Tag: Member Stories

This month’s Member Spotlight interview features WWPR Member and Woman of the Year honoree Lauren Lawson-Zilai, Director of Public Relations and National Spokesperson, Goodwill Industries International.

Q: How did you get started in communications?

A: I started off as a publicity assistant at Penguin Putnam after an internship at Simon & Schuster. I had just graduated from the Denver Publishing Institute in an intensive graduate level course focused on all aspects of book publishing. I had taken on a minor in communications after quickly realizing my initial career decision as a high school English teacher wasn’t the right career for me. My love of reading plus my interest in PR led me to my first career. As a publicity assistant (Think of Bridget Jones in the Bridget Jones’ Diary), I was responsible for writing press materials, preparing press kits, coordinating author mailings, executing launch parties and book lectures, and facilitating author tours and book signings. This was in the days before social media. I was there for six months before finding a better opportunity at Time Warner Books (now Hachette Book Group). I had the opportunity to meet and work with numerous celebrities and authors including, David Baldacci, Charlotte Church, Don Knotts, Robert Kiyoski, Cybil Shepherd and others.
Q: What inspired you to get involved with WWPR?

A: I joined WWPR after moving here from NYC. I had an interest in transferring to the nonprofit sector and thought WWPR would provide me with the right opportunities to expand my skill sets and introduce me to people with relevant expertise. The WWPR community is intimate, so there are many ways to build your network and find colleagues to brainstorm with as well as build your friend base. My first assignment with WWPR was as chair of the pro bono committee, providing strategic communications counsel to two local nonprofits, Safe Shores and Doorways for Women and Families. My team provided public relations services valued at nearly $290,000 to Doorways, enabling women and their families to create pathways out of homelessness and domestic abuse. I then served as vice president, president and past president. It was during my tenure as WWPR’s past president that I launched the Emerging Leaders Awards, a program specifically designed to recognize up-and-coming women in the PR field.

I am very appreciative to the role WWPR played in my life as it was the stepping stone to garnering a PR job at the Children’s Defense Fund and beginning my nonprofit career path. It was also an honor to be recognized as a finalist for WWPR’s 2014 PR Woman of the Year award.

Q: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment professionally?

A: The ability to align my calling with a cause and serve as a voice for people with disabilities and disadvantages in order to enhance their quality of life has been my biggest accomplishment. For instance, in my role at Goodwill Industries International, I worked on the launch of an initiative to serve women veterans, which was both a timely and critical effort, as the number of women in our armed forces is increasing, and they face challenges such as homelessness, abuse, and lack of credentialing and childcare. As part of this, I had the opportunity to sit in the First Lady’s office and strategically plan with members of her Joining Forces team. While the goal of our initiative was to serve 3,000 women veterans in two years; we tripled it in the first year by serving 4,700 women veterans, and that number is still growing. I’ve also been part of a collaboration called MyFreeTaxes, a joint initiative of Goodwill, National Disability Institute and United Way, and funded by the Walmart Foundation. That initiative provides free tax filing, both online and in-person, for people in a certain income bracket. Last year, more than 1.5 million people were able to get their taxes done in-person for free, enabling them to use that money to invest in their families’ future.

However, my biggest accomplishment has been receiving the following awards: the 2014 PR News PR People Awards: PR Professional of the Year: Nonprofit/Association and the PR News’ 2014 Top Women in PR. Work is an important part of human identity and knowing that my colleagues in the PR industry are inspired by my work, passion and engagement is a true honor, and has been the biggest accomplishment of all.

This month’s Member Spotlight interview features WWPR Member and Emerging Leaders Awards honoree Danielle Hagen, VP of Communications at Nahigian Strategies.

Q: How did you get started in communications?

A: Like many communications professionals, I was interested in pursuing a career in journalism because I loved how the media could capture a great story and educate a captive audience. But my dreams of being a journalist shifted after taking my first communications class in college. I was enamored at how our words could shape every aspect of our reality – from professional to interpersonal communications. From that moment on, I was hooked. I began my career in my hometown of Cincinnati, working at a public relations firm and also teaching at the University of Cincinnati. I had the fortunate opportunity early in my career to work on a wide array of communications from corporate branding and media relations to crisis communications and digital media which gave me a toolbox of skills that I still use everyday in my current position. Every project, every situation is an opportunity to grow and expand your knowledge, which is one of the reasons I love PR so much. It’s an ever-changing world where I get to learn everyday.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with WWPR?

