Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. For the full Twine experience, you will need to re-enable it.

I’m Janae A. Shaheed, a writer and editor shaped by a decade of developmental psychology work and research. I’m especially drawn to how people make meaning through ancestral memory, identity, and belonging—and to the quiet, intimate spaces where individual and collective stories meet. My approach is grounded in listening, observation, and curiosity, bringing those skills into both my writing and editorial work. Across academic, communications, and community-facing roles, I translate complex ideas into accessible language without losing nuance. I’ve led editorial strategy for a growing newsletter community, authored peer-reviewed research on identity and social development, and supported LGBTQ+ and youth programming through teaching, mentoring, and facilitation. Whether I’m synthesizing findings, drafting narrative summaries, or refining written work for clarity and impact, my goal is to help stories resonate and make space for connection.…I’m Janae A. Shaheed, a writer and editor shaped by a decade of developmental psychology work and research. I’m especially drawn to how people make meaning through ancestral memory, identity, and belonging—and to the quiet, intimate spaces where individual and collective stories meet. My approach is grounded in listening, observation, and curiosity, bringing those skills into both my writing and editorial work. Across academic, communications, and community-facing roles, I translate complex ideas into accessible language without losing nuance. I’ve led editorial strategy for a growing newsletter community, authored peer-reviewed research on identity and social development, and supported LGBTQ+ and youth programming through teaching, mentoring, and facilitation. Whether I’m synthesizing findings, drafting narrative summaries, or refining written work for clarity and impact, my goal is to help stories resonate and make space for connection.

Janae A. Shaheed

Writer, Copywriter, Assistant Editor, +3





I’m Janae A. Shaheed, a writer and editor shaped by a decade of developmental psychology work and research. I’m especially drawn to how people make meaning through ancestral memory, identity, and belonging—and to the quiet, intimate spaces where individual and collective stories meet. My approach is grounded in listening, observation, and curiosity, bringing those skills into both my writing and editorial work. Across academic, communications, and community-facing roles, I translate complex ideas into accessible language without losing nuance. I’ve led editorial strategy for a growing newsletter community, authored peer-reviewed research on identity and social development, and supported LGBTQ+ and youth programming through teaching, mentoring, and facilitation. Whether I’m synthesizing findings, drafting narrative summaries, or refining written work for clarity and impact, my goal is to help stories resonate and make space for connection.…I’m Janae A. Shaheed, a writer and editor shaped by a decade of developmental psychology work and research. I’m especially drawn to how people make meaning through ancestral memory, identity, and belonging—and to the quiet, intimate spaces where individual and collective stories meet. My approach is grounded in listening, observation, and curiosity, bringing those skills into both my writing and editorial work. Across academic, communications, and community-facing roles, I translate complex ideas into accessible language without losing nuance. I’ve led editorial strategy for a growing newsletter community, authored peer-reviewed research on identity and social development, and supported LGBTQ+ and youth programming through teaching, mentoring, and facilitation. Whether I’m synthesizing findings, drafting narrative summaries, or refining written work for clarity and impact, my goal is to help stories resonate and make space for connection.

Available to hire

I’m Janae A. Shaheed, a writer and editor shaped by a decade of developmental psychology work and research. I’m especially drawn to how people make meaning through ancestral memory, identity, and belonging—and to the quiet, intimate spaces where individual and collective stories meet. My approach is grounded in listening, observation, and curiosity, bringing those skills into both my writing and editorial work.

Across academic, communications, and community-facing roles, I translate complex ideas into accessible language without losing nuance. I’ve led editorial strategy for a growing newsletter community, authored peer-reviewed research on identity and social development, and supported LGBTQ+ and youth programming through teaching, mentoring, and facilitation. Whether I’m synthesizing findings, drafting narrative summaries, or refining written work for clarity and impact, my goal is to help stories resonate and make space for connection.

Skills

Infographic

Copywriting

Experience Level

Infographic

Expert

Copywriting

Intermediate

Work Experience

Editor-in-Chief at Birds Uncaged

November 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026

Write, edit, and curate a monthly newsletter that engages and inspires a growing community of readers. Develop editorial themes by synthesizing insights from Birds Uncaged online community and Creator Convos livestream conversations. Lead content strategy while maintaining a cohesive brand voice aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

Research Writer & Analyst at RTI International

April 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025

Write and edit client-facing reports translating quantitative and qualitative findings into accessible, actionable insights. Review questionnaires and research instruments with attention to clarity, tone, and audience comprehension. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure written products align with client goals and user needs.

Consumer Insights Intern at Netflix

May 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022

Contribute written insights and narrative summaries evaluating LGBTQ+ representation in film and television. Analyze qualitative open-ended responses and translate findings into written recommendations for content teams. Assist with drafting presentation materials and writing briefs for internal stakeholders.

Program Coordinator (Intern) at LGBTQ Center of Durham

September 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022

Supported LGBTQ youth through affirming, inclusive programming focused on community-building, identity exploration, and social connection. Assisted with planning and facilitation of pop-up events, book clubs, and week-long summer programming. Collected and synthesized participant feedback to improve relevance and engagement. Contributed to the development of a youth council to elevate youth voice and leadership.

Program Coordinator (Intern), LGBTQ Center of Durham at LGBTQ Center of Durham

September 1, 2021 - December 1, 2022

Support LGBTQ youth through affirming, inclusive programming focused on community-building, identity exploration, and social connection. Assist with planning and facilitating pop-up events, book clubs, and week-long summer programming. Collect and synthesize participant feedback to improve relevance and engagement. Contribute to the development of a youth council to elevate youth voice and leadership.

Teaching Fellow at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

January 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022

Create and deliver interactive lectures on child and adolescent development for 35 undergraduate students. Provide individualized academic support, mentorship, and feedback. Foster inclusive learning environments centered on dialogue, reflection, and student voice. Received a 4.8/5.0 average on teaching evaluations.

Group Facilitator at Carolina United (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

January 1, 2020 - Present

Facilitated small-group dialogue for a social justice leadership program serving undergraduate students. Guided discussions on identity, power, oppression, and leadership through an equity-focused lens. Collaborated with co-facilitators to manage group dynamics and assess program effectiveness.

Group Facilitator at Carolina Unity, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

January 1, 2020 - Present

Facilitate small-group dialogue for a social justice leadership program serving undergraduate students. Guide discussions on identity, power, oppression, and leadership through an equity-focused lens. Collaborate with co-facilitators to manage group dynamics and assess program effectiveness.

Published Academic Author

January 1, 2019 - Present

Author and co-author peer-reviewed journal articles exploring identity, belonging, and social development among marginalized communities. Contributed to an APA handbook chapter synthesizing theory, research, and applied implications for rural youth’s development. Independently and collaboratively write manuscripts, manage revisions, peer review feedback, and editorial correspondence. Sustained long-form projects from concept through publication.

Group Facilitator at Consciousness in Action, Wake Forest University

February 1, 2017 - April 1, 2017

Led weekly sustained dialogue groups focused on identity, intersectionality, and activism.