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Mary Ortega

@maryortega1

Media and communication scholar at Drexel University and University of Tennessee at Martin who developed the Kaiāulu Disaster Communication Framework.

United States

Message

My dissertation at Texas Tech University examined what Lahaina teaches us about disaster communication, including community networks, cultural knowledge, and survival. I completed 37 interviews in Lahaina and West Maui and developed the Kaiāulu Disaster Communication Framework.

At Drexel University and the University of Tennessee at Martin, I teach communication courses including public relations, strategic communication, and public speaking. At Delaware State University, I introduced weekly TikTok news projects for The Hornet.

My professional communication work includes advising executives at Lasko Products and developing CEO and executive-team communications at Project Management Institute. Earlier, I wrote four health columns a week for EmpowHer.com and managed a team of 11 and a $2 million portfolio as Vice President at MWW Group.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Adjunct Professor, Department of Communication

Current

Drexel University

Jan 2026 - Present (9 months)

Teaching undergraduate courses in public relations principles and theory, and techniques of speaking.

Teaching Public Relations Public Speaking

Current

Adjunct Professor, Media & Communication

Current

University of Tennessee at Martin

Jan 2026 - Present (9 months)

Teaching graduate courses in strategic communication and leadership in communications.

Teaching Strategic Communications Leadership

Digital Content Creation

Delaware State University

Sep 2026 - Dec 2026 (3 months)

Introduced weekly TikTok news projects for The Hornet, with story angles, leads, pitches, proposed sources, interview questions, shooting, editing, and workshops. Additional assignments include public service announcements and social media campaign plans.

TikTok Video Production Social Media Journalism

Graduate Part-Time Instructor, Media & Communication

Texas Tech University

Jan 2023 - Dec 2026 (3 years 11 months)

Taught courses in public relations, event management, advertising, business communications, and applied communications.

Teaching Public Relations Event Management Advertising Business Communication

Lecturer, Communication & English

Delaware State University

Jan 2018 - Dec 2026 (8 years 11 months)

Taught undergraduate courses in English rhetoric, media research techniques, digital content creation, and writing in the major.

Teaching English Media Research Digital Content

Head of Communications

Lasko Products

Jan 2021 - Dec 2023 (2 years 11 months)

Managed internal communication, external communication, and corporate social media content. Advised C-suite executives on key initiatives and new product launches.

Internal Communications External Communications Social Media Executive Advisory

Global Communications Specialist

Project Management Institute

Jan 2018 - Dec 2021 (3 years 11 months)

Managed global and corporate communication initiatives; developed executive communication content for the CEO and executive team. Drafted and coordinated review of press releases, fact sheets, videos, internal communications, social content, bylined articles, newsletters, and podcasts.

Corporate Communications Executive Communication Press Releases Social Media Content Development

Faculty Aide

Harvard University

Jan 2014 - Dec 2020 (6 years 11 months)

Provided course support for institutional organization, creative writing, and journalism courses.

Course Support Creative Writing Journalism

Public Relations Specialist

American Dairy Association

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Managed and executed elements of public relations programs with professional sports teams. Provided media training for professional athletes; developed key messages, digital and print branding, and social media strategies.

Public Relations Media Training Branding Social Media

Health Columnist

EmpowHer.com

Jan 2009 - Dec 2016 (7 years 11 months)

Researched and wrote four online health columns per week on health policy, breast cancer, oral care, and breaking health news.

Health Writing Research Digital Content

Senior Public Relations Consultant

Self Employed

Jan 2007 - Dec 2016 (9 years 11 months)

Researched, created, managed, and executed hundreds of strategic public relations campaigns for various international, national, and local clients. Drafted and edited press materials; consulted with more than 18 PR agencies across the United States.

Public Relations Campaign Management Press Materials Consulting

Vice President

MWW Group

Jan 2006 - Dec 2007 (1 year 11 months)

Managed Chicago office operations, a staff of 11, and a $2 million business portfolio. Clients included Samsung, Volkswagen, ING Direct, Garage Tek, and Xango.

Office Management Team Leadership Portfolio Management Client Relations