SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2021— Intesa Communications Group, a San Diego-based strategic communications and government relations firm, announces that Kenneth Moore has joined the firm’s government relations team as a Senior Account Manager. Kenneth will support and grow the firm’s Central San Diego-focused government relations practice.

“Ken is one of the brightest and most astute public affairs professionals in San Diego and beyond. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Intesa family and look forward to seeing him in action as he helps us support and grow our government relations work.”

Maddy Kilkenny, Partner at Intesa Communications Group

Over his nearly decade-long career at two regional public affairs agencies, Kenneth has developed and overseen award-winning, multi-faceted public affairs campaigns for land use, ballot measure, renewable energy, sustainability, housing, and mobility clients across Southern California. He has created broad-based coalitions, developed inclusive outreach and education programs and helped secure decisive victories from city councils and at the ballot box.

Kenneth serves as Vice Chair of the Downtown Community Planning Council – San Diego and on the Board of Directors of I Love a Clean San Diego. He is also involved with the Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in managerial organizational communications and a minor in public relations from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Kenneth’s public affairs work has been recognized locally and nationally including the 2019 Ballot Measure of the Year from the American Association of Political Consultants, 2019 Moving San Diego Forward award from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and a 2012 Silver Anvil of Excellence from PRSA, among many others.

Intesa is proud to represent clients locally and nationally with their government and public relations needs. In 2021, we have been proud to support many clients, including New Urban West, Inc, SBCS at the Emergency Intake Center at the Convention Center, Link scooters and many other clients.

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In April 2021, the leadership of San Diego State University’s Division of Student Affairs + Campus Diversity (SA+CD) invited Margie Newman, founding partner of Intesa Communications Group, to develop and lead a series of communications workshops. The goal was to provide leadership with the tools, confidence, and shared language needed to effectively communicate the Division’s value to the SDSU campus community.

Having worked with SDSU since 2015, Margie was well-prepared to help SA+CD communicate its commitment to even elevating the SDSU experience among its students, faculty, and staff alike while celebrating diversity throughout its campus.

In her inimitable way, Margie tailored, created, and executed a unique, eight-week “Communications and Storytelling Workshop” series to help SA+CD settle into its new organizational structure. This included leading the teams through multiple exercises to discover their “superpowers” and help them Communicate with Confidence, in the spirit of elevating and improving the overall SDSU experience for the entire Aztec community. All workshops were conducted in accordance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Over the course of two months, the eight-part, in-person sessions, one of which drew 75+ attendees, featured customized storytelling techniques and team-building exercises. Margie also provided supplemental and proprietary materials. Additionally, all participants received copies of “Trusted Leader: 8 Pillars That Drive Results,” a highly regarded trust-building how-to book written by David Horsager.

In the weeks since wrapping, Margie’s “Communications and Storytelling Workshop” is receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from program participants. Two days after the series’ conclusion, a post-session participant survey gathered data on the overall feedback and benefits gained.

More than 80 percent of survey participants said the workshops were a purposeful use of their time. Sixty percent of participants reported that they walked away with applicable tools, tips, and an increased ability to communicate with confidence. Participants commented that Margie’s “energy and passion for this work are evident and inspiring” at a time when a morale boost was truly needed. Most importantly, workshop participants were grateful to have “permission to show up as who we are and speak our superpowers proudly” among colleagues. When you’re on a mission to help clients communicate their authentic stories with confidence, there’s nothing more powerful than that.   

Could your organization benefit from a customized communications training experience?
Give us a shout and let’s get started.

About SDSU
San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, for its more than 36,000 students. The university offers bachelor’s degrees in 95 areas, master’s degrees in 78 areas, and doctorates in 22 areas. The university’s rich campus life features opportunities for students to participate in, and engage with, the creative and performing arts, a Division I athletics program, and the vibrant cultural life of the San Diego region. This year, SDSU celebrates the 120th anniversary of its founding as a teacher training school. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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When we were dreaming up Seas the Day, we hoped to attract small businesses and nonprofits that need a quick and strategic wave of public relations work.

We thought about what communications assets they likely had on-hand, where we could fill the gaps, and what kind of expertise would make the biggest difference for them. We also created an ocean of water puns

And it’s working! Here’s a sampling of our recent Seas the Day catch:  

transcenDANCE Boogies into a New Home

TranscenDANCE Youth Arts Project has been guiding young people in underserved San Diego County communities to transcend barriers, expand their ambitions, and create positive change through dance and performance. On April 16th, they officially cut the ribbon on a 2,000 sqft. program and performance space located in Lemon Grove where they also offer holistic programming that includes access to mental health services. It was great to support an organization that is uplifting the next generation.

