summer of 2021, worked on original Anthropological research under the supervision of Dr. Tania Granadillo.
-
Conducted discourse analysis, attended PD workshops, created a REB certified survey, and made several research output posters; final manuscript published in 2024.
2019-2021 (seasonal)
Women’s Support Worker, Child and Youth Activity Worker
Atira Women’s Resource Society
-
Provided multidimensional, non-judgmental and no-barrier support to a group of more than 100 women in second-stage transitional housing in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
-
Managed many duties, including supervising the front desk, signing-in guests, maintaining COVID-19 sanitation protocols, facilitating the distribution of harm-reduction supplies, referrals to community resources, and more.
-
Planned community meals, offered one-on-one case support, and assisted Family Wellbeing Workers with matters related to VAFSS and MCFD.
-
Completed workplace culture and inclusivity research, providing recommendations when necessary.
Volunteer Experience
2022-2023
Secondary School Outreach Lecturer
UBC Department of Anthropology
-
Created materials based on my research specializations to present to multiple classes of Grade 9-10 students at Point Grey Secondary School to engage them in and raise awareness about Anthropology
-
Tailored academic research into a digestible and accessible format appropriate for the grade level; knowledge translation and dissemination.
2021-2022
AVP Research and Inclusion
One Love Western
-
Working with the VP of Research and Inclusion to direct research efforts regarding intimate partner violence and consent. Overseeing a team of 3-4 researchers, monitoring research outputs, and integrating advocacy and equity measures in the organization.
2024- Present
Volunteer Content Coordinator
Vancouver International Women's Day March
-
Created branding materials, including graphic design and logo work, social media posts, copywriting, and provided communications input on matters of PR
-
Merchandise and apparel design, including garments, tote bags, stickers, and buttons
2020-2022
President, VP Events, and VP Outreach
USC Clubs Network Anthropology Society
-
Working to plan events, connect students to resources, engage the student body, and offer peer support to members of the Anthropology Society, in association with Western USC.
-
Coordinated with the Department of Anthropology for joint events and initiatives.
-
Managed a group of 10 executives, facilitated club elections, events, and recruitment.
2019-2020
Training Facilitator
University Student Council Allyship Network
-
Providing allyship training to diverse groups on Western’s campus, including Greek Life organizations, student council, clubs network, and student services society members.
-
Facilitated public speaking presentations to moderate/large groups, in association with Western USC.
Publications
As a prolific writer, I have publications across a range of mediums. My work, which is largely in conversation with topics like social media culture, language, and the social sciences, can be found in peer-reviewed journals, literary magazines, conference presentations, newsletters, and more. I can write for a wide variety of audiences with an adaptable voice.
AUTHORSHIPS
Dawson, S. (2024). “Awww how sweet”: infantilizing referential language use and perceptions of LGBTQ+ validity on Instagram. Collective Research in Anthropology, 1(2). Retrieved from https://www.corajournal.com/issue-2/awww-how-sweet
Dawson, S. (2024). “You Can’t Say That on TikTok : Cxnsxrshxp, Algorithmic (In)Visibility, and the Threat of Representation.” Thesis, University of British Columbia: University of British Columbia. https://doi.org/10.14288/1.0443761.
Dawson, S. (2022, April 8). Language, Empowerment, and the Necessity of Campus Harm Reduction. USC News. https://uscnews.ca/2022/04/language-empowerment-and-the-necessity-of-campus-harm-reduction/
Dawson, S. (2022). Socially Inappropriate Motherhood: Cross-cultural Approaches to Sexual Violence Related Pregnancies (SVRP). Canadian Journal of Undergraduate Research, 7(2). https://cjur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CJUR_7_2_dawson.pdf
Dawson, S. (2022). Hey Girl!: Femininity, Confidence, and the Language of Multi-Level-Marketing. [Manuscript Submitted for Consideration, WGSRF Undergraduate Essay Prize 2022].
Dawson, S. (2021, December). "I'm a Homosexual!": Binary Gender Division and Homonormativity in But I'm a Cheerleader (1999). Semicolon, 13(1). https://issuu.com/ahscpubs/docs/semicolon_fall_2021_updated
Dawson, S. (2021). “i wanna be your girlfriend” but, like, not in a lesbian way. Queer Toronto Literary Magazine, 10–14. (6). https://qtmag.ca/issues/defining-queer-liberation/i-wanna-be-your-girlfriend-but-like-not-in-a-lesbian-way
Dawson, S. (2021). Trisha Paytas and Sexual Subjecthood: A Thematic Analysis of the Construction of Dissidence on Social Media. Tulips: The Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Undergraduate Journal, 28–38. https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/tulips/article/view/13848
CO-AUTHORSHIPS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Eakin, M. (2023, October 31). The Internet Is Thirsty for “Twilight”—Again. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/twilight-15th-anniversary-internet-remembers/
The Dialogue Group. (2023). Praxis Dialogues : Academic Engagements with Knowledge in the World, 165 pp. Leslie A. Robertson, ed. The University of British Columbia: Centre for Community-Engaged Research and Department of Anthropology. Online cIRcle, UBC: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/85694
Pennesi, K. (2021). What Does a Pandemic Sound Like? The Emergence of COVID Verbal Art. Anthropologica, 63(1). https://doi.org/10.18357/anthropologica6312021229