WINNIE GESARE ARAKA
nairobi
Summary
Knowledgeable content / creative writer with solid background in content creation, enhancing brand voice through compelling storytelling. Produced high-quality articles, blog posts and marketing copy, contributing to brand engagement and audience growth. Demonstrated proficiency in SEO writing and keyword research, effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve content goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Content Writer /Content Editor
Solace & More
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya (Remote)
10.2024 - Current
- Completed thorough research into assigned topics.
- Improved content quality by conducting thorough research and incorporating industry trends.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error free content
- Lead writer and researcher for in-depth articles on grief, deathcare and memorial culture
- Develop and execute editorial strategy for thematic series by ensuring consistency in tone, accuracy and cultural sensitivity across all published work
- Champion underrepresented grief narratives such as complicated loss, humanist funerals, and digital legacies while positioning Solace & More as a leading voice in modern bereavement media.
Lifestyle/creative blogger
Sunset in Africa
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya (Remote)
12.2013 - Current
- Own and run the website www.sunsetinafrica.co.ke
- Optimized blog posts for SEO, resulting in higher search engine rankings and increased organic traffic.
- Updated older blog posts to refresh content, maintain relevance, and improve search engine performance over time.
- Researched creative topics to write, edit and create layouts for new articles and features.
- Implemented SEO strategies to optimize web content for search engines.
- Create and publish lifestyle, travel and social commentary articles that spotlight African voices, everyday experiences and evolving cultural trends.
- Drive content direction and platform identity by blending journalism with creative storytelling, building Sunset in Africa into a diverse, reader-driven publication.
- Produce SEO-optimized multimedia content including features on wellness, music, SRHR and modern living, tailored for digital audiences across the continent and diaspora.
Writer, Social media manager, Editor and Translator
Ghafla Kenya / Ghafla Tanzania
01.2016 - 09.2022
- Identifying and publishing trending topics in real time and conducting and publishing celebrity interview articles.
- Accurately and fluently translating written and spoken content between English and Swahili for Ghafla Tanzania, tailored for the Tanzanian market, and vice versa for the Kenyan audience.
- Translating various media materials, including articles, scripts, interviews, press releases, advertisements, and subtitles and adapting local content to reflect the cultural and linguistic nuances of the Tanzanian audience, taking into account regional dialects, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references to enhance resonance.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to individual projects, aligning with overall business objectives.
- Market Research: Conduct thorough market analysis to identify target audiences, trends, and competitive positioning, informing marketing tactics and messaging.
- Campaign Management: Plan, execute, and evaluate marketing campaigns across various channels (digital, print, social media) to maximize visibility and engagement.
- Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for project-related marketing communications, ensuring alignment with project teams and stakeholders.
- Content Creation: Oversee the creation of compelling content (brochures, presentations, website updates, press releases) that effectively communicates project value and objectives.
- Proofreading and editing translations for accuracy, grammar, style, and consistency, ensuring all content meets Ghafla’s quality standards.
- Collaborating with writers and editors to clarify ambiguities, address queries, and ensure a seamless work-flow for articles and social media marketing projects.
- As both an editor and translator, maintaining the overall quality of translated articles through reviews, quality checks, and addressing feedback or revisions.
- Managing Ghafla Tanzania’s social media accounts, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Successfully identified and published numerous trending topics, significantly increasing audience engagement and traffic to the website.
- Conducted and published exclusive interviews with high-profile celebrities, enhancing the site’s credibility and attracting a wider readership.
- Achieved a high level of accuracy and fluency in translations between English and Swahili, effectively reaching and resonating with both Tanzanian and Kenyan audiences.
Project Officer
Absal & Sons Limited
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Assist in developing detailed project plans, including time-lines, milestones, and resource allocation.
- Coordinate activities between various stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Monitor project budgets and ensure that expenditures remain within allocated limits.
- Prepare financial reports and forecasts to track project expenses.
- Oversee daily operations on-site to ensure adherence to project specifications and time-lines.
- Conduct regular inspections to monitor progress and compliance with safety regulations.
- Prepare and submit regular progress reports to senior management and stakeholders.
