Cheryl Reed

About Cheryl Reed

Communications and media repression expert on Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries. Two-time Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine and Central Asia. Fulbright Specialist in Ukraine. Formerly a journalism professor in Kyiv\'s National University, Syracuse University, University of Illinois at Chicago and others. Communications Director for Poverty Reduction Center and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Previously a staff reporter and editor at a number of newspapers and magazines, including the Chicago Sun-Times. Author of three books: the novels, Poison Girls, and Map of My Escape; the nonfiction book Unveiled:The Hidden Lives of Nuns. Specialties: Writing, editing, teaching.

Experience

1. Senior Communications Advisor for Ukraine

   USAID

   Dec 2023 — Present · DC, US

   Communication strategist for Ukraine unit of the Europe and Eurasia Bureau of USAID, the U.S. government’s entity that provides humanitarian, economic, and military support for Ukraine to fight against Russia’s aggression. Design communication strategy across multiple platforms and sectors. Engage with other government entities, such as the State Department, to create streamline messages for international, domestic, and private sector audiences.

Education

• The Ohio State University

  Master of Arts, Journalism

  1996 — 1997

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Dual Bachelor of Journalism degrees, News/Editorial; Photojournalism

  1986 — 1989

• Northwestern University

  MFA, Creative Writing/Fiction, 4.0

  2008 — 2012