I am a communications strategist and audience researcher with 10+ years translating qualitative and mixed-methods research into messaging that mission-driven organizations and communities connect with. I blend applied media psychology, UX research, and consumer/audience insights to lead strategic communications, advocacy campaigns, and digital media strategy grounded in rigorous audience analysis. I hold a Master’s in Applied Media Psychology and a Nielsen Norman Group UX Research certificate, pairing creative instinct with methodological rigor (IRB/CITI-certified) across social-impact work. I design and execute research-informed communications and digital media strategies for nonprofits, community groups, and academic audiences, coordinating cross-functional teams to translate insights into engaging content and policy-relevant messaging.

Alexandria Ortiz

I am a communications strategist and audience researcher with 10+ years translating qualitative and mixed-methods research into messaging that mission-driven organizations and communities connect with. I blend applied media psychology, UX research, and consumer/audience insights to lead strategic communications, advocacy campaigns, and digital media strategy grounded in rigorous audience analysis. I hold a Master’s in Applied Media Psychology and a Nielsen Norman Group UX Research certificate, pairing creative instinct with methodological rigor (IRB/CITI-certified) across social-impact work. I design and execute research-informed communications and digital media strategies for nonprofits, community groups, and academic audiences, coordinating cross-functional teams to translate insights into engaging content and policy-relevant messaging.

Available to hire

I am a communications strategist and audience researcher with 10+ years translating qualitative and mixed-methods research into messaging that mission-driven organizations and communities connect with. I blend applied media psychology, UX research, and consumer/audience insights to lead strategic communications, advocacy campaigns, and digital media strategy grounded in rigorous audience analysis. I hold a Master’s in Applied Media Psychology and a Nielsen Norman Group UX Research certificate, pairing creative instinct with methodological rigor (IRB/CITI-certified) across social-impact work.

I design and execute research-informed communications and digital media strategies for nonprofits, community groups, and academic audiences, coordinating cross-functional teams to translate insights into engaging content and policy-relevant messaging.

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Work Experience

User Experience Consultant at HeloEcho
January 1, 2026 - Present
Provide UX research and user experience consulting to inform product and communication decisions.
Media Specialist & Board Member at CelebrateLIFE! Progressive Spiritualist Community (NSAC Chapter)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Design and implement digital media strategies that strengthen community engagement and participation. Conduct audience analysis to align messaging with community values and social-impact goals. Develop and maintain an organizational website and plan media campaigns and fundraising initiatives, applying narrative framing to support inclusive, justice-oriented growth.
Media Coordinator at Kitsap County
January 1, 2025 - Present
Produce visual and narrative content documenting the Fix-It Fair, a community sustainability and waste-reduction initiative, using storytelling to frame repair culture as collective environmental responsibility. Lead public-awareness efforts that support sustainable behavior change at the local level.
Graduate Student Researcher at Fielding Graduate University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Designed and executed qualitative and mixed-methods research studies in applied media psychology. Conducted literature reviews on digital media, narrative influence, and the psychological mechanisms shaping belief and behavior. Recruited and interviewed participants under ethical research practices (IRB/CITI), synthesizing findings into reports and presentations for academic and applied audiences.
Marketing & Communications Co-Chair · Student Committee Chair · Conference Co-Chair at American Psychological Association — Society for Media Psychology & Technology (Division 46)
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Developed research-informed strategic communication plans that expanded the visibility of media psychology across academic and public audiences. Managed multi-platform content strategy (newsletters, social media, internal communications) aligned with DEI principles, amplifying member research and thought leadership. Co-led planning and execution of a national academic conference, overseeing abstract review, thematic curation, and inclusive speaker selection. Led advocacy and mentorship initiatives representing graduate-student researchers and advised on strategic planning increasing student participation in research-driven programming.
Applied Psychology Strategist for Social Change at Ortiz Research Collaborative
January 1, 2022 - Present
Advise nonprofit and mission-driven clients on research-informed communications strategy, turning applied psychology and qualitative research into campaigns and content that drive community engagement and social change. Build long-term digital strategies informed by audience behavior and engagement patterns across content, social media, and branding. Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to deliver research-informed communication outcomes from planning through execution.
Career Break
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Career hiatus to pursue continued education and personal development.
Program Director at Guided Hearts, Muslim Association of Puget Sound
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2014
Directed a culturally responsive educational and social-integration program, designing curricula grounded in cultural psychology and adult learning theory. Facilitated focus groups to assess participant needs and program impact; built community partnerships and supported program funding and sustainability.
Pricing & Signage Coordinator at World Market
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2014
Managed pricing and signage strategy to optimize in-store communications and merchandising.
Store Manager at AlSundus Islamic Fashion Boutique
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
Led operations, merchandising, and a diverse team with a focus on multicultural customer engagement and global sourcing.

Education

Master of Arts (M.A.), Applied Media Psychology at Fielding Graduate University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022

Qualifications

UX Research Certificate
January 1, 2020 - July 6, 2026
IRB / CITI Human Subjects Research Certification
January 11, 2030 - July 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services