- Document project milestones and update relevant parties on any changes or challenges.
- Serve as a liaison between the company, clients, and regulatory authorities.
- Facilitate meetings and communicate updates, feedback, and issues effectively.
- Ensure all work complies with quality standards and regulations set by the Kenya Authority.
- Conduct quality audits and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions.
- Monitor and assess project risks throughout the life-cycle of the project.
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including contracts, change orders, and meeting minutes.
- Ensure all project records are organized and accessible for audits or reviews.
- Support and guide project team members in achieving project objectives.
- Foster a collaborative environment and promote teamwork.
- Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards set by the Kenya Authority and other governing bodies.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes that may impact the project.
- Developed a comprehensive project plan that included detailed timelines and milestones, leading to the timely initiation of project phases.
- Monitored and managed the project budget effectively, resulting in completion within 95% of the allocated financial resources.
Project Officer
Absal & Sons Limited
02.2012 - 11.2014
- Gathering and analysing budget and expenditure information to ensure financial accuracy and accountability throughout the project.
- Organizing and scheduling meetings to facilitate effective communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Recording detailed minutes during meetings to document discussions, decisions, and action items for future reference.
- Managing and coordinating various project activities to ensure that time-lines are met and objectives are achieved efficiently.
- Compiling and organizing contracts, time-sheets, and reports to maintain comprehensive project records and ensure compliance with all regulations.
- Creating and formatting engaging presentations and documents to effectively convey information to stakeholders and support team initiatives.
- Assisting senior team members with various administrative tasks to enhance overall team productivity and streamline processes.
- Facilitating effective project communications among team members and external parties to keep everyone informed and aligned.
- Participating in site meetings to gather insights, provide updates, and address any project-related concerns directly on location.
- Processing weekly wage payments for workers to ensure timely compensation and maintain positive team morale.
- Successfully managed budget tracking, resulting in a 15% reduction in project costs through effective monitoring and reallocation of resources.
- Streamlined meeting schedules, reducing planning time by 20% and increasing overall team engagement through improved communication strategies.
- Implemented a structured minute-taking process, which enhanced clarity on decisions made and actions required, leading to a 30% increase in task completion rates.
Marketing Officer
Mombasa Diagnostic & Imaging Centre
12.2009 - 06.2011
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans and strategies to promote services and meet sales targets.
- Conduct market research to understand client needs and preferences.
- Monitor and analyse competitor activities, market conditions, and customer behavior to identify opportunities and challenges.
- Visit various hospitals and network with regional doctors to secure client referrals.
- Plan and execute targeted marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including digital marketing, social media, and traditional advertising.
- Create and manage content for marketing materials, including brochures, websites, and social media platforms.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and advertising agencies.
- Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging marketing technologies and tools.
- Feedback scores from key stakeholders (customers, suppliers, advertising agencies) indicating satisfaction with relationships and collaboration.
- Percentage increase in client referrals from networking with doctors and hospital visits.
- Implementation rate of new marketing technologies or tools to enhance strategies, measured by the number of successful integrations.
Education
Diploma - Project Management
Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
Certificate - Business Management
Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Tombe High School
01.2008
Skills
- Project Management
- Creative writing
- Editing skills
- Deadline management
- Keyword optimization
- Content marketing
- Social media proficiency
- Market Research and Analysis
- Content Creation
- Performance Metrics and Analytics
- SEO optimization
- Proofreading
Websites
Timeline
Content Writer /Content Editor
Solace & More
10.2024 - Current
Writer, Social media manager, Editor and Translator
Ghafla Kenya / Ghafla Tanzania
01.2016 - 09.2022
Project Officer
Absal & Sons Limited
01.2014 - 01.2016
Lifestyle/creative blogger
Sunset in Africa
12.2013 - Current
Project Officer
Absal & Sons Limited
02.2012 - 11.2014
Marketing Officer
Mombasa Diagnostic & Imaging Centre
12.2009 - 06.2011
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Tombe High School
Diploma - Project Management
Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
Certificate - Business Management
Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
References
John Aggrey, CEO Solace & More
0727608185
Mr. Majani, CEO Ghafla Kenya
0721235235