Annmarie Akpan

                                          Journalism | Public Relations | Marketing | Digital Media

WELCOME TO MY SITE!

I am an Adaptable and result-oriented, communications professional, with a passion for leveraging digital channels to connect with audiences and achieve impactful results.

Proficient in a variety of communication tools, Including social media platforms, content, management systems, and marketing. Experienced and developing and executing campaigns that increase brand awareness, drive engagement, and achieve desired outcomes. Eager to apply my skills to a fast pace, innovative organization.

Published Articles

A selection of my most popular and widely read articles from campus publications and media internships, showcasing my experience in journalism, digital content, and audience-focused storytelling.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

Maryland Proceeding with Contract to Change Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program – The Baltimore Watchdog

By Annmarie H. Akpan


Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer


In a bid to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions, the state of Maryland is moving forward with plans to revamp its vehicle emissions inspection program. After Gov. Wes Moore took office this year, his administration took a pause on the contract that would confirm a rule to change the state’s long-running emission inspection program. The proposed changes have sparked mixed reactions among residents, particularly electric vehic...
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

POLITICAL NEWS — Harris surges ahead of Trump in new presidential polls

Annmarie Akpan, Staff Writer
Recent polls indicate a major shift in the presidential race, with Vice President Kamala Harris now leading former President Donald Trump in several key surveys. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Harris ahead 45% to 41%, while a USA Today/Suffolk University poll gives her a 48% to 43% edge. This change follows President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and endorse Harris, along with a strong post-convention boost for the new Democratic nominee.
Despite Harris’s gains, the...

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS — Doctor in Matthew Perry’s death case appears in court after plea deal

Annmarie Akpan, Staff Writer
Dr. Mark Chavez, one of two doctors charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death, appeared in federal court in Los Angeles on Friday following a plea deal. Chavez, 54, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to distribute the anesthetic ketamine and will cooperate with prosecutors. He is required to surrender his medical license, passport, and refrain from practicing medicine.
Chavez’s plea deal comes as part of a broader investigation into Perry’s fatal overdos...
Photo by Gonzalo Facello on Pexels

SPORTS NEWS — Tiafoe triumphs over Shelton in All-American U.S. Open rematch

Annmarie Akpan, Staff Writer
Frances Tiafoe outlasted Ben Shelton in a thrilling five-set battle at the U.S. Open, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round for the fifth consecutive year. Tiafoe, who was eliminated by Shelton in last year’s quarterfinals, overcame Shelton’s powerful serve with sharp net play and resilience.
With this win, Tiafoe could face Novak Djokovic next, adding to the high stakes of his campaign. Shelton’s impressive performance, including 23 aces...
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

SPORTS NEWS – Nationals set to face Phillies in opening game of 4-game series

Annmarie Akpan, Staff Writer
The Washington Nationals (55-66) will face the Philadelphia Phillies (70-50) in the first game of a four-game series on Thursday evening. The Phillies, who currently lead the NL East, boast a strong 39-22 home record and have hit 146 homeruns this season, ranking fifth in the NL. Zack Wheeler, with a 2.78 ERA, will start for the Phillies, while the Nationals’ Mitchell Parker, with a 3.83 ERA, takes the mound for Washington. Despite being fourth in the NL East, the Na...
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

WORLD NEWS – Israel-Hamas war’s death toll surpasses 40,000 as ceasefire talks remain on the table

Annmarie Akpan, Staff Writer
The Israel-Hamas war, now in its 10th month, has led to a devastating Palestinian death toll exceeding 40,000. Amid escalating violence, a new round of cease-fire talks has resumed in Doha, involving the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and an Israeli delegation. The discussions, expected to continue into Friday, aim to secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack and to prevent a wider regional conflict. Although Hamas is not directly participati...
Photo by Aaron Kittredge on Pexels

POLITICS NEWS – Vance and Walz set to face off in vice presidential debate hosted by CBS news on October 1

Annmarie Akpan, Staff Writer
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance have agreed to participate in a vice presidential debate on October 1, hosted by CBS News in New York City.  The debate, moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, marks a significant moment as early voting begins in some states ahead of the general election.
While this debate is confirmed, Vance has also challenged Walz to an additional debate on September 18,  to potentially air on CNN. The Harris-Walz c...

