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About Modern Parlance Modern Parlance was founded by Deborah Menikoff to help clients navigate the increasingly complex world of communications. But how did
she get here and how did the Modern Parlance group come into being?
About Deborah Menikoff, Founder and Principle
Ms. Menikoff was born in New
Rochelle, grew up in Houston, and when it came time to choose a college, returned to New York – attending Sarah Lawrence College.
Over 25 years later, she was still making her home in New York
when a writing assignment - indirectly - led to love, marriage, a
transatlantic move and a splitting time between the US and the
UK.
Before establishing Modern Parlance, Ms. Menikoff spent over two decades creating communications programs for print and online media in the publishing industry before moving on to serve as Senior Producer at some of the
fastest growing communications design agencies in the city. She has experience developing programs for a wide range of industries – financial services, consumer goods, education, telecommunications, arts & entertainment and
events management. Her clients have been similarly diverse with corporate giants like IBM, non-profits such as the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as well as ORT America and with professional services organizations
like American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) among them.
Outside of work, Ms. Menikoff's philanthropic efforts are both global and local in nature. She works extensively with ORT New York, raising awareness and funds to support World ORT
programs around the world while also contributing to and supporting the New York Public Library, Central Park Conservancy, WNYC, Metropolitan Museum of Art and serving on the Board of Advisers for the Historic Districts
Council (HDC). For more information, visit Ms. Menikoff's online writing portfolio and work history
or download her CV (in PDF
format)
Creating communications programs for print and online media for almost 20 years
Working in marketing departments at major publishers meant being responsible for the design and execution of direct mail strategies, development of PR campaigns, and the creation of promotional materials and sales
presentations. All of these tasks hammered home the importance of clarity and accessibility when delivering information, no
matter what the vehicle. Words work. But you have to pick the right ones. This publishing
experience was extremely valuable when Deborah moved into web development― where online efforts and traditional campaigns were often developed side by side. Clarity and accessibility were, as always, still important but new media brought new concerns. The visual impact of the text, usability concerns, site architecture, functionality, and a unique―and always expanding―new-media vernacular all had to be taken into account when planning an
online communication strategy. A thorough knowledge of print and online content development is something you will find in anyone assigned to a Modern Parlance project.
A multi-media background means we see the Web not only as an individual outlet, but as part of a larger communications toolbox
This dual background in the print and online arenas also offers valuable insight when repurposing print collateral materials for use online. People do not read the same way online as they do in print, so this transition of print materials to a new
media is not as simple as 'cut and paste'. We will make sure your content not only informs but also enhances the user experience.
Modern Parlance produces quality indexes that bring readers and information together
As an indexer, Deborah has worked on
titles from a wide range of subjects (including but not limited to: history, popular
culture, politics, cookery, business management, arts, technology, and personal finance). In addition, almost 15 years of experience working with both commercial and academic publishers means she understands and
can accommodate your publishing processes, and ensure the indexes provided meet the strict standards set in this increasingly competitive business.
Why Modern Parlance?
We deliver on time or before deadlines. We produce high quality work at competitive rates. We provide friendly, flexible service.
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