Public relations is all about relationships—the people behind the stories. That’s why we’re offering this blog series all about our team members. This isn’t about our professional accomplishments but who we are as people. We hope you have as much fun reading along as we do interviewing each other.

1. What got you interested in public relations?

Growing up I always had an avid interest in reading and writing. As I got older and began to think about what I wanted to do when I grew up, I knew I wanted to help people. The idea of helping people while utilizing my strengths and passion for reading and writing was extremely enticing. In college, I had the opportunity to intern for a few local newspapers and PR firms and once I started to do PR work, I never looked back. Building the interpersonal connections and relationships with both clients and journalists is something I enjoy almost as much as sinking my teeth into a new writing project. Since graduating college, I have worked with non-profits and associations to help build their brands and share their stories with the world to better reach and help those in need. My work with these non-profits and associations is what fulfills me and drives me to continue my work each day.

2. Tell us about your favorite movie and what appeals most to you about it?

My all time, hands-down favorite movie is Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. While I have always enjoyed the often dark, twisty, and always quirky nature of Tarantino’s work, Pulp Fiction will always be my favorite. As a former film and English student, I have a great appreciation for the story Tarantino put together in this film. The various plots and many hidden Easter eggs make it more enjoyable the more times you watch it. Plus, I will never get tired of watching Uma Thurman do The Twist. 

3. What was the last, best book you read and what about it spoke to you?

The last, best book I read was Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” I read this book for the first time when I was 13. Much like Pulp Fiction, one of the things I love most about “On the Road,” is that the more you read it, the more interesting it becomes because you find more subtleties and hidden meanings. I also quite enjoy the sense of freedom the book brings. In Kerouac’s stream of consciousness story, you are transported to a world of freedom, travel and cross-country adventure. Whenever I get the sense of wanderlust but am unable to travel, I pick up the book and transport myself to Kerouac’s world. 

4. Tell us about a meaningful hobby or “outside of work” commitment that is important to you?

For the past four years, every moment I was not working I have been focused on completing my Master of Arts in Communications with a certificate in Public Relations and Advertising from Villanova University. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I realized there was more I could learn in terms of Communications and decided to continue my education at Villanova. I think it is extremely important to always push yourself to be a better, more informed person and I strive to never stop learning, growing and connecting. Now that I am at the end of this academic journey, I would like to spend more time volunteering to help end hunger and homelessness, two causes I feel strongly about. I will also join my local PRSA organization to continue to have access to resources that will help me grow, learn and connect.

5. Share a fun fact about you.

I am a very avid runner and have been running competitively for my entire life. In my previous job working for a non-profit global association that represented the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain, I ran several 5K road races for our 501c charitable organization dressed as a potato. In one of the races, I came in second place overall and was the first female, and potato, across the finish line.