Terri Mork Speirs

Hello! Welcome to my portfolio. 

I am an award winning editor, writer, teacher, and communication and development professional. As a lover of books and ideas, raised in a blue collar family, I have a passion for liberal arts education as well as a deep appreciation for a strong work ethic. My parents, 75, have recently retired from their trucking company, having driven semis coast to coast to coast to deliver goods of commerce for nearly 40 years. 

On June 1, 2015, I started as the director of marketing and communications at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health counseling, psychiatry, and education for people of all ages. I recently completed a two year term on the board of directors for the Association of Women in Communication, Greater Des Moines Chapter, serving as co-chair for programs and professional development. 

I write creative nonfiction, specializing in flash pieces and blog posts. My recent published posts include: 

"The superhero strength of women's philanthropy"

"Professional development from the school of hard knocks"

"Back to school: of notebooks and daydreams" 

"A tale of two boys: Aylan and Aidan"


I also specialize in creating organizational voice on social media, blending marketing messages with real world stories that inspire community engagement. Here's a sample Facebook campaign to engage participants with our signature annual fundraising event: Women Helping Women Facebook page. I worked with 25 amazing community volunteers to plan this event, engaging more than 500 individuals and raising over $147,000 for vulnerable girls and women who need mental health counseling.

Me (left) with two of our amazing volunteers, the Women Helping Women Co-Chairs, May 2017

Some of my greatest passions were informed from 17 years of work in international development and education, including gender equity, fair trade, sustainable agriculture, small farmers, ethical travel and cross cultural communication. She curated information through global travel seminars and "The Virtual University" a series of monthly webinars she created, marketed and facilitated. Topics included:

•    Humanitarianism in Conflict Zones
•    Forgotten Disasters: Malaria, Sudan, Tsunami and the "CNN" Effect
•    Water and Climate Change
•    Reconciliation in Israel and the West Bank
•    How Fair Trade Transforms Ghana's Chocolate Industry
•    Arms to Farms: Conflict Resolution in the Philippines
•    Peace Building in Colombia, Sudan, and Northern Uganda
•    The Agricultural Value Chain
•    Empowerment of the Dalit, or "outcaste," Women in India

My experience includes leading strategic communications involving identity branding, print and online newsletters, blogging, and social media for the purpose of engaging the audience.

I enjoy dreaming up fresh ways to express important ideas. Please view my resume below.

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