A: There are so many wonderful practitioners that are members of WWPR, including mentors that have been so influential on my career in D.C. A friend of mine encouraged me to attend a WWPR lunch event and I was not only blown away at the network of wonderful communications professionals that attended but also the quality of the program where we actually walked away with information we can use in our jobs. After that event, I wanted to become a member of this great organization that coalesced so many impressive members of our profession and enhanced our growth.

Q: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment professionally?

A: There are a lot of accomplishments that I’m proud of – from winning the first Congressional campaign I ever worked on to being tapped to be the Deputy Communications Director for a presidential candidate in the 2012 election. But the biggest accomplishment for me was taking my dream job in Washington, DC. While that may not seem like significant accomplishment, it was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. I moved away from my family and left my personal life behind to pursue a dream. Fast forward four years later – I’ve never regretted a single moment and can’t wait to see what the future will hold.

This month’s Member Spotlight interview features WWPR member Tahira L. Christmon of Goodwill Industries International/WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Committee member.

How did you get started in communications?

My elementary school had a morning telecast that aired all of our school announcements from a makeshift television studio.  In the fourth grade I began volunteering as a camerawoman and producing anchor scripts. The following year I became the lead anchor.  In middle school I wrote feature and news articles for a weekly online publication that centered around educating children and teens on U.S. and world news.

Communicating and telling compelling stories have always come natural to me.  I continued my interest in broadcast journalism at Syracuse University and interned at nearly every local and major news station this side of the Mason Dixon.  When I graduated, I was offered a job at the NBC News Washington bureau as an assignment desk assistant and field producer for “Nightly News with Brian Williams.”  I went on to do general assignment and beat reporting with Verizon FiOs 1 and CTV News, a local news network in Maryland.

Ironically, I lost interest in journalism within a few years and became really interested in building a career in public relations.  I wanted to focus on nonprofit PR because I wanted to tell the compelling human interest stories that rise out of philanthropy and social enterprise.  I landed a job at Goodwill Industries International in their PR department and realized that I had instantly found my dream job.  Not only am I doing what I love, but I’m serving as a voice for individuals and families facing disabilities and disadvantages.

What inspired you to get involved in WWPR?

I had my job at Goodwill® for less than three weeks before my supervisor and past WWPR President and Vice President Lauren Lawson- Zilai told me about the organization and said it would be a great opportunity for me to build upon my existing skill sets.  Lauren is also past chair of the Pro Bono committee and founder of the Emerging Leaders Awards… I literally work for a WWPR All-Star!

Lauren knew that I wanted to build relationships with PR professionals and gain a greater understanding of the industry.  I became an active WWPR member a week later, just in time for the holiday party.  Within a few months I became the sponsorship liaison for the Emerging Leaders Awards Committee and an active member of the Professional Development Committee.  The relationships I’ve built and the industry knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment professionally?

My biggest accomplishment is landing a PR job at a leading nonprofit social enterprise.  In just under a year I’ve built my skill set to include strategic planning, media relations, content management, partnership building and crisis communications.  Every day I’m challenged in a new way and I’ve finally found purpose in my career.

This month’s member spotlight features WWPR member Sarah Woessner, Communications and Administrative Assistant, Membership & Marketing, for Financial Services Institute.

Q: How did you get started in communications?

A: I enrolled as a student at Miami University of Ohio with an interest in communications, but didn’t know specifically what I wanted to focus on.  As I took classes, spoke with professors, interviewed communications professionals, and most importantly, took advantage of internships, I grew to love public relations.

When I was a junior, I took advantage of the “Miami University Inside Washington Program.”  The 10-week program is designed to engage students in small group meetings with prominent politicians, newsmakers, journalists and other Washington-based figures.  It was during this program that I realized my interests in politics and government.  I loved my communications major as well, and ultimately came to this conclusion: I knew I wanted to combine both worlds and work in public relations/public affairs in Washington, D.C.

