I’m a versatile content creator and journalist with a passion for storytelling across writing, editing, design, and multimedia production. I enjoy collaborating with editors, designers, and producers to craft clear, engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. My work spans books, newspapers, campus media, and community projects, always grounded in accuracy, creativity, and a friendly, collaborative approach. Beyond writing, I’ve led branding and design efforts, produced and edited multi-platform content, and coordinated programs with schools and community organizations. I’m committed to elevating voices through written pieces, visuals, and digital media, and I thrive in fast-paced environments where curiosity and teamwork drive powerful storytelling.

Xanayra Marin-Lopez

I’m a versatile content creator and journalist with a passion for storytelling across writing, editing, design, and multimedia production. I enjoy collaborating with editors, designers, and producers to craft clear, engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. My work spans books, newspapers, campus media, and community projects, always grounded in accuracy, creativity, and a friendly, collaborative approach. Beyond writing, I’ve led branding and design efforts, produced and edited multi-platform content, and coordinated programs with schools and community organizations. I’m committed to elevating voices through written pieces, visuals, and digital media, and I thrive in fast-paced environments where curiosity and teamwork drive powerful storytelling.

Available to hire

I’m a versatile content creator and journalist with a passion for storytelling across writing, editing, design, and multimedia production. I enjoy collaborating with editors, designers, and producers to craft clear, engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. My work spans books, newspapers, campus media, and community projects, always grounded in accuracy, creativity, and a friendly, collaborative approach.

Beyond writing, I’ve led branding and design efforts, produced and edited multi-platform content, and coordinated programs with schools and community organizations. I’m committed to elevating voices through written pieces, visuals, and digital media, and I thrive in fast-paced environments where curiosity and teamwork drive powerful storytelling.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced

Work Experience

Writer at Brighthouse Publishing
October 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Developed and wrote original book content including manuscripts, chapters, summaries, and supplementary materials while adapting style to genre, audience, and publisher guidelines; edited manuscripts and full-length books; led client ideation and interview meetings; conducted in-depth research; wrote marketing and promotional copy; managed multiple projects simultaneously.
Y-Learning Site Coordinator at Alexander Family YMCA
October 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Oversee daily operations of the Y-Learning after-school program, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging environment; main liaison between parents, teachers, and school administrators; supervise tutors and volunteers; coordinate academic enrichment and behavior management; maintain program documentation and safety standards.
Artist in Residence at REC.ON Project Spain
August 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Participated in an international artist residency focused on developing original music and visual art; composed and produced new musical works; explored interdisciplinary approaches blending sound and storytelling; created supporting artwork and contributed to a final showcase.
Staff Reporter at Retail Dive | Industry Dive
December 1, 2022 - August 1, 2025
Business journalist covering retail technology, artificial intelligence, and beauty trends; built daily email newsletters to a 197K subscriber audience; wrote 3-5 briefs, articles, and features; produced weekly blog assets and social media content; tracked earnings and company performance; reported on multiple companies; complied with deadlines.
Public Relations Officer at Chi Upsilon Sigma | Beta Chi Chapter
December 1, 2022 - August 1, 2025
Managed online presence and community outreach; created promotional materials for chapter events; led social media campaigns; maintained branding identity and communications; supported recruitment and member engagement.
Owner at Self-Employed Small Business (Xanayra)
July 1, 2020 - July 1, 2022
Ran a jewelry and secondhand clothing and accessories business; hosted community pop-up shops; designed logos, branding, flyers, and promotional materials; built and marketed a standalone website; delivered customized visuals for clients across NC through networking and social media.
Reporter at The Appalachian | Appalachian State University
January 1, 2020 - May 1, 2022
Wrote for news, arts & culture, and politics desks; averaged 3 stories weekly; translated articles to Spanish during COVID-19; led fashion and street-style beats with visual storytelling.
Visual Managing Editor at The Appalachian | Appalachian State University
May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022
Led all visual production including graphics, photography, multimedia, social media, and website content; collaborated with 15 executive board members; copyedited weekly newsletters; edited visuals and articles for monthly print editions; created internal newsletters and supported Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor.
News Anchor at The Appalachian Weekly News | AppTV | Appalachian State University
March 1, 2020 - May 1, 2021
Produced daily Spanish-language news shows; co-anchored with producers; translated and scripted 3–5 English stories weekly into Spanish scripts; translated subtitles and packages.
English News Anchor at The Appalachian Weekly News | AppTV | Appalachian State University
October 1, 2019 - April 1, 2022
Collaborated with a full broadcast team to produce weekly live TV news; produced video packages on major campus stories; anchored the 2020 Presidential Election four-hour live broadcast; wrote six weekly news stories and supported production tasks.
Writer at BrightRay Publishing
October 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Developed and wrote original book content including manuscripts, chapters, summaries, and supplementary materials while adapting style to genre, audience, and publisher guidelines. Edited manuscripts and full-length books; led client ideation and interview meetings to shape book concepts, gather information, and support ghostwriting by accurately capturing each author’s voice. Conducted in-depth research to ensure accuracy, credibility, and strong narrative foundations. Wrote marketing and promotional copy, including back-cover text, author bios, press releases, and catalog descriptions. Managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting strict publishing deadlines and maintaining high-quality, error-free writing aligned with brand standards.
Site Coordinator at Alexander Family YMCA
October 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Oversee daily operations of the Y-Learning after-school program, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging environment for all students in grades 2–5. Served as the main liaison between parents, teachers, and school administrators; strengthened communication and support for student success. Supervised tutors and volunteers while coordinating academic enrichment and behavior management to maintain a high-quality program experience. Managed attendance, progress tracking, and program documentation while upholding YMCA policies, safety standards, and mission-aligned values.
Staff Reporter at Retail Dive | Industry Dive | Information, PLC
December 1, 2022 - August 1, 2025
Business journalist covering retail tech, AI, the metaverse, and beauty beats. Built and edited daily and weekly newsletters for a large subscriber base; wrote multiple briefs, features, and monthly features; produced content across multiple platforms and tracked earnings and company performance; reported on industry trends and innovations.
Public Relations Officer at Chi Upsilon Sigma | Beta Chi Chapter
April 1, 2021 - May 1, 2023
Served as the online face of the chapter for community outreach and recruitment; created promotional materials for chapter events; led social media campaigns across multiple accounts; maintained branding identity (fonts, color codes, etc.).
Producer at Buenos Días Boone | Appalachian State University, Communication Department
April 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Created story order and rundown for weekly shows, curating stories for the Latinx community; directed productions in the control room and trained anchors; designed all graphics packages in Adobe After Effects; led recruitment and managed all social media platforms.
Owner at From, Xanayra Self-Employed Small Business
July 1, 2020 - July 1, 2022
Ran a jewelry and secondhand clothing and accessories business; hosted frequent community and campus pop-up shops; rented a booth in Appalachian Antique Mall; designed logos, branding, flyers, and promotional materials; delivered customized visual content tailored to each client’s needs and goals; built and maintained a consistent client base across NC through networking and social media marketing.
Reporter at The Appalachian | Appalachian State University, Communications Department
January 1, 2020 - May 1, 2022
Wrote for the news, arts & culture, and politics desks for print and online; averaged 3 stories weekly, including in-depth reporting; translated articles into Spanish during COVID-19; led beat coverage such as ‘Fashion of Boone’ and ‘What People Are Wearing’ visuals.
Multimedia Editor at The Appalachian Weekly News | Appalachian State University, Communications Department
May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022
Led all visual production including graphics, photos, multimedia, social media, and website content; collaborated with 15 Executive Board members to lead meetings and assign tasks; copyedited weekly newsletters; edited visuals and articles for monthly print editions; created internal newsletters; served as right-hand support to Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor; produced video packages for live and remote shows; trained videographers and editors; managed TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram content.
English News Anchor at The Appalachian Weekly News | Appalachian State University, Communications Department
October 1, 2019 - May 1, 2022
Wrote and anchored weekly English news packages for live broadcasts; produced daily live TV newscasts; supervised production staff; translated Spanish-English segments; managed studio and control room operations.
X Media Company Owner at X Media Company
October 1, 2019 - March 1, 2020
Provided professional photography and videography services for couples, performers, commercial clients, and editorial projects; managed all aspects of the business including client communications, scheduling, pricing, and contracts; shot and edited high-quality photos and videos using industry-standard equipment and Adobe Creative Suite; designed branding materials and a fully self-built website to market services; delivered customized visuals tailored to each client’s needs, style, and project goals.
Technology Checkout Desk Attendant at Belk Library at Appalachian State University
September 1, 2019 - May 1, 2022
Assisted students, faculty, and staff at the university library with check-in/out technology and equipment; supported student projects by providing guidance on available tools and resources; demonstrated strong knowledge of software, hardware, media equipment, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Journalism at Appalachian State University
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2022
Bachelor of Science in Journalism at Appalachian State University
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2022
Chuck Stone Program Scholar at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
July 1, 2018 - July 31, 2018
Summer Immersion Documentary Film Scholar at Wake Forest University
August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019

Qualifications

Chuck Stone Program Scholar (Diversity in Education & Media)
July 1, 2018 - December 19, 2025
Summer Immersion Documentary Film Scholar - Wake Forest University
August 1, 2019 - December 19, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Retail, Professional Services, Software & Internet