I’m a freelancer specializing in storytelling, strategic communication, content creation, and cultural programming, with a voice that’s authentic, engaging, and rooted in real-life experiences. With more than 15 years of experience across higher education, media, community engagement, and public relations, I create content and experiences that connect with people through humor, honesty, and meaningful conversation. What sets me apart is my ability to blend professional strategy with personality. I tell stories the way people actually live them — thoughtful, relatable, sometimes funny, and always human. Whether I’m creating digital content, managing events, developing campaigns, or building partnerships, I focus on helping audiences feel seen, connected, and inspired rather than marketed to. --- Employment and Project Experience Freelance Content Creator & Communications Consultant January 2015 – Present Create content, campaigns, and storytelling strategies for educational, nonprofit, and community-focused organizations. Specialize in authentic audience engagement, social media storytelling, event promotion, branding support, and culturally grounded communication that feels personal rather than corporate. Associate Professor & Strategic Communication Specialist Lynn University August 2016 – Present Assistant Dean & Cultural Program Leader January 2016 – 2018 Developed engaging communication campaigns, student-centered programming, and community outreach initiatives focused on storytelling, culture, and audience engagement. Led collaborative projects, live events, and public-facing initiatives while mentoring students in branding, media strategy, and digital communication. Managed large-scale cultural and educational initiatives designed to foster inclusion, belonging, and community connection. Oversaw partnerships, event logistics, strategic messaging, and audience engagement while creating experiences that celebrated culture and history in accessible, relatable ways.

Yolanda R. Cal, Ph.D.

I’m a freelancer specializing in storytelling, strategic communication, content creation, and cultural programming, with a voice that’s authentic, engaging, and rooted in real-life experiences. With more than 15 years of experience across higher education, media, community engagement, and public relations, I create content and experiences that connect with people through humor, honesty, and meaningful conversation. What sets me apart is my ability to blend professional strategy with personality. I tell stories the way people actually live them — thoughtful, relatable, sometimes funny, and always human. Whether I’m creating digital content, managing events, developing campaigns, or building partnerships, I focus on helping audiences feel seen, connected, and inspired rather than marketed to. --- Employment and Project Experience Freelance Content Creator & Communications Consultant January 2015 – Present Create content, campaigns, and storytelling strategies for educational, nonprofit, and community-focused organizations. Specialize in authentic audience engagement, social media storytelling, event promotion, branding support, and culturally grounded communication that feels personal rather than corporate. Associate Professor & Strategic Communication Specialist Lynn University August 2016 – Present Assistant Dean & Cultural Program Leader January 2016 – 2018 Developed engaging communication campaigns, student-centered programming, and community outreach initiatives focused on storytelling, culture, and audience engagement. Led collaborative projects, live events, and public-facing initiatives while mentoring students in branding, media strategy, and digital communication. Managed large-scale cultural and educational initiatives designed to foster inclusion, belonging, and community connection. Oversaw partnerships, event logistics, strategic messaging, and audience engagement while creating experiences that celebrated culture and history in accessible, relatable ways.

Available to hire

I’m a freelancer specializing in storytelling, strategic communication, content creation, and cultural programming, with a voice that’s authentic, engaging, and rooted in real-life experiences. With more than 15 years of experience across higher education, media, community engagement, and public relations, I create content and experiences that connect with people through humor, honesty, and meaningful conversation.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend professional strategy with personality. I tell stories the way people actually live them — thoughtful, relatable, sometimes funny, and always human. Whether I’m creating digital content, managing events, developing campaigns, or building partnerships, I focus on helping audiences feel seen, connected, and inspired rather than marketed to.


Employment and Project Experience

Freelance Content Creator & Communications Consultant
January 2015 – Present
Create content, campaigns, and storytelling strategies for educational, nonprofit, and community-focused organizations. Specialize in authentic audience engagement, social media storytelling, event promotion, branding support, and culturally grounded communication that feels personal rather than corporate.

Associate Professor & Strategic Communication Specialist
Lynn University
August 2016 – Present
Assistant Dean & Cultural Program Leader
January 2016 – 2018

Developed engaging communication campaigns, student-centered programming, and community outreach initiatives focused on storytelling, culture, and audience engagement. Led collaborative projects, live events, and public-facing initiatives while mentoring students in branding, media strategy, and digital communication.

Managed large-scale cultural and educational initiatives designed to foster inclusion, belonging, and community connection. Oversaw partnerships, event logistics, strategic messaging, and audience engagement while creating experiences that celebrated culture and history in accessible, relatable ways.

