MEG FRIEL

I am a multimedia journalist with a passion for storytelling. I graduated from Saint Michael's College in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies, Journalism, and Digital Arts and a focus in political science. There, I dabbled in writing for publication, videography and video editing, page design, and graphic design. I worked for Saint Michael's College newspaper, “The Defender,” as a junior reporter for one year before becoming the executive editor in 2019. I received the John Donoghue Award for Excellence in Journalism the following year, an award given to the graduating senior who has provided strong support, leadership, and commitment to one or more of Saint Michael's student publications.

After graduating, I had the pleasure of interning at Portland Monthly Magazine, where I wrote and edited stories about Maine and all that makes it so easy to love. I also worked with No Umbrella Media and The Maine Outdoor Film Festival to help produce their "Filmmaker in Focus" podcast, where I interviewed filmmakers from across the country about their films.

During the summers, I run Goldthwaite’s Pool Lobster - a small, charming general store and restaurant in the heart of Biddeford Pool. Goldthwaite’s is a tiny slice of quintessential Maine summer packed into one quaint (and lovingly antiquated) seaside store. From May to September, I oversee 20-25 employees daily, along with managing our social media accounts, designing and selecting merchandise, and curating the menu. My main job, however, is chatting - collecting stories from customers, employees, friends, and neighbors. It is wonderful, sweaty fun on all accounts.

Outside of my professional life, I volunteer every Monday night for the Center for Grieving Children in Portland. I spend my time as a co-facilitator on their Tender Living Care night, a program directed at families with loved ones who are diagnosed with a life-impacting illness. I would happily argue that volunteering for the Center has been my favorite and most fulfilling part of moving to Portland thus far.

If I'm not doing any of the above, I like to spend my time exploring New England, attempting to knit, or dragging my friends along for a swim in Casco Bay.

Contact me for business inquiries, freelance opportunities, or just to tell a story.

frielmeg@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/megfriel/