Author

Alexandra Bornkessel

“I believe in the heart of a person and the power of the people.”

Hope is not what you expect–it is a dream much bigger. In changing our communities and the world around us, we have expectations, desires, wants and even desperate needs. But what we do on our own and together, to influence and create change for good is a much bigger dream involving many. I’ve found social marketing provides a framework that can help make these dreams a tangible reality.

About Alex

Strategist + Professor + Advocate

I use to always want to write for a bi-lingual paper. So, I did. I wrote for a bi-lingual, bi-monthly (Spanish and English) paper and covered the growing Latino community in Mid-Missouri. Seeing the community strive and work to advance a better quality of life and the huge barriers before them, I realized I wanted to be a part of changing the tide. Wanting to influence change for the better, I switched to strategic communications and discovered the under practiced, under developed, niche industry of social marketing and immediately knew I found my calling.

Now, I have years of experience on both sides of the fence–client and agency, grassroots, local, state and national initiatives and continue to grow. I work at RTI International on the science behind social change where I combine my knowledge in social marketing with my skills in social and mobile technologies to help government agencies, non-profits and foundations impact our world for the better. I have spoken on these topics at Georgetown, Yale and Emory Universities and currently teach Health Promotion and Social Media at American University. You can get more of the “formal resume” on LinkedIn. Feel free to contact me at abornkessel [at] fly4change.com.

Specialties:

Strategic Planning
Social Marketing + Design
Strategic Communications + Marketing
Campaign Strategy + Development
Online Advocacy + Content Strategy
Social Media Strategy + Measurement
Feature Writing + Interviewing
Qualitative + Quantitative Research
Event Planning + Social Fundraising
Project Management + Public Speaking

Education

M.A. Strategic Communications, Social Marketing, University of Missouri’s School of Journalism
B.J. Strategic Communications, Business Minor, University of Missouri’s School of Journalism
Cross-Cultural Journalism, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, Guadalajara Campus

Speaking Topics:

  • The Power and Potential of Social Marketing
  • Designing Community Change
  • Where Digital and Health Literacy Meet–Addressing The Double Divide
  • Why Online Advocacy Matters in Public Health
  • Drawing Lines: Social Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing
  • Applying a Social Marketing Approach
  • HOW TO: Combine Passion with Purpose
  • Free Agent Fundraising: A True Story
  • Starting a Movement and Creating Change

Presentations

  • August 9, 2012, The Inspiration Shop: People, Passion + Purpose, CDC’s National Health Communication, Marketing and Media Conference, Atlanta, GA
  • May 16, 2012, The Social Media Shift: From Campaign to Cause, Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting, Washington D.C.
  • September 28 2011, How to Build an Online Community: A Recipe for Success, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Center for New Media, Washington D.C.
  • October 4-6, 2010, The Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
  • December 8-9, 2009, Being Empowered: Faces and Places You Need to Know in Government 2.0, Advanced Learning Institute’s “Social Media & Government” Conference, Arlington, VA
  • May 19, 2009, Engaging Diverse Youth through Interactive Marketing and Media, Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
  • March 24, 2009, Fusing Traditional and Social Media: 3 Case Studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
  • March 3, 2009, Fusing Social Marketing and Social Media Marketing, Yale University
  • February 11, 2009, Social Media Club: Engaging the Health World through Social Media, Washington D.C.
  • October 13, 2008, On Women and Blogging, BlogHer Reach Out Tour, Washington D.C.
  • September 29-30, 2008, The Purpose Driven Campaign, World Social Marketing Conference, Brighton, England
  • September 6, 2008, How to Write for the Web, American Independent Writer’s Workshop, Fairfax, VA
  • April 4, 2008, Using Marketing for Change, Be the Next Wave Take Action Summit, Washington D.C.

Kudos

Monica Evans Names SB as her #BrazebBlog Crush
Beth Kanter names SocialButterfly as one of the Top 10 Nonprofit Technology (NPTech) and Social Media for Social Change Blogs
Amy Sample Ward’s Reflections on SocialButterfly and Blog Action Day
ReadWriteWeb Government 2.0 Guest Columnist
Meet a SocialButterfly Who is Passionate About Non-Profit Causes
, BlogHer Interview by Beth Kanter
Syndicated Blogger at BrazenCareerist.com
Marketing 4 Good Interview, Jonny’s Par-tay by Jonny Goldstein and Scott Stead
Featured blog on Alltop’s Top Social Media Blogs
Featured blog on Alltop’s Top Nonprofit Blogs
Included in the Friday Traffic Reports’ list of Top 142 Social Media Marketing Blog

Contact

People I’d Recommend

Derek Hidey (aka Alex Taldren) for his technical Web support.

Thanks

My God who celebrates change for His people.
My mom for all her encouragement and inspiration–she is the original socialbutterfly.
My husband for all his support, love and understanding.

Bookmark and Share


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7 thoughts on “Author


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    Des Walsh

    Hi
    I’m just putting together a social media blogroll. I like to put a person’s name to a blog if I can. Is there is a reason you don’t have your name here, or should I just know? 🙂


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    charlie

    hi,

    around here we love reading social butterfly. thought you might like to take a look something of ours, too.

    we just launched in beta a new social site called http://www.goodcircle.org.

    it’s a whole new way for people and groups to unite around anything they believe and support, and use the power of commerce to benefit it.

    you can support up to 10 separate non profits in any % you want — like being your own bill gates.

    for free and in one place, you can also message members, post pictures and share videos, organize and promote events, publish newsletters, accept donations, start stores, and feature items and ebay auctions.

    and everyday, through what you buy and sell, you directly benefit your goodcircle and what you believe.

    love to know what you think..thanks!

    best,

    charlie


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    Padre

    After 43 years on this planet never surprised by the great insight and maturity you bring to your choosen endeavor. I’m inspired to affect my circle of social influence with your writing.


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    Jeremy

    Thanks for leaving a message on my blog. Who are you?!


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    Linda Margaret

    I am so glad someone is doing this! Social entrepreneurship is so essential to creating effective measurable change. I’ve set up projects through my company to monitor and measure social media regarding International Criminal Court, UN, and NGO projects in developing or conflict areas. People are so interested in these subjects, and so willing to get involved. Groups can leverage these disconnected online communities to effect real change.


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    Tabitha

    Love what you are doing here! Keep up the great work! I am wondering do you still write for others? I have several people in a coaching program who have amazing ideas for products and/or e-books but without the time or desire to write themselves. If you are avail I would love to promote you to our group since you obviously have the same vision for changing the world!

    Anyway we can promote or assist you on http://agent.changeagentsnetwork.com would be my pleasure!

    Best,
    Tabitha

  7. Pingback: Mark & Phil - Fine crafted marketing and philanthropic strategy for good causes. 10 Ways to Fight Content Rot For the Busy Nonprofit Marketing Director »

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