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Work Experience

Communication Consultant at City of North Miami – Julius Littman Performing Arts Theatre
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Audited theatre operations and competitive landscape; recommended pricing, programming, and branding updates. Created new collateral templates and advised on café and façade enhancements to expand community appeal.
Senior Strategy Consultant at Thinking Media
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Managed integrated marketing and cultural campaigns for Verizon and national observances, including JuneFest for Caribbean American Heritage Month, achieving 15% growth in engagement. Built relationships with sponsors (Moët & Chandon, Comcast, FedEx, Kinko’s) and secured press coverage through coordinated PR, events, and community storytelling. Oversaw event logistics, volunteer recruitment, and entertainment coordination for both charitable and commercial functions.
Consultant at City of Miami Gardens, FL – Hurricane Preparedness Campaign
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
Collaborated with design teams to produce disaster-preparedness materials for high-risk neighborhoods. Recommended inclusion strategies ensuring communities of color were integrated into municipal planning and communications.
Consultant at Charesse Chester Public Relations – Miami, FL
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Organized the Miami-Dade Affordable Housing Summit — a 500-person luncheon — handling contracts, catering, and venue logistics. Liaised with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Florida DOT) to translate transportation proposals into community-accessible materials, generating broadcast and print coverage.
International Consultant at Management Sciences for Health – Port au Prince, Haiti
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Developed a communication strategy to highlight USAID’s health initiatives abroad, auditing and improving outreach to U.S. audiences.
Event Coordinator at Zimma Entertainment – Fort Lauderdale, FL
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Managed logistics, artist relations, and travel for regional music events and weekly performances. Supported promotion, vendor coordination, and onsite execution for Code Red Band and partner acts.
Associate Professor at Lynn University
August 1, 2016 - Present
Directed a college merger expanding undergraduate offerings by 71% and doubling faculty in two years. Supervised four program coordinators and guided accreditation, assessment, and equity initiatives engaging 750+ students. Led large-scale campus events and mentoring programs promoting belonging and persistence.
Assistant Dean, College of International Communication at Lynn University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Assistant Dean, overseeing curriculum development, accreditation activities, and equity initiatives (2016–2018).
Assistant Professor of Marketing at Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Strengthened community partnerships and produced a 15,000-subscriber alumni newsletter. Raised $12,500 for scholarships and AMA student projects through corporate outreach and fundraising events.
Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor at Loyola University New Orleans – School of Mass Communication
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013
Rebranded the advertising program, doubling enrollment post-Hurricane Katrina. Directed the AAF Ad Team, achieving a Top-4 regional ranking in 2012–2013. Built partnerships for student scholarships and travel funding.
Assistant Professor of Advertising & PR | Internship Coordinator at Florida International University – Miami, FL
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2009
Formalized experiential-learning pipelines with Miami Ad School and community partners. Directed the Berlin Study Abroad Program, increasing participation by 40%. Collaborated with the College of Medicine on a public-health prevention grant and developed a USAID communication strategy for Haiti.
Instructor, Communications Media at Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997
Coordinated community-wide anniversary events commemorating the civil rights legacy of Montgomery. Served as faculty adviser to the Public Relations Student Association and Class Council; mentored students in event planning and media outreach. Re-established the departmental Advisory Committee and raised $5,000 to fund student participation in national career fairs and workshops.
AI Annotator / AI Training Specialist at Alignerr
December 1, 2025 - Present
Contract AI annotation and training role focused on high-accuracy data labeling across image, text, audio, and video datasets. Responsibilities include following project guidelines, labeling with precision, and ensuring data quality through rigorous quality control. Trains new team members, collaborates with data scientists to refine annotation processes, and participates in tests to identify biases or ambiguities in AI outputs.
AI Annotator / AI Training Specialist at Outlier AI
December 1, 2025 - Present
Annotate and evaluate text and voice data used to train large language models, applying detailed project guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and policy compliance. Review AI-generated outputs for clarity, factual alignment, and ethical considerations. Meet strict quality benchmarks in a remote, production-based environment; adapt quickly to new annotation frameworks across multiple projects.
Associate Professor, College of Communication and Design at Lynn University
August 1, 2016 - Present
Executive Program Governance & Scaling: Led a complex college merger and academic restructuring, increasing undergraduate program offerings by 71% and doubling faculty across multiple departments. ADS Leadership. Instructional Coaching & Supervision. Taught and advised over 900 students.
Assistant Professor, Marketing at Alabama State University
August 1, 2013 - June 1, 2016
Revamped core business curriculum for 500+ students; Led program assessment and reporting, developing systems for data collection and accountability aligned with institutional policy.
Assistant Professor of Advertising & Program Coordinator at Loyola University New Orleans
August 1, 2009 - July 1, 2013
Program revitalization and evaluation; redesigned curriculum for 15+ courses; managed program operations and growth.
Contract Journalist / Freelance Writer / Event Planner at Thinking Media
August 1, 2007 - May 1, 2009
Research, write, and edit clear, accurate content; fact-check; translate complex information; adapt writing for multiple formats; meet deadlines; maintain ethical standards.
Assistant Professor, Advertising & Public Relations at Florida International University
August 1, 2003 - July 1, 2009
Collaborated on interdisciplinary grant with the College of Medicine; led Berlin study-abroad program; mentored hundreds of students; alignment with accreditation outcomes.

Education

Ph.D., Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin
January 11, 2030 - May 9, 2026
M.A., Advertising & Public Relations at The University of Alabama
January 11, 2030 - May 9, 2026
B.A., English Literature & Psychology at The University of Alabama
August 14, 1987 - May 17, 1991

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

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