Meet The /CW Fam!

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It's our Anniversary!

As of July 15th, 2021, CopyWrite Magazine has been in business for six years [& eight years in the game]. For this years celebration we thought it only fitting to re-introduce ourselves, have you meet the /CW Fam, and learn more about the people behind the mission!

#AllThingsUrbanLiveHere #SupportTheLocal #CopyWriteMag

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WE STAND FOR ALL THINGS URBAN.

As an unapologetic group of creatives, CopyWrite is in business to change the community. Our promise is to always remember where we started from. We do this by telling the stories that need to be told, showcasing the unrealized artistic potential throughout our community, all while doing what we love: create.

It’s different here.

We are not your “average” media company. Our magazine is not dominated by ads, unrealistic figures of beauty, or filler content. We tell stories about people you know; the ones you live by, go to school with, or are sure to meet at your favorite community events. We don’t let the status quo control the way we express ourselves. We keep it authentic to who WE are. We break the molds of tradition and stay current without over saturating the market. Our pitch is not to sell you on a vision of aspiration but to ask you to be a part of real community cultivation. We don’t look for validation from people who only support our community on paper [tuh, ya’ll cute] or people who live their life for the “likes”. Our beginnings are humble. Our lifestyles triumph over adversity. Our song, some fire track with hella bass. Many people we know gave up on their creative dreams but we still breathe the worth of our passion. 

The narrative will shift. One story at a time.

/CW

/CW FAM | SQUAD | TEAM | STAFF

Lexi S. Brunson - Owner | Editor-in-Chief

“If they said I did it, I DID IT.”

Lexi is obsessed with all things Urban. She believes that there is a beauty between every sidewalk crack and alleyway. She is outspoken, confident, and her creativity allows her to view the world WAY outside the box. She is a multifaceted professional with a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design and MA in Media Studies. Her passion for social equality, freedom of expression, and goofy wit makes her just the right combo of kick a** to get any job done. She makes "it” happen!

@_thrudirtyeyes

Fun Fact about Lexi: “If you don’t keep a bottle of hot sauce at the crib, you might as well pack my food up to go. I put that ‘ish on everything!”

Favorite /CW moment: “Our first anniversary party we hosted at 88Nine. There had never been so many Black & Brown faces in that space before that moment. I like to think we helped changed that narrative. Plus it was poppin’ ”

Vato Vergara - Fashion Editor | Creative Director

"It all starts with a Look!”

Vato is the Renaissance man in every sense of the word. Whether he is styling clients, hosting events, maintaining online thrift shop, or creative directing for CopyWrite, Vato brings new and innovative ideas to the table. HIS fashion + style expertise is what makes /CW always tastefully in style.

@vatomke

Fun Fact about Vato: “I love cooking!”

Favorite /CW moment: “I didn’t know anything about CW but one day I found out this local publication that was all about supporting the local. So I went out and printed 100 copies at work [this before we offered printed magazine] and handed them out all over downtown. I remember receiving a call about it from the owners. Which is what got me to be apart of this amazing company!”

Tiffany Bean - The People Person | PR Director + Chief of Staff

"What's a bad shot? I never seen one. . .”

Tiffany is a PR pro with authentic links to community, culture, and the mind of corporate america. She has a BA in Corporate Communications and Digital Media. She has also served as a public ally and currently sits on the communications board at the JGCA. With her interpersonal skills, ability to read the room, and “politic” she has never met a stranger. She is The People Person.

@thetiffanyway_

Fun Fact about Tiffany: “My favorite movie is Titanic. ‘Never let go!’ ”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I am the local. I am a Milwaukee native, Burleigh res and Marquet made. I think it is important that the voice of the city from all angles is heard. We deserve it! ”

Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone - Head Broadcast Journalist

"Its Noni Juice.”

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Carrie Noni has her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Communication. She has always had her eyes set on the entertainment industry and isn’t afraid to create her own opportunities to get there. So far in her career she has worked with 103.7 Kiss FM, Journal Sentinel, v100.7, and currently has a full-time role as a Producer for 101.7 The Truth. Her love for natural hair led her to creating her YouTube channel, “Natural Noni,” and she created a top 5 music countdown show, “N’fluence.”

@carrienoni_

Fun Fact about Carrie: “I love Milkshakes. I swear I’m a milkshake connoisseur lol. ”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I would want the local to support me. I understand what it feels like to be on a mission to change your community for the better, and all you need is support from your city. That’s why it’s always #414 love to my city!”

Imani Ortiz - Specialized Content Journalist

"A wise man once said, ‘Bees don’t waste their time explaining to flies that honey is better than shit’.”

