ABOUT | BACKGROUND

I look forward to supporting your communication & coordination needs. Thank you for your interest.

MELISSA NAGY DEEGAN

I welcome professional freelance, contract, and full-time opportunities that utilize my research, writing, data analysis and coordination skills in content development and visual storytelling. As a communications coordinator, I continue to build upon a professional foundation in which I worked for media organizations and in communications for more than 15 years as a visual storyteller and researcher focused on information graphic design and data analysis. I recently completed a post-baccalaureate certificate program in digital and social media marketing, further enhancing my strong background in data visualization and content creation. I believe in leveraging the rapidly changing communications landscape while also embracing narratives framed by creativity and content with a purpose.

Educating & empowering audiences

My passion is to help people and organizations efficiently explore and develop engaging content with a unique voice, utilizing both words and visual storytelling. I seek to empower people with information that impacts their daily lives and educates. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis in financial and economics reporting, I reported, edited, and coordinated information graphics and long-term projects for the metropolitan news team and financial news team at the Chicago Tribune and other news organizations. In this role, I attended daily and long-term news planning meetings and collaborated with designers, reporters, and editors. I have reported on breaking news and investigative projects focusing on aviation, crime, economics, government, medicine, science, and corporate finance. Five Tribune journalists, including myself, accepted the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting at Columbia University in New York City for a project, Gateway to Gridlock, which examined issues within the nation’s air traffic control system.

Developing expertise & creating impact

I also have extended my professional expertise to personal endeavors and non-profit organizations. I have a deep passion for reporting and analyzing issues in areas that I can impact, such as health care and disability advocacy, literacy, and the environment. I thrive when offered the opportunity to research an issue and become a subject matter expert. My extensive experience researching and analyzing issues has proved invaluable as a parent, educational and medical advocate, and volunteer. Although the opportunity to raise a family is finite, my aptitude for empowering people with information is timeless. Thank you for your interest.