KUSI News: TranscenDANCE opens a facility in Lemon Grove

Fox 5 San Diego: New Community Arts Center Opening In East County

SD-UT: TranscenDANCE performing arts group opens doors in Lemon Grove

San Diego Parks Foundation Welcomes First Executive Director Katherine Johnston

Though the San Diego Parks Foundation has been supporting the improvement of parks in San Diego for years, they hired their first executive director, Katherine Johnston, a sought-after nonprofit leader, in February. Intesa’s Make a Splash package secured several media placements and created significant buzz. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria even joined in on the fun! 

CBS8: Non-profit foundation helping to upgrade San Diego Parks

SD News: San Diego Parks Foundation names Katherine Johnston executive director

Mission Driven Finance Marks Big Milestones

Mission Driven Finance is San Diego’s leading impact investment firm that fills the gap between philanthropy and traditional investments—commonly known as “impact investing”. In March, our Make a Splash package helped them tout five years in business and $10 million in loans deployed into the community. We also announced their goal to double that investment over the next year. We can’t wait to see what they do next!  

Times of San Diego: Tom York on Business: Mission Driven Finance

First United Methodist Church of San Diego Announces Grants from Racial Justice Endowment

In February, First United Methodist Church of San Diego announced the first round of Racial Justice Grants from its newly created Racial Justice Endowment. Our Make a Splash package helped them get the word out about the grants and encourage new organizations to apply for a second round of funding.

CBS8: San Diego Methodist churches offer racial justice grants to address inequity

If you or someone you know needs an effective, one-time boost to support a business goal, announcement, rebrand, special event, organizational transition, or milestone, drop us a line and let’s dive in!

The post Intesa’s ‘Seas the Day’ Makes Big Waves appeared first on Intesa Communications Group.

Margie Newman, Founding Partner

One week, you’re running a small business and celebrating year-over-year growth; the next, you must reimagine how to lead your people, serve your clients, stabilize your revenue, and homeschool your young children all at the same time. You know what? We did it. We’re still doing it. The COVID Year reinforced my beliefs that technology is a blessing, children are resilient, and that humans do their best work when they have context and connection.In 2020, the world made time for humans. We taught humans, missed humans, protected humans, loved humans, and vocally championed rights of humans of color (that work is far from over). One year in, Intesa is still showing a thriving balance sheet, a spirited team, and even launched our first-ever small business product, “Seas the Day.” As a citizen, I pray we never lose the human-first spirit. As an entrepreneur, I am grateful for a year that in so many ways made me a better leader, friend, partner, and mother.

Maddy Kilkenny, Partner

When I reflect on the last year of COVID, I can’t help but be grateful for my husband and sons.  Grateful that we got to spend so much time together, and that we survived homeschooling, lack of toilet paper, and the overall fear and sadness that COVID brought into our lives.  I’m grateful that we all knew our problems and concerns paled in comparison to so many others. And grateful that through all the ups and downs, we found out that we really like each other and that I can still cook if I have to.

Haley Wonsley, Senior Account Manager

This year has taught us that when we have our darkest days, like living through a pandemic or being awakened to systemic inequality, we also find our strengths and ability to be better than we were. The highlight has been welcoming our new nephew, Sam, into the world and seeing my sister and brother-in-law become first-time parents. My husband and I also escaped on a couple of road trips for some fresh air and recharging. The latest was across the southwest and back through Utah’s National Parks, Winston in tow! Sunset walks in Oceanside have also cemented themselves into our “distanced” routine.

Nancy Ives Schroeder, Director of Public Relations

In January 2020, my 6^th-grade twins started a new school! Now they’re finally able to go to a campus in-person, five days a week where they’re interacting with new friends and learning a ton, which is a welcome relief for all of us. (Although, the increased homework load and academic rigor is not high on their list.) Two weeks ago, my Tijuana rescue dog, Cinco, married his lovely golden retriever lady friend, Maggie, in a beautiful ceremony. After exchanging “woofs,” Romeo, the hamster, delivered dog-friendly cupcakes to the newlyweds on a delicate pillow marking the beginning of a long, furry life together!

