Kristyn Jo Benedyk

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT KRISTYN JO BENEDYK

Dedicated professor, academic administrator, writer, filmmaker, producer, academic consultant, published/produced playwright, blood donation advocate, and advisory board member for non-profits.Primary focus in academia is to help universities in the development and oversight of student-centered interdisciplinary media programs at undergraduate and graduate level. Extensive experience in developing curricula (specializing in programs that bring together multiple departments) as well as launching and overseeing the initial rollout of these programs to ensure success. Also experienced in creating and fostering outside partnerships, ranging from charities, businesses, and film studios to create opportunities for students.As an academic consultant, strengths include fostering dialogues between faculty from various fields and completing the extensive logistical work associated with degree creation in order to ensure program approval for the university\'s targeted launch date. Passionate about experiential learning as well as collaborations with non-profits for service learning so students have hands on experience while helping their communities. In addition to being a Program Director and/or Department Chair at multiple universities, maintains a steady teaching load in the areas of screenwriting, story structures, and cinematic arts. Dedicated to building internship opportunities for students as well as creating dynamic study abroad and international learning programs. Remains an active screenwriter, director, and producer in narrative and documentary filmmaking. Recently finished writing her first novel, has personal essays published in The Huffington Post, currently writing on assignment for multiple companies, and is developing numerous independent screenplays with plans to produce and direct through a new joint-venture production company, Inspira, dedicated to creating content that improves the world in meaningful ways. Co-founded and runs “A Pint For Kim” in memory of her sister, a group designed to spread awareness about the importance of donating blood and the role blood transfusions play in cancer treatments. The first annual APFK blood drive set the Illinois state record for largest one-day one-location blood drive, and each annual Mother’s Day weekend drive has broken it since! More info at serves on the advisory board for Versiti Blood Centers as well as The Base Chicago. Recently launched a music program with The Base in West Garfield Park and is directing a documentary about this new venture.