MELISSA NAGY DEEGAN RESUME & EXPERIENCE

COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE
  • FULL-TIME PARENT, FREELANCER, HOUSEHOLD MANAGER, & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER (2004-2025)
  • Structured home and school-based education in math, literacy, and critical thinking from preschool through high school.
  • Guided National Merit Scholars in university selections by researching and visiting 15+ schools. Awarded $200K+ in merit.
  • Diligently managed medical insurance and health care for a minor for 10+ years. Acted as a 504 plan advocate.
  • Offered professional and pro bono editorial and educational services to students, nonprofits, and small businesses.
  • PEARSON EDUCATION INC. REMOTE CONTRACT STANDARDIZED STATE TESTING ESSAY EDITOR & SCORER (04/2023-present)
  • Evaluated 20,000+ language arts short-form, essay, and ELL responses for multiple state standardized testing programs.
  • Scored fiction and non-fiction student test responses based on multi-trait rubrics with validity agreement up to 90 percent.
  • Served on a remote scoring team in which scoring and accuracy modeling were used to train an AI-guided scoring system.
  • COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR FOR HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, SWIM CLUB & WOMEN’S CLUB (2007-2014)
  • Developed and implemented communication plans, redesigned identities, and created marketing campaigns for communities.
  • Collaborated with community members, developed content, designed website, program guides, and coordinated events.
  • Researched, wrote, and designed printed and e-newsletters focused on current city, school, and park district news.
  • Developed and managed email lists (300+ addresses) and fundraising initiative for the entry sign redesign campaign.
  • BOOKSELLER AND EVENT OUTREACH COORDINATOR FOR BORDERS BOOKS (11/2008-02/2010 APPROXIMATE)
  • Weekend bookseller and outreach coordinator for Educator and Business Appreciation Weeks involving 100+ organizations.
  • Planned, marketed, and facilitated events, including author signings and family programs that fostered literacy engagement.
  • SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR AND LIBRARY VOLUNTEER (2010-2013)
  • Initiated and authored a family-focused communications plan and developed a weekly electronic newsletter.
  • Developed branding, marketing collateral, signage, and t-shirts for multiple community events and an annual 5K run/walk.
  • CHICAGO TRIBUNE, ASSISTANT EDITOR, INFORMATION GRAPHICS COORDINATOR AND REPORTER FOR FINANCIAL NEWS (08/2001 TO 08/2004)
  • Researched, wrote, and conceptualized business information graphics for page one, business, and investigative reports.
  • Collaborated in daily meetings and recommended visual storytelling solutions for daily and long-term financial coverage.
  • Utilized SEC Edgar and other databases for visual reporting involving charts, timelines, tables, maps, and diagrams.
  • Curated economic data from the NBER, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and other data repository sources.
  • Analyzed post-9/11 stock market performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and NASDAQ.
  • Followed and analyzed performance data for Chicago companies, including United Airlines, Motorola, and McDonald’s.
  • Through source engagement, developed deep knowledge of energy, consumer staples, and technology sectors.
  • Diligently followed O’Hare and Midway developments, United Airlines bankruptcy, and 9/11 impact on the aviation industry.
  • Reported and consulted industry experts at the FAA Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center and O’Hare Control Tower.
  • CHICAGO TRIBUNE, ASSISTANT EDITOR, INFORMATION GRAPHICS COORDINATOR AND REPORTER FOR METRO NEWS (08/1995 TO 08/2001)
  • Reported, wrote, and conceptualized local news information graphics for page one, metro, and investigative reports.
  • Collaborated at daily meetings and recommended visual storytelling solutions for daily and long-term Chicago news coverage.
  • Visual reporting encompassed solutions utilizing analysis and charts, timelines, tables, maps, flowcharts, and diagrams.
  • Curated and analyzed current and historical Chicago Census data, school performance data, and Tribune Election Poll data.
  • Reported on State of Illinois, Chicago City Council, Soldier Field redevelopment, Unabomber, and World Trade Center 9/11.
  • Collaborated with the University of Chicago, Lurie/Children’s Memorial Hospital, and Fermi National Laboratory researchers.
  • Researched and developed large-scale information graphics focusing on medicine, environment, science, and architecture.
  • Developed expertise through McGraw-Hill Building, Goodman Theater redevelopment, and Winter Olympic event coverage.
  • Adapted with efficiency and met strict deadlines, covering national and regional train derailments and vehicular accidents.
COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY AWARDS
  • PULITZER PRIZE FOR EXPLANATORY REPORTING AWARDED TO CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2001. CEREMONY ATTENDEE: One of five Chicago Tribune journalists selected to accept the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting on the nation’s air traffic system at Columbia University in New York City. The prize was awarded to a team of journalists who collaborated on the project.
  • MEDIA INDUSTRY AWARDS AND OTHER HONORS
  • Society of News Design (SND) is an international organization that recognizes excellence in visual journalism.
  • 2001 Best of News Design Award of Excellence: Business Page Design (Two-time award winner in 2001).
  • 1998 Best of News Design Award of Excellence: Single-Subject Series.
  • 1996 Best of News Design Award of Excellence, Breaking News Graphics: Two or More Colors.
  • 1994 Society of News Design College Newspaper Designer of the Year, 2nd place.
  • University of Missouri Student Association Outstanding Senator Award.
OTHER MEDIA ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCES AND ROLES
  • The Business Journalist (1996-1998): Redesigned/edited the Society for Advancing Business Editing & Writing (SABEW).
  • Lexington, Ky. Herald Leader (1994-1995): Information graphic designer and researcher.
  • The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C. (1994): Information graphics and design intern. Contributor to prison execution graphic.
  • Smithville Lake, Missouri Democrat-Herald (1992-1993): Covered local government, business, and features.
  • Columbia Missourian (1992-1994): Secured one-to-one interview with Hillary Clinton. Reporting, editing, and design.
  • Newspaper Layout And Design Textbook: A Team Approach (1993-1994): Information graphic designer.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
  • College of DuPage: Digital Marketing and Social Media Professional Certificate (2024)
  • Nine credits. 4.0 GPA. Studied SEO, digital content creation, analysis of metrics, social media, and email campaign strategy.
  • University of Missouri School of Journalism: Bachelor’s degree. Financial news and information design focus. (1994)
  • Missouri Student Senate and student-faculty committee chair, and Kappa Alpha Theta, the top academic Greek institution.
VOLUNTEER, SERVICE & PERSONAL INTERESTS
  • Religious education volunteer instructor
  • Ministered and served as a religious education teacher at churches in Cook County and DuPage County.
  • Delivered faith-based instruction using Loyola Press, Sadler, and other curricula, developed art projects, and other resources.
  • Worked with elementary-age and teenage students and first-generation bilingual Spanish speakers in Chicago.
  • Supported youth participation in weekly choir ministry, cantor program, and percussion studies for more than a decade.
  • Literacy DuPage Volunteer Tutor
  • In 2025, began volunteering as a Literacy DuPage Tutor with a family from Latin America. Delivered weekly instruction.
  • Designed Google Classroom website detailing immigration support and PACE/CTA public transit resources to support clients. 
  • Developed localized lesson-based content, worksheets specific to Google Classroom content, and curated reading level books.
  • Networked and interviewed community partners who provide need-based support for first-generation immigrant families.
  • Hospital volunteer at Lurie/Children’s Memorial Hospital & Shriners Hospital for Children
  • Regular volunteer committed to engaging with families of patients with short and long-term medical conditions.
  • Diligently engaged in inpatient therapeutic play through child life services, including Jackie’s Toy Chest and art therapy cart.
  • USA Swimming club team and city swim conference team parent volunteer
  • Supported children in year-round participation on two teams for 9 years. Involved 1,000 + hours. Timer, marshal, tech setup.
  • PERSONAL HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
  • Traveled to eight countries and more than 40 states and national parks with my family. Channeled passion for creativity, design, attention to detail, and problem-solving into gardening and home remodeling projects involving kitchen and bathrooms.