Knowing this, I worked hard to network with those in the city.  As a senior in college, I flew to Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions to have informational interviews and made one of the best decisions: I joined WWPR.  I worked remotely from Ohio during my senior year on the Emerging Leaders Awards Committee, where I “met” via email another committee member: Erin Smith Flior.  Erin mentioned that the Adfero Group was looking for an Account Coordinator/Intern.  I applied for the position, interviewed, and within a month received an offer to work at the agency.  I can honestly say that it was my involvement with WWPR that allowed me to build relationships with professionals in the area, gain an understanding of the industry, and ultimately, get a job and move to the city.  I just graduated last May with a B.A. in Strategic Communication and kick-started my career in Washington, D.C. shortly after.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with WWPR?

A: This question isn’t about “what” inspired me, but rather “who.”  That individual is past WWPR President Tina McCormack Beaty.  Knowing that I wanted to work in Washington, D.C. post-graduation, my senior year a professor of mine encouraged me to reach out to Tina, who is a Miami University of Ohio alum.  Tina and I touched base via phone a few times and it was during one of the calls that she encouraged me to join WWPR as a student member.  Knowing this would be a great opportunity to network, I joined in December 2012, flew to the city for the annual kickoff meeting in January 2013, and have been an active member since.  Tina has been such an incredible mentor in my life and I am so thankful to have met her.

Q: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment professionally?

A: Making this dream of mine a reality. I knew I wanted to move to Washington, D.C. from Ohio and start my career.  In less than a year, I have graduated college, moved to the city, had a wonderful internship experience at the Adfero Group, and have accepted my first, full-time job at the Financial Services Institute.  It’s been a whirlwind of an experience, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  WWPR has made these things possible and I am blessed for the people I have met, the relationships I have built, and the things I have learned through this organization.

This month’s Member Spotlight takes you behind the scenes of the Marketing Communications Committee to learn more about each member and her contributions to both WWPR and the marketing communications industry as a whole.

Co-chaired by Jennifer Dunn and Kristen Hostetter, the Marketing Communications committee relies heavily on its committee members to help carry out WWPR’s communications goals and increase visibility of the organization.  This is done via various mediums including WWPR’s monthly e-newsletter, social media, events, news releases and more.  Committee members include Lauren Anderson (social media — Twitter, Facebook), Tabatha Thompson (Technically Speaking column, e-newsletter), Beth Stewart (Member Spotlight/articles of interest, e-newsletter), Ana Buling (social media, LinkedIn) and Karin Bloomquist (Engaging Industry column, e-newsletter).

Lauren Anderson

1. Education/Degree: B.A. in Public Communication from American University
2. Current Position: Account Executive at Fifth Estate Communications
3. Volunteer/After work activities: I’m a member of the volunteer organization Hands On Greater DC Cares where I’ve worked on projects that include park restoration, serving food to people in need and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House; This summer I’m playing kickball every Wednesday in the DC Kickball League; I also love to read, play tennis, and I’m learning to sew 🙂
4. Top Reads: I’m definitely a Twitter addict where I follow everyone from major news outlets (NY Times, WaPo, Huffington Post, etc.) to local DC blogs and news outlets (Prince of Petworth, TBD, etc.) to “entertainment” sites like The Sartorialist, and of course I follow lots of PR sites/people like PRSA, PR Daily News, Mediabistro, PR Week, etc. In an effort not to get too caught up in headlines and 140-character blurbs I also regularly check the websites for Washington Post, New York Times, and my hometown paper The Buffalo News and the site longform.org, which aggregates long-form articles/pieces on just about every topic you can imagine.

1. Why Communications: Since I could hold a pen in my hand, I’ve loved to write. So, like a lot of PR pros, I originally thought I wanted to be a journalist, and then after my freshman year of college I learned more about our school’s Public Communication. It seemed like a better fit for my personality and strengths and then eventually lead me to a job in public relations.

1. Why did you join WWPR: I worked for a very small agency, so I was looking for a way to meet other people working in PR and expand my network. I also have a lot of respect for any organization whose mission is to help women be successful in their careers.
2. Best Advice: An internship supervisor once said “never be without pen and pencil,” which to me is like the PR version of Girl Scouts’ “always be prepared.”
3. Ways to Connect: Twitter (@laurenrutha), Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest (Lauren Anderson).

