Emma Gilliam is a journalism and religious studies senior at The University of Texas at Austin. Previously she worked as the Copy Desk Chief of The Daily Texan in Austin.

Austin Film Festival

Screenplay Intern, Theater Manager & Venue Manager

August 2023 – Present

  • Assess and provide notes for film and TV screenplays in first two rounds of judging

  • Manage venues in prepping and conducting panels and workshops with +100 attendees

  • Lead team in ADA compliant theater operations for screenings of short and feature films

  • Coordinate panelist and attendee satisfaction including hotel reservation and event quality

  • Systematize +13,000 script entries via reader assignment, script tracking, and copy editing

Marla & Darla

BTS Photographer & Prop Designer

November 2023

  • Photograph behind-the-scenes content on 35mm film for indie short film marketing

  • Design props including original featured newspapers as a plot-progressing tool

The Daily Texan

Copy Desk Chief

January 2023 – April 2023

Associate Copy Desk Chief

August 2022 - December 2022

Copy Issue Staffer

January 2021 - May 2022

Issue Designer

January 2021 - May 2021

  • Led 30 editors in upholding credibility of the U.S.’ most followed student newspaper

  • Edited and fact-checked all content including articles, newsletters and media with +12,000 daily circulation

  • Managed department hiring, facilitated training, and provided weekly individual feedback

  • Executed department social events to ensure a cohesive and healthy workplace

  • Represented copy department in collaboration with adviser and management

  • Led 6 editors in meeting daily and hourly deadlines for copy editing and fact checking

  • Provided weekly individual feedback and mentored copy issue staffers

  • Strengthened content through editorial support, fact checking and copy editing

  • Coordinated production at weekly staff meetings and attended biweekly workshops in D&I, libel and AP Style

  • Created cohesive design throughout newspaper using Adobe Indesign and Illustrator

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Youth and Parenting Helpline

Crisis Responder

February 2021 - April 2023

  • Utilized creative problem-solving to adapt to each youth’s unique needs and situation

  • Established personal connection via authentic, empathetic language in calls and texts

  • Responded to hundreds of incoming crises in accordance with statewide and local laws

  • Coordinated solutions between families and police in high-stress, time-sensitive situations

  • Produced marketing content to increase outreach to teenagers and their families

Not On My Campus

Peer Educator

January 2021 - May 2022

  • Coordinated education of sexual violence and harmful language in music and film

  • Facilitated preventative safety measures information sessions to group of +270 students

Anti-Slavery St. Andrews

Social Media Coordinator

September 2019 - June 2020

  • Organized and publicized events, including socials and film screenings

  • Posted articles weekly to the Anti-Slavery St. Andrews Facebook page

  • Promoted awareness of human trafficking throughout St. Andrews community