Karen Schultz

I have a B.A. in International Relations with an emphasis on Economic Development from the University of Minnesota.

For the past four years I have been involved with the flight attendant unions at Northwest Airlines in various roles - communications coordinator, spokesperson, editor, executive board member, Contract Action Team coordinator (organizer), and writer - during highly visible and contentious contract negotiations.

While working as a flight attendant for the past 22 years, I simultaneously (and passionately) worked and volunteered for non-profits and political campaigns and for-profit projects as a writer, editor, organizer, fundraiser and board member. My personal and professional work as a poet, media and commentary writer, and spokesperson has appeared in small town coffee houses up to nationally syndicated outlets.  A few of my media quotes can be found on ThinkExist: http://thinkexist.com/quotes/karen_schultz/

Studying with the Strategic Communications program I am looking to learn new methods of analyzing and planning to assure the best outcome for organizations with which I am working or partnering. I’ve got great “gut instincts” for communications strategy, but having the methodology is important as well. The type of brands I am interested in selling are candidates and collective community goals.

My long term goal is to develop a communications organization that works with unions, non-profits and political campaigns.