Degree(s): BJ '92

Whereabouts: United States, St. Louis, Missouri

What do you do?
I run a nonprofit organization called “The Angel Band Project.” Our mission is to promote hope and healing through music for those affected by sexual violence. This project was founded after the rape and murder of a dear friend, Teresa Butz, in her home in Seattle. It was inspired by her family’s reaction in the form of music by the tragic loss of her life. We created a benefit album titled “Take You With Me” that features originals and covers sung by Teresa’s musically gifted family, as well as her partner, who was also raped and stabbed during that same attack. Today we use music therapy programs to help victims of sexual violence during their healing process.

How did you get your job?
My best friend and I co-founded this project two months after Teresa died, in September 2009.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
I have used the skills learned in the journalism school to promote and create a brand identity for this project. My writing skills, combined with the concepts I learned studying in the advertising sequence, have consistently helped me in building this business.

What advice do you have for current students?
Internships provide a wealth of experience while you are studying in college. By applying what you learn in a real life setting, you can better understand your personal goals and identify the career path that you wish to take upon graduation.

What is your favorite J-School memory?
My favorite memory is working on our senior ad campaign, which was for Apple computers.

Any parting comments?
We are available for public speaking as well as live music events to raise awareness on the issue of sexual violence.