My name is Erik S. (Stephen) Hanley. I’m a red-headed Irishman with a God-given passion for creative writing as well as all elements of media including feature reporting, investigative journalism, and copywriting to name a few. I strive to incorporate my faith into my daily life by using the gifts God has given to their fullest potential and to His glory. I strongly believe in maintaining integrity through objectivity in journalism and honest promotion.
I currently work as a full-time reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Communities section -- I cover the South Shore (Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Franklin, Cudahy, and St. Francis). I have experience with breaking stories, features, general news, the police beat, education reporting, and more. In addition to writing, I have photo, video, and audio editing experience along with training in search engine optimization (SEO) and social media promotion.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies in 2012 from the University of Wisconsin -- Milwaukee, graduating cum laude with a triple concentration in print journalism, advertising/public relations, and media studies. I also achieved Pi Sigma Alpha status in my minor of Political Science. While at UWM, I was also an intern at University Christian Ministries on campus where I designed flyers, hosted a Bible study, organized a game night, helped with a free lunch program, and helped start/promote a food pantry for students.
I also interned at Patch.com for a semester while in college where I covered various news stories and feature articles in Oak Creek. I've also had articles published in the Waukesha Freeman, Irish American Post, Media Milwaukee and in the MATC Times newspaper. In high school, I was the Editor-in-Chief of our school paper, the Shoreland Navigator, which worked with ASNE's Youth Journalism Initiative. My hobbies outside of writing include: hiking, reading, video games, darts, archery, and researching as I'm always trying to learn and better myself.
Prior to UWM, I received my Associates in Arts and a Certificate in American Indian Studies at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), graduating Phi Theta Kappa. I also graduated from Shoreland Lutheran high school (SLHS) in 2008 in the top 10 of my class.
Enjoy my work samples, blog archive, and the rest of my site. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or a freelance job for me. God bless!