Michael Y.

Michael Y. has over 20 years of experience in content and editorial roles. In 2021, they are currently the Content Team Lead at Clever Real Estate, where they manage content and staffing projects to support the PropTech startup’s five websites, which reach an average of 1 million+ monthly readers. Michael also leads the hiring, onboarding, and training of staff writers, staff editors, and freelancers to help build the company’s content marketing project teams, and coaches team members on editorial principles, content operations, keyword research, and SEO best practices. From 2018-2021, they were the Senior Editor at Granite Media, where they led editorial for the startup’s flagship site, managing one staff writer and 20+ freelancers. From 2016-2018, they were an Editor/Writer/Consultant, developing editorial and content marketing projects for AARP, Smithsonian, and others. Michael also edited and wrote This Week in Podcasts, a weekly chronicle of new and notable podcasts they founded. From 2015-2016, they were the Group Creative Director-Content/Travel at Manifest, leading a team that developed and executed the creative vision, strategy, and day-to-day editorial excellence across digital and print for Manifest’s clients. From 2012-2015, they were the Content Director and Editor-in-Chief at MapQuest/Aol Travel and the Editor-in-Chief at Aol Travel, devising and executing content and social media strategies. From 2011-2012, they were the Editor of Local Content at USA TODAY, developing and managing content for The Point. From 2006-2011, they were the Destinations Editor at USA Today, building a network of freelancers to create destination guides, blogs, features, and interactive maps. From 2003-2006, they were the Editor/Features Editor at AAA's Texas Journey/New Mexico Journey magazines, conceiving and implementing editorial vision for sister publications. From 2001-2002, they were the Co-Founder and Co-Editor-in-Chief at WorldHum.com, co-creating a groundbreaking culture and travel publication. Michael also had additional relevant experience as an Editor/Writer/Content Strategist at Men’s Fitness and Men’s Journal magazines, as well as a freelance writer for Variety, Salon, and other publications.

Michael Y. attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1993.