The best way to describe Imani would be nothing less than “the Jill of all trades”. Her comedic energy and enthusiastic personality is hard to match. One of her biggest goals is to help connect different generations to Urban culture through media, specialized projects, and interpersonal encounters. While embracing and cultivating her own versatile creativity, she hopes to not only strengthen the local community with opportunities to voice their own stories but to encourage others to speak, stand and live in their own truth.

@ortizus

Fun Fact about Imani: First generation college graduate. #thefinesser

Why Support the local?: “Selfishness is what really makes me #supportthelocal. Sounds crazy right? Let me explain. We want people to support us in our endeavors and want people to crave whatever you we do creatively yet it’s so hard for people in the city to pour into others. Why is that? That never made sense to me. We have to hold each other accountable and uplift each other on the way up. There’s no reason why the Milwaukee creative scene should be as segregated as it is. It’s always love here at CopyWrite and that’s all we (as in everyone) should be pouring into the community. Inspiration, support and love. Das it.”

Tanasia Shaw - Journalism Intern

"Forever a student at life.”

Tanasia Shaw is a senior a UW-Milwaukee majoring in journalism and minoring in Africology and communication. Tanasia is best described as charismatic, humble and creative. Her interests in culture, art and social issues are the perfect combination for a compelling story. Her goal is to create content that accurately represents underrepresented people and cultures.

@TheTanasia

Fun Fact about Tanaisa: “In 2020, I started a decor and graphic design business.”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because the local has always supported me! I wouldn't be able to story tell or create if it wasn't for my Milwaukee Native mentors, colleagues, and friends that constantly inspire me”

Adrienne Davis - Media Journalist Intern | Producer in Training

"It’s not about being the best, it’s about getting the job done.”

Adrienne Davis has an associates degree in E-Production from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She is currently attending UWM to obtain a BA in Journalism. This social introvert has a passion for journalism, culture, and creativity. She has also done work in movie production and is interested in continuing to hone those skills in the future.

@dri.xxi

Fun Fact about Adrienne: "“I love food, that’s the key to my heart.”

Favorite /CW moment: “When I got my first spread in published in a magazine, only right it was for CW.”

/CW OFFICE + STUDIO [CAMP LOCALS] IS NOW OPEN!

KEEP ON THE LOOK OUT FOR INVITES TO THE SPACE, COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE!

Wisconsin Conservation Voters is hiring a Communications Specialist

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*Information provided by Erin Bloodgood | Communications Manager Wisconsin Conservation Voters

Wisconsin Conservation Voters is hiring a Communications Specialist!

Fighting for action on key issues like climate change, safe drinking water, and democracy has never been more urgent. Wisconsin Conservation Voters (WCV) is seeking to add to our team a passionate, strategic, and collaborative Communications Specialist who will use their skills to engage decision-makers, media, our members, and the public to advocate for climate solutions and other key issues at all levels of government.

The right person for this position will use their knowledge and the strength of the organization to ensure that racial justice and equity are incorporated into environmental and democracy policy-making. This full-time position will last one year with the possibility of extension through the November 2022 election. This position can be based in Madison, Wisconsin, but there is flexibility around location within Wisconsin

Who we are

Wisconsin Conservation Voters engages voters to protect Wisconsin’s environment. To achieve that, Wisconsin Conservation Voters advocates for sound environmental laws and policies, holds elected officials accountable for their votes and actions, and elects pro-conservation candidates who will champion our priority issues. Learn more about us at conservationvoters.org.

What you'll do

Support Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ communication and marketing efforts by working closely with the Communications Director and Communications Manager. This position has an emphasis on developing written content for internal and external communications, including content for members, media materials, online presence, and more.

The Communications Specialist also assists with email marketing, events, and other activities. This position develops content for our digital program including social media, email, and website with occasional design responsibilities, working in alignment with the Communications Director and with independent vendors as required.

As an essential part of our Clean Energy for All campaign, the Communications Specialist will develop strategy and tactics to amplify and execute work on federal clean energy policy and connect that work to Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ overall strategy.

Specifics of the job include (but are not limited to):

  • Write emails, press releases, website content, news articles, social media toolkits, letters of support, letters to the editor, and public service announcements.

  • Assist in creating communications that promote our work, engage the public, and advance our priority campaigns.

  • Develop relationships with relevant media outlets.

  • Implement creative social media campaigns including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

  • Assist in creating paid digital campaigns across marketing channels.

  • Offer rapid response as needed and quickly engage and mobilize supporters with content/direction.

  • Maintain and update program website(s) content.

To succeed in this job, you:

  • You are able to work well in a team and manage projects that require input from multiple staff and across departments as well as with our partners and legislative champions.