Mindy Wright, Senior Account Manager

As I look back on a year that found me working from closets, my car, or with a toddler using me as a jungle gym, I smile because through the hard times I also got laughs and memories that I’ll treasure always. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year such as volunteering with Promises 2 Kids through the Lead IMPACT program and working with some really meaningful client projects like SBCS’s current push to distribute $17 million dollars in rental and utility assistance to Chula Vista residents impacted by the pandemic. Finding joy and meaning through tough times is much easier with a great team by your side, and we definitely have that at Intesa.

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Though we are far from putting the pandemic behind us, we’re so much closer to better times than we were a year ago. Over here, we’re continuing to shine a light on the bright spots in our day and we’d love to hear your high points. Of course, if you ever need a PR boost or community and gov’t relations assist, give us a shout. We’re here for you!

The post What a year… reflections one year into the COVID-19 pandemic appeared first on Intesa Communications Group.

Impressing our peers as well? That’s icing on the cake. 

The Intesa team is excited to celebrate ELEVEN (!!) awards we received from the Public Relations Society of America – San Diego and Imperial Counties, and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals in recognition of exceptional work on behalf of our clients in 2020. Here are a couple highlights:

Widespread Acclaim for our National Healthcare PR Efforts

Healthcare Ready has spent the last 12 months at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Since January 2020, working with their partners, they’ve coordinated more than 20 million PPE donations and have conducted more than 500 workshops, trainings and major media interviews to create informed communities. They’ve also created a map of pharmacies administering vaccinations while simultaneously responding to other disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. We’re proud to have received five awards for excellence in media relations, philanthropic communications, and strategic communications as we helped Healthcare Ready serve their mission and increase their impact throughout the nation. 

Effectively Communicating Data for Multiple Stakeholders

California Community Colleges Center of Excellence (COE) San Diego-Imperial Valley helps the region’s six community colleges build programs that help students get better jobs and they do it with data that college deans use to improve their programs. We are pleased to have received an Honorable Mention from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals in a nod to our efforts to make several of their web pages more readable and user-friendly so that their stakeholders can more easily access the COE’s valuable work.

It’s great to be able kick-off the new year with these wins as we keep up the momentum for all of our clients. The full list includes:

Public Relations Society of America, San Diego-Imperial Counties
Bronze Bernays Award of Excellence
“INTESA ELEVATES NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE EXPERT”
Category: Executive Communications
Client: Healthcare Ready

2020 MarCom Awards by  Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals
Platinum Winner 2020
“INTESA ELEVATES DISASTER RESPONSE EXPERT”
Category: Strategic Communications | Communications/Public Relations | Public Relations Program
Client: Healthcare Ready

Platinum Winner 2020
“FUNDRAISING WAVE: HEALTHCARE READY Q3 OUTREACH”
Category: Strategic Communications | Marketing/Promotion Campaign | Promotion/Marketing Materials 
Client: Healthcare Ready

Gold Winner 2020
“INSTAGRAM JUMP-START: BROOKFIELD PROPERTIES”
Category: Digital Media | Social Media
Client: Brookfield Properties

Gold Winner 2020
“FORWARD PROGRESS DURING COVID-19”
Category: Digital Media | Writing (Web) | Blog (Single Post)
Intesa Communications Group

Gold Winner 2020
“HEALTHCARE READY MEDIA KIT”
Category: Strategic Communications | Media Kit | Marketing/Promotion
Client: Healthcare Ready

Gold Winner 2020
“CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY FEATURES DR. NICOLETTE LOUISSAINT”
Category: Print Media | Magazine | Industry/Trade
Client: Healthcare Ready

Honorable Mention 2020
“C-SPAN’S “WASHINGTON JOURNAL” FEATURES DR. NICOLETTE LOUISSAINT”
Category: Video/Audio | Television (Broadcast & Cable) | Single Spot
Client: Healthcare Ready

Honorable Mention 2020
“FOCUS AND COMMUNICATION IN CRISIS: E-NEWSLETTERS DURING COVID-19”
Category: Digital Media | E-Communication | E-Mail Communication
Intesa Communications Group

Honorable Mention 2020
“EXCELLENCE IN WEB: COE SITE GETS AN UPGRADE”
Category: Digital Media | Website | Redesign
Client: Center of Excellence San Diego-Imperial Valley
Honorable Mention 2020

Honorable Mention 2020
“NOLEN COMMUNITIES WEBSITE REVAMP”
Category: Digital Media | Design (Web) | Website
Client: Nolen Communities

Does your team go above-and-beyond every day? Are you looking for a PR partner who can deliver award-winning work? Look no further. Get in touch with us today.