WORDWEAVERDESIGN CONTACT FORM | CONFIDENTIAL

  • Please submit the contact form below to:
  • Access to portfolio samples. Due to copyright, the portfolio page is password-protected.
  • Schedule a conversation, share your story, and receive a one-page project proposal.
  • Gain access to spreadsheet templates for college & early services. Or to request research services involving customized projects or college admissions and early career services.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WORDWEAVERDESIGN

Please click on the links below to learn more and access each page.

VIEW RESEARCH | CONTENT CREATION

In-depth research & analysis empower audiences. Foundational knowledge of an industry assists with developing storytelling solutions. Every sector benefits from visual storytelling devices that offer context & clarity. VIEW RESEARCH | CONTENT.

VIEW INFORMATION DESIGN | DATA

Effective information design forges a connection with audiences. It offers content, context, and analysis that is accessible. Information graphics have the power to dispel preconceived assumptions by presenting facts and data. VIEW DESIGN | DATA.

VIEW EDUCATION | EARLY CAREER

Research & relationships contribute to a formula for school success. Families benefit from affordable support and coaching that guide college and vocational searches. Support continues with internships and early career. VIEW EDUCATION | EARLY CAREER.

© CONTENT, DESIGN & IMAGES BY MELISSA NAGY DEEGAN. ADDITIONAL IMAGES: ADOBE STOCK, MICROSOFT & SOURCE WEBSITES.

RESEARCH | CONTENT
SUBJECT-MATTER INTERVIEWING
Website, blogs & e-news content
Editorial calendar development
Social media content & MANAGEMENT
Census & demographic data research
Economic & financial data research
FOIA research & inquiry
DESIGN | DATA
Bar, fever, pie, column & line charts
Data analysis & Pivot Tables
TIMELINES, FLOW CHARTS & MAPPING
POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
BRANDING, CORPORATE IDENTITY & SIGNS
NEWSLETTERS, PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS
EDUCATION | CAREER
College admission research & spreadsheets
Common Data Set (CDS) research
HOUSING, TRANSIT & MERIT AID RESEARCH
College essay & scholarship coaching
Internship & early career search
Vocational & trade apprenticeship search
JUNIOR HIGH | HIGH SCHOOL GRAMMAR & ESSAYS
PORTFOLIO | PROPOSALS
This image is part of the website for Wordweaverdesign.com, owned by Melissa Nagy Deegan.

Due to copyright restrictions and the range of available portfolio samples, please share your communications needs via the inquiry form for portfolio access. We are happy to share samples, ideas, and offer a one-page project proposal.

MEETINGS

We meet with prospective clients in the western suburbs of Chicago, the Loop, and throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. For remote meetings with national and international clients who reside outside the Chicago area, we can utilize Teams, Discord, and Zoom for screen sharing.

Thank you for your interest. Affordable and approachable ideas make great storytelling accessible. Please submit your contact information and a brief description of your needs using the contact form on the About page. Use this form to receive a one-page project proposal and request access to spreadsheet templates for college & early career services. Portfolio access is also granted via the contact form.

CONTACT