Jennifer Johnson writes for a wide variety of our clients, from higher-ed to hi-tech. When she’s not writing, she’s learning to speak Portuguese and navigate her way around Maputo, Mozambique.
When you were 8, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As an 8-year-old growing up in sunny Arizona, I only wanted to ride horses and be outdoors – never had a thought about growing up or careers. I wrote stories and drew pictures of horses, and when my parents refused to buy me a horse (the nerve!), I collected toy horses and gave each one its own story line. Every writer has to start somewhere – I started with horses!
Now what do you want to be when you grow up?
Ah, this reminds me of a great quote from Picasso: “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” One of the Catch-22s of adulthood is how much energy we devote to reclaiming our childlike creativity and sense of wonder. As a writer and communicator, I plead guilty to this. And I still want a horse.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Most of my newsroom years were spent behind the scenes as an editor, so my byline wasn’t on the stories. But I felt a sense of pride and ownership about the front pages and special sections I edited. One in particular required everything I could give it as a journalist and as a person – it’s on display in The Newseum in Washington, D.C., in the museum’s exhibit on Sept. 11 breaking coverage.
What gets you out of bed and in to work in the morning?
Strong coffee and even stronger curiosity – I can’t wait to see what’s in the news! I’m not all that different today from the young girl who would run out to the driveway in her pajamas to grab the morning paper. “Nerd” is the word!
In 3 words…
How Jennifer describes herself: Adventurous, curious, perfectionist
How Molly describes Jennifer: Brave, sassy, smart
How Staci describes Jennifer: Eloquent, daring, energetic
How Michaella describes Jennifer: Adventurous, intelligent, personable
How Robin describes Jennifer: Brilliant, tenacious, caring
How long have you worked for Castelazo Content?
I started writing for Castelazo Content in April 2017.
What do you like best about working for Castelazo Content?
This is a team of trailblazers (check out their Q&As, after all!) and I admire them on many levels. I enjoy the creative camaraderie – everyone is on the same page and working hard to deliver quality content for clients.
What is the value you create for Castelazo Content, and for our clients?
I have an extensive background on both sides of the curtain (newsroom and public relations), so I provide professional writing and editing services as well as strategic communications.
How does your past experience help you in the work you do for Castelazo Content?
My past experience taught me about editorial standards as well as readability. It’s not enough to publish a technically accurate document if nobody wants to read it. I can translate bureaucratic jargon and acronym soup into reader-friendly material. There’s a story in there somewhere!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Writing, editing and living abroad, although I’m not yet ready to predict the next country. Today, I’m happy to be studying Portuguese and feasting on camarão grelhado and frango piri piri here in Mozambique.
Where do you see Castelazo Content in 5 years?
Thriving. This team is talented and tenacious – with a clear vision for the way we serve clients.
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