ENTERTAINMENT: Yacht Rock Revue, touching down in the DC metro area, with hot summer concerts

July 11, 2024
By AnnMarie Akpan, Staff Writer
Photos: Courtesy of Yacht Rock Revue
Yacht Rock Revue, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, has become synonymous with the smooth, melodic sounds of late ’70s and early ’80s yacht rock. Known for their captivating performances and nostalgic hits, the band has garnered a dedicated following. They are the opening act for Train at Jiffy Lube Live on August 6th in the DC metro area. DC Spotlight’s reporter AnnMarie Akpan had the pleasure of sitting down with N...

CONCERTS: Beck takes Wolf Trap by storm; a fusion of iconic hits

By Joshua Lanier/AnnMarie Akpan, Staff Writers
Photos by DC Spotlight Newspaper/Joshua Lanier

Last Saturday evening, hundreds of concertgoers filled the Wolf Trap to experience an extraordinary performance by Beck, the Grammy-winning artist known for his eclectic sound and innovative musical style. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, Beck delivered a memorable show at the iconic Fairfax, VA venue. The orchestra’s arrangements provided a rich backdrop as Beck performed hits spanning...
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Podcast series: AI in our lives – The Baltimore Watchdog

The age of generative artificial intelligence is upon us. Students in Towson University’s podcasting course teamed up to report on how AI is disrupting industries and institutions, making it difficult to detect what’s real and fake, and creating new opportunities to create, communicate and find companionship.


Hear highlights from student podcasts in this video, or listen to their full episodes below.


Dyani Cedeno and Eliana Rakhamimov on the phenomenon of AI covers


Assata Ash-Shakoor, A...
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels

Halloween Spending Boosts Economy as Americans Set to Spend $12 Billion in 2023 – The Baltimore Watchdog

By Annmarie H. AkpanBaltimore Watchdog Staff Writer


Halloween, a simple occasion for children to dress up and collect candy, has transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry. From costumes and decorations to parties and events, Halloween spending has reached higher levels, making it an exciting subject to explore.


According to a recent report by BBC News, Americans are expected to spend  $12 billion on Halloween in 2023, signifying the significant impact of this holiday on the economy....
Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels

Navigating Thanksgiving: Spending and Traveling for Families and College Students – The Baltimore Watchdog

By Annmarie Akpan


Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer


As Thanksgiving approaches, many families and college students face the challenge of managing their finances while ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Here are how some students plan to gain insight into their strategies for navigating Thanksgiving spending.


Britney Fraser, a student at Towson University, shared her unique approach to Thanksgiving spending this year with her parents. “We’re doing things differently to save time,” Fr...
Photo by Alexander Grey on Pexels

Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest Promotes Peace and Creativity – The Baltimore Watchdog

Annmarie H. Akpan


Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer


In a bid to engage children in conflict resolution and promote peaceful resolutions, the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) organized the highly anticipated Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest. Now in its 18th year, the contest has become a significant event in Maryland, attracting students from across the state to showcase their artistic talents and understanding of conflict resolution.


Alecia Parker, the S...

Why Every Woman Should Read Rupi Kaur

“Our backs

Tell stories

No book have

The spine to

Carry.” (Rupi Kaur)

If you don’t know Rupi Kaur, you should.

Rupi Kaur is a number one New York Times best selling author and illustrator of two collections of Poetry, Milk and Honey and The Sun and Her Flowers. Growing up, Kaur, wrote verses, prose, and poetry. Erin Spencer, in her article “The poet Every Woman Needs to Read” from the Huffington Post, quotes Kaur, “I grew up reading everything I could get my hands on. Moved by the ability...

H & M Stores Make a Big Mistake

Last week, H&M was forced to apologize and order a withdrawal of stock after publishing an advertisement that featured a black young black male wearing a green hoodie with a caption saying coolest monkey in the jungle.”

According to Fox News, protesters vandalized H&M’s stores in South Africa and demanded the Swedish brand to stop selling the product. The violence spread to at least four malls. Mannequins and racks of clothes were scattered all over the place as vandals attacked the store. Afte...