Ilona's parents fled Europe following her father's participation in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. This site features traditional Hungarian folk art designs, recreated by Ilona, that have long surrounded her world.
Ilona Meagher | Welcome
Welcome to my personal and professional portfolio.
For two and a half decades and counting, my work has rewarded me with a rich immersion in communication's many forms and formats.
My professional journey began in 1984 as a word processor operator and supervisor -- back in the days when offices stored their data on large floppy discs and nary an Internet connection or fax machine was yet in sight. After three years of successful corporate world work in downtown Chicago (the final two at Sears Tower's flagship bank), I moved on to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Becoming a flight attendant with a major airline brought with it wholly unique communication lessons and opportunities. I honed my public speaking abilities, sharpened my professional business interaction style, and learned to relate to many types of people and situations in both relaxed and emergency situations.
And, of course, I got to explore many corners of the world.
In 2002, following 15 years of award-winning service in the skies and seeking to fulfill new dreams and desires, I returned to school and entered the blossoming new media communications field. From 2002-2005, as a freelance new media project manager, graphic designer and web developer, I created a variety of communication media for paying clients: custom logos, business cards and stationery, press releases, web sites, and related graphic and Flash designs.
In 2005, I led a team of five student designers to win bronze in a national web design contest. And as a traditional writer and journalist, I've also won awards at both Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University, including the Illinois Journalist of the Year-Student Scholarship.
Using my expanding range of online research and communication skills, I began to focus my studies and energies on tackling more serious challenges in the world. My efforts from 2005 onward as a new media writer, public speaker and advocate for our nation's veterans culminated in the 2007 publication of my book, Moving a Nation to Care: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and America's Returning Troops.
In December 2007, I testified before Congress regarding my work on this issue -- possibly the highest honor for a first-time author and novice researcher.
Thanks for your interest in my work!
P.S. For more, visit PTSD Combat: Winning the War Within.
