Programming & Communications Manager, National Media Awards Foundation
English & Professional Writing, Specialized Honours 2018

John Wilson is a freelance communications and project consultant in the not-for-profit sector. As the Communications & Programming Manager at the National Media Awards Foundation, John oversees the day-to-day operations and communications strategies for three of the most important awards programs in Canadian periodical publishing — the National Magazine Awards, Digital Publishing Awards, and National Magazine Awards: B2B.

I was drawn to the Professional Writing program at York because of its focus on book and periodical publishing in the third and fourth years of the program — it is one of a very small handful of undergraduate programs in Canada that provides a foundation for students to work in publishing or adjacent industries. The real-world experience I acquired in the capstone courses prepared me to pursue a graduate certificate in publishing at Centennial College and, from there, work in the magazine sector.