  • Are comfortable working with people of different political ideologies, racial identities, ages, and socio-economic differences.

  • Share our commitment to increasing racial justice and equity in the conservation movement.

  • Are nimble and can adjust strategies and tactics based on the fast-moving nature of the legislature and Congress.

  • Value learning, are curious, and like to seek out new ideas and opportunities for personal growth and improvement.

  • Are excited to engage voters and others to fight for a clean environment, a healthy future, and a fair democracy for all Wisconsinites.

Additional valued skills:

  • Experience with graphic design, photography skills, video skills, and other content creation.

  • Journalism experience or an understanding of how to work with newsrooms and media contacts.

What you should know

Physical requirements: Ability to use a computer for long periods of time, use a telephone, and perform other routine office duties.

Conditions: This position can be based in Madison, but the location is flexible. Due to COVID-19, the ability to work from home is required for the near future. Some evening and weekend work is required, and during busy times you should have the flexibility to work hours exceeding regular office hours to get the job done. The position is full time, temporary, and classified as exempt.

Salary and benefits: $40,000 to $48,000 annual salary based on experience plus health and dental coverage, technology stipend, and paid time off.

Reports to: Communications Director

Our commitment to racial justice and equity: We recognize that historic and current systems and decisions – including within the conservation community – have created injustice. Through our work we confront these injustices and fight for an equitable balance of power. We hold ourselves accountable to being inclusive and equitable in our own actions and within our organization. Read more about our commitment in our Guiding Principles here.

To apply

Email your resume, cover letter, and three references by July 19 to apply@conservationvoters.org, with “Communications Specialist” in the subject line. This position has a flexible start date in August 2021.

Kaylon Raps - WhatCanUDo

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It’s fly, it’s lyrical, it’s clever, is it a bird reciting shakespeare? Or a plane full of Dr. Suess impersonators?? No! It’s Kaylon Raps’ new hit!!

Having trouble stepping out from the crowd and being your unique self? Whip out that good ole pen and pad and take notes while listening to Kaylon Raps’ single ‘WhatCanUDo’ as he gives you free game on keeping it one hunnid with a side order of reggae. 

It’s everything you could ever want in an upcoming potential new anthem; beats that bump, lyrics so fire you could spark your campfire, and a flow that just simply annihilates. 

Shoot him a follow on the gram and tune in but try not to burn your house down *wink wink*. 

Instagram: KaylonRaps

/CW Maxp

Itchy Corleone - Myself Freestyle/ Beatbox

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Y’all itching for some new bangers yet? Well Itchy Corleone is coming in hot like the fast and furious with the A&D ointment for ya, aka his hit single ‘Myself’ and his new track ‘Beatbox’. 

This ‘tour de force’ of a song, ‘Myself’, focuses on the hardships and triumphs that were surpassed throughout Itchy Corleone’s personal life and so, is one of the big highlights of his upcoming and continuously growing career. This song and a few others could possibly be the ones that set the tone for his new track ‘Beatbox’, he just did that beat for fun just to show y’all he here!! 

Hit em up with a follow on the gram and show them just how much colder than a frosty their song really is. 

Instagram: Itchy_corleone

/CW Maxp

Mace supreme & YN Jay - Jumanji

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We heard word play and beats that crack (no we’re not talking backs) were the new wave, obviously Mace Supreme & YN Jay got the memo. And please don’t even get me started on the song cover, I saw it and was like “yeah I don’t even need to hear the song, I already like it”, I almost made it my screensaver. 

Guys, “Guess the I’m the man of her dreams, call me Fred Krueger” is the bar of the year in my book and no I’m not biased because my favorite horror movie is Nightmare on Elm Street BUT for OTHER reasons :))!! Hey Mace Supreme or maybe even YN Jay, since you guys are so good at making analogies, making things simple and make sense and stuff, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving my English teacher a few lessons. Nah but fr this bar and many others COMBINED with this wild beat are too hot to handle, they’ll make you make that one face and I KNOW y’all know what I'm talkin about.

THIS FACE!

THIS FACE!

Don’t be lame, give this a listen right fast and let us know if this is making it to your summer playlist. 

Instagram: MaceSupreme

/CW Maxp

The Trauma Trials [Episode 3]

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Trigger Warning*
The math isn’t mathing. We may not be able to tell you the “why” but we can tell you the “what” as in “what happened?” or “what is going on with our city and generational abuse among our Generation Z and Millennial adults.” That “What?” starts with a story. That “what” may start with your sister or brother. That “what” may start with your cousins or friends. That “what” may start with you.

CopyWrite Magazine feature from Issue 17: Evolution, The Trauma Trials out now!