Karin Bloomquist

1. Education/Degree: BA in Communication (Public Relations concentration) with a minor in Global Affairs and a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University
2. Current Position: I work as an Associate Research Analyst at Deltek in their Information Solutions division communicating, researching and analyzing federal business opportunities under the Department of Homeland Security.
3. Volunteer/After work activities: Aside from volunteering with WWPR outside of my normal work schedule, I enjoy seeing friends, family and my significant other. In addition, I am planning on pursuing an advanced degree in communication, so I have recently been spending a lot of time researching and preparing to begin that endeavor in the near future. I also enjoy trying new places, new food, photography and meeting new people, so any combinations of the above are generally what my activities outside of work entail.
4. Top Reads: To be honest, I get most of my news via official Twitter handles of media outlets to get a well-rounded synopsis of the day’s news and events, and will indulge in reading full stories that grab my attention throughout the day. I also check out BBC headlines and stories on occasion to keep informed of what’s going on in the world.
5. Why Communications: As most people would say who work or are interested in the industry, it comes natural. Additionally, I fell in love with the idea of putting ideas into action and helping to manage the relationships (business, personal, etc.) around me.  It’s where I feel most at peace.
6. Why did you join WWPR: In 2011, I interned at New Media Strategies in the Public Affairs practice. Over time, I worked with and was introduced to many of the staff. One day, I was introduced to Meghan Sager (now Meghan McHahon), an Account Supervisor at NMS, who told me about WWPR, her prior role as a board member, and the fantastic networking opportunities that it offers to its members. After researching the organization, I decided to become a member and to this day, enjoy all the benefits the organization has to offer.
7. Best Advice: In an informal interview conducted via email with Stuart Smith, CEO EAME of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in London, I asked what advice he had to give about getting into the communications industry and he said, “Make sure you have the passion and energy for PR. It’s a demanding job. But the rewards and enjoyment from working in a highly creative discipline make it worthwhile.” This advice drives me to do well in and outside of the industry to this day.
8. Ways to Connect: Twitter and LinkedIn

Beth Stewart

1. Education/Degree: BA in Journalism and Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
2. Current Position: I am currently a marketing associate at Vorsight, a sales effectiveness firm in Rosslyn. My duties included writing and editing collateral as well as manage the company’s social media outlets and communications efforts.
3. Volunteer/After work activities: I recently started a food and lifestyle blog called BeeStew.blogspot.com.  I wanted a platform where I could expand on my creative interests as well as discuss my love of food and this city.
4. Top Reads: I get most if not all of my news electronically.  Through my Twitter, I follow HuffPo, CNN, New York Times among others.
5. Why Communications: I’ve always enjoyed writing and filming and once I got to college I thought the best channel for my talents would be journalism. It wasn’t until my communications internship with former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen that I realized I’d rather work with the media instead of as the media.
6. Why did you join WWPR: A year before moving to DC, I researched networking opportunities and the idea of interacting with established women at WWPR intrigued me. Since joining in January, I have gained valuable one-on-one insights to the industry by writing the member profiles.
7. Best Advice: Dress for the job you want not for the job you have.
8. Ways to Connect: Twitter: @Beth_Stewart, LinkedIn or follow my boards with Pinterest

Tabatha Thompson

1. Education/Degree: BA, Journalism, Western Kentucky University
2. Current Position: Regional PR manager, Gensler
3. Volunteer/After work activities: I volunteer in my daughter’s classroom and schooland support the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project.
4. Top Reads: Business Journal headlines from my markets, WaPo, and Google Reader. An hour with the Sunday New York Times is the ultimate luxury!
5. Why Communications: I love the challenge of breaking down complex information so that really smart people can share the good work they’re doing with the rest of the world.
6. Why did you join WWPR: To meet and engage with people in my field who facesimilar challenges (as women, specifically).
7. Best Advice: Remember that our clients are ultimately the communicators; our job is to help people focus and refine the content and message.
8. Ways to Connect: Twtter: @art_n_science, LinkedIn