Allison Zapata

Author/Photographer/Speaker • Houston, Texas • [email protected]

Allison is a published children's book author, photographer, social media expert, and freelance writer. She spends her time hunting down and shooting wildlife (with a camera), searching for stories that need to be told, writing books, and freelancing. In her spare time she raises two young boys, three rescue dogs, one million feral cats. Allison is passionate about parenting, wildlife, nature, photography, writing, disaster relief, and grass-roots philanthropy. She's known to have a few thousand opinions on any given day. A born and raised Texan, Allison currently lives in Houston, Texas.

Experience

Social Media Manager Freelance

I am a published author who's been providing engaging web content for almost twenty years. I have experience across a wide range of mediums including blog content, copywriting, columns, web content writing, and print publications. I am adept at developing brand voices to set your platform apart in the digital landscape and grow an organic following. With a unique voice and a strong online presence, I have a strong ability to genuinely connect and engage readers, My work has been featured in numerous print and online publications, including The Huffington Post.

Relief Gang, Admin

Responsible for managing disaster relief organization - including social media content, day to day community events, and leading our team's disaster relief response.

Disaster Relief & Photography / SWLA, 2020

Organized a supply drive and fundraising effort to help the residents affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Partnered with Texas Relief Warriors, 50 Star Sar, and The Relief Gang to bring in supplies to SWLA and help repair storm damaged homes. Photographed several relief events in Lake Charles.

Educational Speaker / Author Visits, Jan 2017 - Present

Author visits include a book reading, discussion on its many messages (being a buddy, not a bully; triumphing over hardships, celebrating differences, finding your passion, and lending a voice to the voiceless - to name a few). Program varies according to age group, from the basic teachings of my book for the younger children, to a more detailed presentation on the book writing process, illustrations, and publication.

Disaster Relief Tropical Storm Imelda / Beaumont and Hampshire, 2019

Organized a supply drive and raised thousands of dollars to help the residents affected by Tropical Storm Imelda.

Author, Bernadette the Brave, Nov 2016-Present

You can call it fate, dumb luck, or divine intervention, but something brought these two together to tell their story. Allison, an avid feeder of birds in her backyard, noticed a unique female cardinal among the bunch. It didn’t take long for Allison to realize that, despite her persistence and determination, this bird wasn’t able to eat on her own like the others. With equal determination, Allison began experimenting with various meal combinations in hopes it would help this sickly bird survive. Eventually, Allison gave her the name Bernadette, which means “brave as a bear.”

Chronicling her adventures with Bernadette, Allison posted updates to her online readers about Bernadette’s condition. Interest in this little bird quickly grew and, in time, these updates became a daily necessity for many. It was obvious to Allison that this story needed to be told because, young or old, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the spirit of the tiny bird known as — Bernadette the Brave.

Bernadette the Brave accrued a large national and international following and sold over 2,000 copies in its first year — purely via my social media efforts.

Photographer, 2008 - Present

I feature daily photography of wildlife and street photography. Through photography and honest storytelling I have been able to connect and engage with thousands of people across the country and beyond. You can see a sample of my work HERE.

Presenter, Edgewood Independent School District, Sept 2012

The mission of the conference was to provide young women the lessons and advice to promote a healthier outlook in their lives. My program, "Finding Your Voice," focused on how I came to love myself and realize that I might just have something to offer the world after all. The conference was attended by over 800 young women and was hosted by Edgewood School District in San Antonio, Texas.

Founder, Project: We See You, Sept 2012-2014

Grassroots social media campaign to raise awareness and provide relief to the homeless community. Raised over $8,000 in monetary and in-kind donations from companies locally and across the country.

Writer and Contributor, Freelance, 2008-Present

Contributing author on a wide range of topics. Published work has been featured on Huffington Post and Yourtango.

Author, Curvy Girl Guide, 2003–2005

Online author for a women’s magazine. Contributed two or more articles a month on topics ranging from marriage, parenting, pregnancy, body image, psychology and more.

Columnist, Houston Real Estate Observer, 2011

Featured Humor Columnist discussing the comical aspects of real estate and home ownership

Teacher, The Post Oak School, Houston, TX, 2005-2008

Assisted the lead teacher in running a class of 12 infants at a local Montessori School. High lead teacher turnover, wherein I was responsible for leading the class and corresponding with parents.

Photography Portfolio

Bernadette the Brave

This book is for the girl who can't see that she's beautiful. This book is for those who struggle with things that others nd easy. This book is for the boy who’s just like his friends on the inside, if only they could learn to see beyond the outside. This book is for the ones who doubt themselves and their exquisite strength. This book is for the one who needs a hand and for the hand that grabs hold. This book is for you.