ABOUT ME

ÜMA KLEPPINGER

Hello.

With roots deep in publishing, I’ve worked on both the visual design and the narrative sides of storytelling. The publications I’ve designed, written for, edited and produced run the gamut from business to Buddhism, from politics to punk rock, and from wellness to weed.

My stories are evocative, grounded in truth, and full of humor and wit. I develop my storytelling skills onstage in front of live audiences at events such as The Moth, ROAR Voices, Pants on Fire, and others.

I founded Allied Independent, a digital strategy and creative services studio in 2017, to provide marketing strategy and content to eco-friendly, B-Corps, and women-owned businesses.

In this age of unprecedented social and cultural change, the need for more stories about and advice from women in leadership is greater than ever.

Social justice, equity, and humanist concerns drive me. Mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest fuels me. Poetry moves me. Collaboration inspires me. Improv and live storytelling are my jam. Kindness is my religion and working to make a difference in this crazy world of ours gets me out of bed in the morning.

MY NAME IS ÜMA. THE UMLAUT IS SILENT.

GET IN TOUCH

“Üma worked for me on dozens of print projects. She’s was a strong team member and collaborator. I highly recommend her and I will continue to use her in the future.”

BRUCE RASKIN

MANAGING EDITOR, TIME INC.
EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“Uma’s writing is clever and clear without talking down to her audience. She communicates in a personal and humble manner that balances her authority with her authenticity. ”

TORI BORTMAN

CORPORATE TRAINER & CONSULTANT

“Üma has a unique skill set across several content mediums. She’s also a joy to work with and a real producer."

ADRIAN MONTGOMERY

VERDE PUBLIC RELATIONS

"Üma was a dependable and consistent editorial columnist with a high degree of integrity. She took her work seriously, had great attention to detail, and was driven to achieve success with everything she did as a contributor.”

CORNELIUS SWART

MANAGING EDITOR, GOLOCALPDX

“Üma's unflinching self-awareness, keen attunement with the world around her, and her deadpan humor blend together to create a story cocktail that is equal parts authoritative, playful, and deeply human.”