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Intesa clients know how much we treasure our trusted relationships and long-term partnerships — we see ourselves as extended members of your team! However, we know that not every San Diego business or nonprofit needs immersive PR support; especially during these tough times with the pandemic having thrown a wrench in pretty much everything.

While long-term plans may be up-in-the-air, many businesses are wisely looking for opportunities to remind their clients and stakeholders what they’re up to — whether it’s a new product launch, special event, leadership change, or exciting milestone.

Small companies and nonprofits often need a short-term increase in communications bandwidth, skills, and savvy to make the most of these fleeting opportunities. Here’s where Intesa comes in.

Big mission, small budget? No problem!

We’re ringing in 2021 with the launch of a new public relations product we are calling Seas the Day. It helps organizations with big missions and small budgets make waves and get noticed.

Our Seas the Day ‘Make a Splash’ package is backed by Intesa’s award-winning team to meet your communications needs within a four-week timeframe, delivered at a budget that works for you.

The Make a Splash package gives you just the right amount of public relations support you need, right when you need it, including messaging strategy, a press release, communications planning, announcement timeline, and spokesperson media training.

Seas the Day, and tell a friend

Check out the Seas the Day webpage for a taste of what Intesa can do for you, or someone in your network.  

As a San Diego-based firm, we are grateful to be living and working in America’s Finest City with its enviable climate and endless coastline. The name for our new “nautical” PR product gives a nod to our water-loving region and is targeted to organizations who may have thought enlisting outside communications experts was out of their reach… until now.

Let’s dive in! If you have a near-term announcement and need some extra help to get the word out, give Margie a shout.

The post Intesa Makes a Splash with Launch of Right-sized Public Relations Packages for Small Businesses and Nonprofits appeared first on Intesa Communications Group.

Rather than being able to hang out together, we’re masking up, practicing social distancing and missing each other. As social creatures, the lack of being able to truly connect in person has been a colossal bummer, but we have not given up on pursuing meaningful connections.

Since it’s Giving Tuesday, here’s a peek at how we’ve been filling our cup from a distance (with a fun Haley Wonsley family history lesson for good measure).

Intesa is giving with intention.

Over the past year, we’ve upped our contributions to organizations we believe in. While they can’t replace in-person touch points, expanding our volunteer roles and philanthropic giving to local nonprofits has been giving us joy.

This year, Margie continued her service as chair of the YMCA of San Diego County’s Annual Campaign, moderated numerous Zoom webinars for local nonprofits, and in November, emceed the annual #KevTalk for the San Diego Downtown Partnership. In 2021, she’ll chair the LEAD San Diego Visionary Awards, continue her work with the mission-driven organizations that fill her cup and improve the community.

Maddy is filling the role of Chair at Civic San Diego and we’re so proud of that organization’s work to bring more affordable housing to the region and support small business. This past year, AmeriCorps interns funded by Civic were able to assist small businesses in Southeast San Diego, Downtown, and other communities through a collaboration with local business improvement districts. This partnership was key to helping many businesses stay open during Covid-19. Maddy also continues to enjoy her time on the Board of the USS Midway Museum which is routinely voted one of the Top 10 museums in the country by TripAdvisor.

Oh! And don’t forget about North County. Haley is serving on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside. As it turns out, giving back is in her DNA:

Recently, Haley’s family rediscovered a 1997 article written by her grandfather in which Grandpa Pete writes about what it was like to be the inspiration for and one of the first youth beneficiaries of, the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club in New York in the 1940’s. Witnessing a group of engaged adults care about him and his neighborhood friends enough to inspire the creation of the Club would prove a formative experience in his life. The Club has gone on to positively impact thousands of young lives in its 73-year history. Grandpa Pete went on to be involved in enhancing and helping to create clubs throughout his life.

In the article, Grandpa Pete writes:

“At the heart of [the Boys & Girls Club’s] philosophy is the belief that children from all walks of life need to be guided in developing the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders… The philosophy is still true today and shows that how we choose to dedicate our time makes a difference.”

“Even though my grandpa is no longer with us, as I read the article, I felt that sense of connection to him that I had been missing for more than a decade,” Haley said. “Today, I am continuing a legacy I didn’t even know I had through my leadership role with the Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside. We’re helping students adapt to virtual learning and providing more than 30,500 free meals to families in need; it was also just named one of the California’s Nonprofit’s of the Year. I’m so honored and humbled to continue on my grandpa’s path of giving back to our local youth.”

