ABOUT ME

Hi there! My name is Leah Spellman Berger, APR. I’m a strategic communications professional and freelance writer based in Ohio. I’ve spent the past 15 years working in house for a range of industries, from tourism to higher ed to the culinary world. I specialize in integrated marketing communications, media relations, PR planning, writing and editing, magazine production, community relations and internal communications. For as long as I can remember listening to and sharing others’ stories has been my biggest passion and pastime. When I’m not working or caring for my little one, I love traveling, reading essay collections and discovering small towns brimming with charm. I also serve on PRSA’s Travel & Tourism section national executive committee where I help plan our annual conference and year-round programming.

I earned my MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Upon graduation I was honored to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award in Nonfiction for my thesis project about World War II war brides. My freelance writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Refinery29, BumbleBuzz, Military Officer Magazine, Jacksonville Magazine, 904 Magazine and more. Read some of my clips here. To learn more about my professional experience and community involvement, check out my LinkedIn profile.

still curious?

Favorite authors:

Laura Hillenbrand, Terry Tempest Williams, Mary Oliver, Celeste Ng, Emily Henry

origin story:

I’m originally from Florida and moved to Ohio by way of D.C. I lived in Alexandria, Virginia for five years before I moved during the pandemic. Alexandria is one of my favorite places. If you haven’t strolled Old Town’s cobblestone streets or watched their Scottish Christmas Walk Parade you’re missing out.

Writing journey:

I’ve been a writer since I could hold a pencil. As a child I’d write at length in my journal, often recounting current events. In middle school I wrote dozens of creative nonfiction stories about my brother’s experiences at college using the elements I gathered from his phone calls home. In high school I turned to poetry. At the small liberal arts college I attended I studied journalism/public relations and interned at our city magazine where I got my first published story. In the years since I’ve continued to write for several city magazines, a military publication and major national outlets. While the topics vary—I’ve covered everything from a celebrity profile to deeply personal topics—the satisfaction I find is the same as it was when I was a kid.

causes I CARE ABOUT:

Listening to the stories of older adults and spending time with them is my biggest passion. Since college I’ve volunteered as a friendly visitor. I currently volunteer with an amazing nonprofit that transforms donated wedding flowers to bouquets for older adults.

why war brides:

I discovered World War II war brides by volunteering with one who was originally from Austria. I was honored to be her friend for years and hear her story. I was a student at Johns Hopkins at the time and wrote my thesis project about them. Learn more here.

surprising U.S. Destination:

Last summer a friend and I pulled out an atlas and randomly picked a city for a weekend roadtrip. We landed on Chautauqua, New York. It was idyllic, inspiring, charming and unforgettable. I highly recommend! It’s on my bucket list to go one summer to the Chautauqua Institution.

must-visit country:

Costa Rica. I’ve been there three times and I’d go back every year if I could! Surrounded by the rainforest, a volcano and hot springs—it was paradise.