Chantay Alexander
I'm Chantay, a corporate communications professional based in Montreal. I write not only to share stories but to chase them.
With a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minors in Environmental Science and Political Science, I’m eager to dive deep into how our words shape the environments we live in — both physical and conceptual.
Corporate Communications & Social Media
Literary Hub
I've always been passionate about literature. During my degree, I discovered works that transformed my life as a reader. I am an amalgamation of every book I've ever loved - here are a few of my favourites.
Expertise
Creative Proficiencies
Corporate Communications
Social Media Management
Writing
Multimedia Content Creation
Featured Creative Work
Podcasting
Having professionally worked with audio for 3+ years, podcasting is one of the most dynamic and personally rewarding formats I’ve had the opportunity to explore. Much of my podcasting work lies in the realm of human connection and learning about what makes people get out of bed in the morning.
Arts After Hours
Higher education is, first and foremost, about education… obviously. But what about all the extra hours of effort students pour into personal projects and programs extracurricular of their studies, all because they have a passion for that work?
Arts After Hours is a podcast I developed, produced, hosted, and edited to get to the crux of why Arts students pursue certain initiatives outside of classwork. I was intrigued by the creative journals, sustainable fashion organizations, and political debate forums my peers were joining en masse. The discussions I’ve had both on and because of this podcast have been some of the most memorable and eye-opening talks I’ve had. I’ve learned so much about the necessity of soft skills in all facets of professional and personal life, and how integral it is to students’ development to pursue Arts-related projects outside a strict curriculum setting.
Below are some of my favourite episodes. You can also find more Arts After Hours on Spotify.
Professional Experience
CV/Resume
St. Mary's Research Centre
Communications Specialist
As the head of all Communications at St. Mary's Research Centre, I manage all internal and external communication channels, including memos, newsletters, websites, annual reports, strategic presentations, urgent news blasts, and social media accounts. I also coordinate events on a weekly basis, including our academic lecture series, community conferences, research team events, and team-building initiatives as Social Committee Chair. Within the past year, I organized and executed a high-level cancer research symposium (CAN-TOX), with 200+ attendees and 15 pharmaceutical sponsors.
TELUS Corporation
Communications Specialist
During my tenure at TELUS, I created and executed high level strategic communications plans across business units. Focusing primarily on internal communications, I wrote critical business updates and announcements affecting team members for the company's intranet, as well as drafted internal memos to be sent company wide. I supported one of our EVPs in all her communications and social media management, which included blending both the company's brand voice and the EVPs voice in all associated communications, creating a wide-reaching social media strategy reflective of our business goals.
McGill University Faculty of Arts
Communications Assistant
As a Communications Assistant at McGill, I spearheaded various multimedia projects, including written communications for higher education audiences, easily consumable short-form video content for social media, and longer-form podcasts. I also took ownership of multiple research projects, ensuring our communications are reaching the correct audiences and allowing the department to improve our communications and social media strategy.
VITAC Canada
Live Media Captioning Specialist
Within my role as a Live Media Captioning Specialist, I synthesized critical content for deaf/hard-of-hearing audiences whilst ensuring the highest possible accuracy. I specialized in major media networks CNN, MSNBC, and The Weather Channel, and edited audio content to assess areas of improvement. A large part of this role included researching news/current affairs, specific media outlets, and industry best practices. The most valuable aspect of this role was the opportunity to actively and directly improve accessibility conditions for vulnerable populations.
Diario AS
Journalist & Content Writer
As a freelance journalist, I wrote timely entertainment and pop culture articles for Diario AS, a major online news outlet in Spain. Within this role, I communicated with my fellow journalists via Slack and Google Workspace. In addition to crafting unique, compelling, and engaging content about the latest entertainment news, I also diligently edited my peers’ work for clarity, structure, and to ensure it abided with AP Style guidelines.
FANIQUE Group
Content Editor, Intern
With a focus on fashion and sustainability communications, I contributed to a wide range of external public relations projects for major companies like Aritzia and Aloha. These include drafting press releases, creating media kits with accompanying visuals, and editing fellow colleagues' work to ensure all output aligns with the brand image and tone.
Volunteer & Leadership
My leadership roles are near and dear to my heart, representing what I'm most passionate about.
Mother Goose Montreal
Board Secretary
Support the non-profit's strategic development through administrative documentation, meeting minutes, and communications efforts.
McGill Office of Sustainability
Sustainability Ambassador
Collaborated on outreach initiatives to create a more sustainable future for students at McGill, and managed my team's social media presence.
Department of English Student Association
VP Journals & Affiliates
Oversaw all student publications under the jurisdiction of the McGill Department of English, and collaborated on literary events.