As the newest media-matchmaker at Barefoot PR, it’s probably no surprise to you that I’m not a numbers person–even though I did survive a few weeks of AP calculus and can make one hell of a spreadsheet. No ma’am. I’m a die-hard word nerd with a love of alliteration, allergy to vocal fry and appreciation for emails that get-to-the-point (see what I did there?) Nevertheless, I’d like to share a few numbers with you that have shaped me into the sticky-note scribbling, tea-sipping storyteller I am today:
● 15-20: The number of jobs I’ve had
● 14: The number of schools I’ve attended
● 2: The number of languages I know
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “She must have commitment issues,” or just “issues” in general (no comment). But my real affliction is nosiness. I am unapologetically curious about what makes people tick and more importantly, why. Why? Because I know first-hand that you can’t judge a book, or a person, by their cover. So let’s get acquainted, shall we?
I’m a close enough Colorado native, who was born on an army base in Germany and raised mostly in the Springs by my American dad and Panamanian mom. I got my first job when I was 14-years-old, and aspired to be Judge Judy or a more sazóned version of Michelle Kwan when I grew up. But I hung up my skates after high school and went to the University of Denver–ironically, with the actual Michelle Kwan–to become like my other TV idol, the fearless American journalist, Lisa Ling.
And while I did earn degrees in journalism and international studies with a minor in Spanish 4,301 years ago, my career has taken a different turn than Lisa’s. For one, I haven’t been to North Korea or infiltrated a cult. And for two, my nerves don’t do cameras. Nevertheless, what we still have in common is a love for uncovering the extraordinary among every-day people and sharing it with the world.
I feel fortunate that I get to do that everyday. Being able to sit across the room, or a Zoom window, from someone and ask them questions is a privilege I will never take for granted. Because public relations isn’t just about “spinning” the news or hogging the spotlight, it’s about relationships. People matter.
Thank you for listening. I hope to get to hear your story too someday.