Extra-Curriculars
Consulting
Color Genomics
As Color Genomics was getting up and running, they were looking for someone to get them on the right track in terms of their tone and voice, and how to write marketing and product content going forward. I created a style guide with core principles, as well as set up a template so they could track terms as they grew.
“Margo is one of the best content strategists I’ve worked with. Specifically, she is excellent at quickly understanding (or eliciting) who the brand is, and then creating a framework for others to express it cohesively and consistently. When Color was just getting started, she executed on these skills by helping clarify our core content principles and then created a style guide the team could use in projects. I highly recommend Margo’s work.”
Vera Institute of Justice | New America
The crisis at the border was at a fever pitch, and families were being separated at an alarming rate. Limited by time, resources and extreme data sensitivity, Vera needed a way for lawyers to conduct intake for both parents and their separated children. I consulted with &Partners on an online (and hard copy) form that allowed lawyers at the Southwest border to better track their cases.
“Margo came in brand new to a team that was just forming, and made a crucial impact from the outset. Her insightful line of questioning and considerations meant solving tricky problems early on, leaving more room for meaningful design. I’d bring Margo on again without hesitation.”
Take Back the Court
Take Back the Court, a non-profit seeking to educate the public about the urgency of Supreme Court reform, needed a new site, and fast. I sourced a designer for them, conducted a site audit, overhauled their IA and designed core content.
“Margo Stern is a gift and a gem. Asking nothing for herself, she generously rescued us from an on-line disaster, a moment when thought leaders were turning to us for advice, but when our online presence was way below par. She immediately fixed the problem through a combination of her own amazing skills and a network of experts who she tapped for help on our behalf. We will forever be grateful to her.”
Other Writing
From time to time, I write things that have nothing to do with content strategy. It’s rare, but it happens. Even more rare, sometimes these things get published!
“HWL” is a satirical send-up of Howl, by Allen Ginsberg. Rewritten for the tech age. Published by Syntax and Salt.
“13032 Sky Valley Road” is a short piece about the house where I grew up, in Southern California. Published by Galaxy Brain
Essays and musings are on Medium.
Performance
2023-present
Alto 1. Performances include Mozart Requiem and Schtensky Requiem at Davies Symphony Hall, August 2023
2022-present
Alto 1. Performances include Bloch Sacred Service, March 2023. Songs from the Pacific Rim, June 2023.
2019-2022
Flash Mob Musical
Musical improv show in San Francisco. Festival appearances include: SF Sketchfest, SF Musical Improv, New York Musical Improv
2014–2018
Featured presenter for a fake PowerPoint presentation. Three-time runner-up. Still mad.
2015–2017
The People’s Non-Binding Arbitration
Weekly improv show, loosely based on The People’s Court. With the improv troupe Uquaqua.
1984-1993
Hand Model
My dad directed toy commercials and sometimes he’d put me in the spots. True story!