K. Ellen comes to CNI with 20 years of experience working in public and commercial media. She could nerd out all day with HTML code and a stack of analytics reports but also enjoys the art of wordsmithing and the creativity afforded by graphic design and marketing tasks. She’s a voracious audiobook and podcast listener and has never met a funnel cake or churro she didn’t like.

WHEN SHE’S NOT WORKING WITH CNI:
K. Ellen is an avid gardener and enjoys growing flowers, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, many of which are used in her home apothecary. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and caring for two rescue cats who, in their spare time, are actively working towards world domination.

WHY SHE JOINED CNI:
“In an era where credible journalism and community engagement are paramount, this role offers a chance to help CNI connect with audiences, amplify voices, and provide analysis of the issues impacting Illinoisians. Every day, I contribute to a team dedicated to providing truth and valuable information to the communities we serve."

WHAT SHE WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT CNI:
“I’m a huge believer in the importance of data; CNI does a wonderful job of making data accessible and digestible using infographics to complement their reporting. By combining data, images, and concise explanations, CNI helps audiences grasp intricate subjects and complex issues in seconds.”

WHERE SHE SEES CNI IN THE FUTURE:
I’d love to see CNI expand its digital footprint via social media. It's where conversations happen, where stories spread, and where communities unite. By effectively leveraging social media, CNI can bridge the gap between complex legislative processes and the everyday lives of citizens - facilitating a better understanding of how legislation directly affects them.

Learn more about the Capitol News Illinois Team