Jenn Prentice

Blogger, Christian, Connector, Educator/Teacher, Journalist, Life mentor, Marketer, Social entrepreneur, Technologist, Writer/Editor

I'm a technology content editor who moonlights as a freelance writer and public speaking instructor in my spare time. As a tech editor, I source, interview and write stories related to social media, building online community, gamification and the realities of working for a tech company outside of Silicon Valley or NYC. In a previous life, I worked full time as a magazine editor in Raleigh, NC where I had the privilege of covering subjects ranging from Tim Gunn's ascension to chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne to how to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Education: North Carolina State University 2005-2007 M.S., Organizational Communication Campbell University 2001-2005 B.A., Journalism Experience: Freelance Writer January 2011-Present Publications written for include: Venture Beat, Business Insider, The Knowledge Market and Student Affairs Women Talk Tech. Content Editor, Experts Exchange 2009-Present Create and manage website content, including but not limited to articles, blogs and webinars. Act as public face of the Experts Exchange brand, managing social media accounts, contributing to other technology related publications, speaking at conferences and networking at events as needed. Public Speaking Lecturer, North Carolina State University & Allan Hancock College 2007-Present Teach interpersonal communication and public speaking skills to college students. Assistant Editor, Metro Magazine 2005-2008 Sourced, interviewed and wrote three or more articles--including one feature--per publication. Coordinated and edited all freelance and contributing writer submissions. Liaised with publisher, other editors and sales managers.

Using the spoken and written word to connect, inspire and infuse people with the confidence to achieve their full potential.

Social networks and online communities coupled with video conferencing applications provide a powerful platform for connecting people across the globe. By utilizing each of these three online mediums, people struggling with various aspects of life (addiction, depression, career direction, etc) can be put in touch with the counselors and mentors they need to come alongside them and help them navigate this journey we call life. My vision is to create an online mentoring network that would pair people in need of guidance with people who are at a place in their life where they can give back and mentor someone. Preferably, each pair would live in the same city but if that's not possible, social media and video conferencing make mentorships possible regardless of location.

I first became aware of TED in 2008 when I was teaching public speaking at North Carolina State University. Bored of sharing speeches from King, Kennedy, Reagan and Clinton with my students, I Googled "inspiring speeches" and stumbled upon J.J. Abrams now infamous Mystery Box TED Talk. The class was enthralled, and so was I. Since then, I've watched as Benjamin Zander encouraged us to love classical music and open ourselves up to new experiences, Dan Ariely told us we're not as rational as we think and Sheryl Sandberg explained why there are too few women leaders. I've always come away from watching a TED Talk feeling empowered, more knowledgeable and better equipped to change my little corner of the world; and it is in the spirit of changing my corner of the world that I hope to organize TEDxSanLuisObispo.

playing ping pong and catching fly balls.