As an independent journalist, I write about things I care about. These include social change, social enterprise, women in business, entrepreneurship, spiritual business, strong neighborhoods and something called Caring Capitalism. The operative principle in all of these topic areas is “passion.”

I have been flitting about the culture of web development in Chicago since 1997 (or so) when I was part of the early development of Fast Company’s Circle of Friends. I have been involved in the early development of several social networks including Omidyar.net, and I party with friends on Facebook, discuss issues with colleagues on LInkedIn, and twitter about the future of newsrooms @SAduros. I also blog on a regular basis for HuffingtonPost Chicago, affectionately known as Chuff-Po.

Formerly, I was the Real Estate Editor for the Chicago Sun-Times (laid off Feb 2008). In that position I offered early warnings on subprime lending and the encroaching fiscal crisis. In the past I had worked as an aide to Mayor Richard M. Daley, Managing Editor of Crain’s City & State and a copy reader for The Wall Street Journal. In those positions, I worked with Chicago’s (and national) top influencers, including politicians, CEOs, VCs, angel investors, non-profit CEOs and management consultants. I have also been a fundraiser and chief development officer for a national trade association and a homeless shelter for abused women. Oh, and I have a Master’s of Science in Communications from Northwestern University, too.

I thought my six years experience working in Chicago City Hall would make my insights into government and politics more valuable to newsrooms. I was wrong. It took me ten years to find a home in journalism again at the Sun-Times.

I am sensitive to ethical issues in journalism. You can’t pay me to write a glowing article about you, but I will write about issues I am passionate about. When I am writing from passion, I put on my advocacy hat. In journalism, I prefer to take the approach as laid out in the Journalists’ Creed. I believe the “supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.”

Since I have to make a living and am still working on the right formula as an independent, I also consult. As a communications consultant, my charge is to inform, persuade and, at times, entertain. Whether working with an organization or an individual, the approach is the same. I listen, understand and then synthesize key findings into the core attributes of a brand or solution. I then work with the client to custom create the content, which could be a book, a business proposal, a grant proposal, a website, an email newsletter or something totally new.

I would eagerly be taken captive as a full-time Communications Director or VP for the right organization. I’d be happy to put my powerful network, social media skills, writing talents and public speaking abilities to work for you.