Open to opportunities

Em Degn

@emdegn

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Editorial storytelling leader turning travel and climate research into compelling, SEO-ready narratives with integrity.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a leadership role where I can craft narrative travel and climate storytelling with editorial integrity—building multi-platform strategy, strengthening SEO performance, and helping audiences engage with sustainability and climate justice.

I specialize in place-based narratives that help people see the world and care about the state of it. I’m an editorial leader with over a decade of experience across travel, climate, sustainability, and culture—adapting voice for SEO and agency environments while keeping clarity, emotional resonance, and editorial integrity intact.

Since 2016, I’ve written and edited journalism and longform features for global publications, translating complex research into accessible stories and building high-level sourcing networks. I’ve also led newsroom operations as a Managing Editor and editorial director—publishing 30+ monthly articles, increasing newsletter open rates by 35% and click rates by 53%, and boosting publication diversity by 60%—and I’m currently a 2026–2027 Writer in Residence at Seattle Public Library for a climate-fiction novel.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Editorial Storytelling Lead

Current

Travel, Climate, + Culture International

Jan 2016 - Present (10 years 4 months)

Write, edit, and produce narrative travel, culture, sustainability, and climate journalism for global publications, combining on-site reporting with deep historical, cultural, and environmental research. Apply SEO strategy and translate complex scientific findings into accessible, emotionally resonant stories while maintaining high editorial integrity.

Climate & Environmental Storytelling SEO Strategy Brand Voice Systems

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Roanoke College

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies

Activities and societies: Outstanding Student in Environmental Justice & Culture.

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. Received recognition as Outstanding Student in Environmental Justice & Culture.

Roanoke College

Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing

Activities and societies: Creative Project Award; Senior Achievement Award.

Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. Awarded for academic and creative achievement during the program.

Roanoke College

Associate Degree, Art History

Activities and societies: Senior Achievement Award (Environmental Depictions of Nature across Viking, Ancient Egyptian, & medieval studies); Creative Project Award (Gender & Women’s Medieval Art); Winner of the Museum Education Competition in Ancient Egyptian Art.

Earned an Associate Degree in Art History, specializing in Environmental Depictions of Nature across Viking, Ancient Egyptian, and medieval studies. Included a concentration in Gender & Women’s Studies and received multiple art-history related awards.