Erin R. Socha
Lawrence, KS
I am a non-traditional student at the University of Kansas, where I am studying journalism and environmental science. My interests lie in science writing, ecology, STEM communication, and data journalism.
Before I returned to school, I spent almost twenty years working in the wine industry, where I developed excellent skills in sales, customer service, and marketing.
EDUCATION
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Journalism major | Environmental Studies minor
Anticipated Graduation – Fall 2025. 3.76 GPA
Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
Associate of Arts – Graduated Spring 2021. 4.0 GPA
SKILLS
• Mac & Microsoft Office proficient
• Quantitative literacy
• Adobe Creative Suite
CERTIFICATIONS
• 2012 | Certified Specialist of Wine – Society of Wine Educators
WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelance Journalist, Lawrence, KS (June 2023 – Present)
As a freelance journalist I have been published in the Kansas Reflector, Lawrence Journal-World and Eater Magazine. My work for the Reflector has covered the environment and local government.
Vintegrity Kansas, Lenexa, KS
Sales Consultant, NE Kansas Territory (March 2019 – January 2020)
Managed a large regional territory covering Topeka, Lawrence, and parts of Johnson County, selling wine and spirits to retail and restaurant accounts.
Winebow Fine Wine & Spirits, North Carolina
Sales Consultant, Durham and Chapel Hill Territories (October 2015 – January 2019)
Managed a sales territory of almost 100 accounts in one of the busiest and most competitive regions in the state. I grew my sales route from $750,000 in fiscal year 2016, to $1.1m at the end of fiscal year 2018, a growth of 45% in less than three years.
Chapel Hill Wine Company, Chapel Hill, NC
Wine Consultant (June 2013 – October 2015)
Asheville Wine Market, Asheville, NC
Wine and Food Consultant (July 2010 – June 2013)