I thrive on building things
Photograph by Martha Rial
We should not be discouraged from building new things. We should not be discouraged when someone says “it can’t be done.”
Instead, we can be inspired to run towards what we want, and figure it out.
Background
-
Business approach
For advertisers and partners, I aim to incorporate the most engaging parts of journalism — telling a compelling story, and connecting to an audience — when building events, podcasts, print products, and newsletters. Organizations require a fresh way to message, elevate leadership, and to connect with a community.
I take care to keep editorial work separate from partner-driven content, and to make clear how that work originated.
-
Editing & newsroom strategy
I’ve edited stories on city, state, and local government, education, all things crime, data-driven investigative reports, business, obituaries, local politics, home interiors, design, personality profiles, landscaping, and wedding planning. Plus a bit of sports!
I also help to train others in writing and editing. One project included strategy, editing, and teaching for iGeneration Youth, and outreach for The Center Square.
-
Tribune-Review
I was a managing editor for Trib Total Media in Pittsburgh for a decade, where I hired and fostered teams of journalists to produce breaking stories and in-depth reports.
An important part of my work was hiring. I love to see people succeed, love to see them empowered through doing work that contributes to the greater good.
In that role, I launched and discontinued publications and led redesigns. I had the opportunity to oversee more than 20 print and online editions at a time, targeted to specific audiences. This gave me an invaluable understanding of how to connect with an audience, and understand their preferences and interests.
Nonprofit work & membership
Kim is a member of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and past president of the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, a 501(c)(3) that hosts programs featuring nationally known journalists, sponsors a popular annual awards program, offers two scholarships each year for college students, and supports a charity golf outing that we launched in 2011.
She is also a board member of Industry’s Humanitarian Support Alliance, which supports recently-arriving families who are starting a new life in the United States. These efforts started with “Team Zubair” which you can learn more about here!
Renovating houses
I started to acquire and renovate residential real estate more than a decade ago. My interest was “community-minded investing,” a name I made up.
For me, it means you can realize consistent cash flow and appreciation while renovating and maintaining property with the distinct approach of supporting that community and its residents; renovating to fit the local market and most importantly, attracting people who you treat, in essence as partners in your operation.
Why? Because we should all be part of improving the community. If they have a problem, you attempt to help them.
In turn, you are invested in each other. Is it easy? No way. I’ve made mistakes — expensive ones — and learned a lot.
What I love:
Competition. Challenges. Big ideas. Passionate, angsty people. Hard work. Philosophy. Travel, anywhere. Running. Saying what I think. Discipline. Art. Turning something old into something new. Home renovation. And cooking for people — even those I don’t know well. Sometimes, especially those I don’t know well.