Darlene Johnson
Richmond, VA
Aspiring journalist maintaining integrity, objectivity, and empathy in the
newsroom. 5 years of customer service experience, 3 years of journalistic
experience, and over 6 years of learning Spanish.
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, VA
B.S. in mass communications, a concentration in digital
journalism, minor in Spanish (2019-2023)
J.R. Tucker High School — Henrico, VA
Center for Spanish Language and Global Citizenship
(2014-2018)
● Earned Seal of Biliteracy on diploma by passing the AAPPL
Spanish test and other required assessments
● Taught Spanish to 3 grades of elementary schoolers by
collaborating on lesson plans and class activities with 3
peers
● Immersed in Spanish through literature, history, health, and
cultural courses
Relevant Experience
National Association of Black Journalists (2022-)
● Treasurer and Communications Manager
Capital News Service (2022-)
● Published 6 articles
● Collaborated on live coverage of the 2022 Election
Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture (2020-)
● Create TV news packages, radio spots, broadcast scripts,
articles, and flyers
● Contribute and collaborate in news teams by copyediting,
researching, and pitching
● Edit audio, photos, and videos
● Interview gubernatorial candidates, senators, law
enforcement, legislators, organizations, and victims in
person, by phone, email, and on Zoom
Skills
● Intermediate Spanish
● Investigative Journalism
● Film and photography
● Canva, Zoom and Slack
● Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets)
● Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive)
● Adobe Suite (Premiere, Audition, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Previous Extracurricular Activities
Partnership for the Future (2014-2018)
● College readiness program
Keyettes (2017-2018)
● All-female community service club
Beta Club (2017-2018)
● Academic, leadership, and service club
johnsond5@vcu.edu
Work Experience
Lowe's — Henrico, VA
Inside Lawn & Garden Associate (Feb 2020 -
June 2022)
● Earned Service Star Award for positive
customer reviews
● Earned Safety Team badge from Asset
Protection for practicing merchandise
recovery without detention and maintaining
store safety
● Utilized Genesis and Sterling for deliveries
and order fulfillment
● Assisted with credit applications and
installment leads
● Cross-trained in other departments and
trained new associates
Food Lion — Richmond, VA
Deli/Bakery Associate (May 2019 - Nov 2019)
● Appointed to train new associates
● Maintained speed and efficiency during
holidays and peak hours
● Recognized for providing extra support to
the team when short staffed
Citi Trends — Richmond, VA
Sales Associate/Cashier (Sep 2018 - April 2019)
● Processed layaways and markdowns
quickly and efficiently
● Assisted in loss prevention using store
strategies
● Appointed to train new associates
A Grace Place — Richmond, VA
Intern/Companion (June 2016 - Aug 2016; June
2017 - Aug 2017)
● Engaged with elderly and disabled adults to
prevent isolation
● Created and led activities for clients
● Developed a plan to implement a pet
therapy program