As Intesa colleagues connect with intent and a sense of purpose to improve our communities, Grandpa Pete’s words ring true and we are taking them to heart. Not just on Giving Tuesday, but every day.

The post Finding Inspiration to Keep Going… and Giving appeared first on Intesa Communications Group.

Last November, Washington, D.C.-based Healthcare Ready tapped Intesa’s PR expertise to help tell the story of the nonprofit, which was established nearly 15 years ago by the American Red Cross and pharmaceutical industry to prepare and strengthen the nation’s healthcare supply chain before, during and after disasters strike. Little did anyone know, less than two months after we started our partnership with the organization, a global health pandemic was going to overwhelm our nation. 

Intesa swiftly took a strategic and hands-on approach, serving as Healthcare Ready’s go-to public relations team and sole fundraising consultant during this uncertain time. Since coming on board, Intesa has facilitated more than 40 interviews in national outlets such as AP, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal”, among others and secured a prominent feature of the organization’s executive director in the July 2020 issue of the Chronicle of Philanthropy. 

We’ve also helped author and place op-eds underscoring Healthcare Ready’s thought leadership and have hosted well-received virtual media briefings with select media where they engage in a dialogue on key issues, context, and resources with industry leaders. Additionally, with our support, more than $500,000 has been raised from leading companies to support Healthcare Ready’s efforts to strengthen and secure our national disaster resilience capacity.

The post Healthcare Ready appeared first on Intesa Communications Group.

Philanthropic features

In the midst of several crises, our clients are stepping up. We’re proud to support the work of Nicolette Louissaint, Ph.D. and her team at Healthcare Ready, a D.C.-based nonprofit that helps coordinate the efforts of healthcare companies, governments, and community organizations during natural disasters and disease outbreaks. While Intesa was initially brought on to support their public relations program strategically and tactically, our role was recently expanded to assist in their fundraising program. As a result, Nancy secured a prominent feature of the organization and its executive director in the July 2020 issue of  The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

We’ve also helped Healthcare Ready announce financial contributions to support their response efforts to COVID-19 from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), The AmerisourceBergen Foundation, the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the PhRMA Foundation along with donations of $500,000 from Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. and $100,000 from Stanley Black & Decker to help expand Healthcare Ready’s work to build and enhance the resiliency of communities during the pandemic.

Virtual “brown bag” briefings

Last November, when we on-boarded Healthcare Ready, we knew that we wanted to deepen their relationships with reporters within their sector. Though they had a good reputation with media, they frequently found inconsistent reporting on features of the US health supply chain and the public/private partnerships they foster as an NGO. We pitched the idea of hosting a “brown bag” session with media, which is literally what it sounds like; an informational gathering of reporters over lunch while asking the client questions on background and discussing the nuances of their field.

Little did we know that just a few months later, we’d be in the midst of a historic pandemic and faced with a completely different social and media environment but we didn’t want to give up on the concept. We pivoted and adjusted the format to an online convening and invited select media to participate in a series of conversations with industry leaders at the Strategic National Stockpile, PhRMA, BIO and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, to name just a few.

Due to Healthcare Ready’s important role in the pandemic response, one “brown bag” has now turned into multiple separate convenings, each with its own theme. We’re proud to create these opportunities for media relationship-building. They underscore the challenges our client faces in securing and strengthening our nation’s healthcare supply pipeline so that patients have access to the medicines and personal protective equipment they need during natural disasters and pandemics.

Celebrating South Bay superhero grads!

What does media coverage look like in a pandemic? Surprisingly familiar! Even though we’re not shepherding our clients around the news studios like we’re used to, we’re still lining up media coverage of significant moments in our communities. In June, long-time client South Bay Community Services celebrated their students’ academic accomplishments throughout several of their programs, including Chula Vista Promise Neighborhoods.

One of the highlights was honoring the big accomplishments of their tiniest gradates, the newly-minted kindergarteners graduating from Mi Escuelita therapeutic preschool. Mi Escuelita is Southern California’s only therapeutic preschool designed specifically to support children and families affected by relationship violence. Intesa’s PR team was pleased to help celebrate this incredible program and its graduates. Through a combined proactive media outreach effort, several local news stations covered the event. The successful event underscored the fact that we can socially distance, wear a mask and still do interviews and tell important stories. Grab some tissue and check out the heart-warming, superhero-themed event here.

What’s your pivot?

We’re apart, but we’re still connected, engaged and want to hear from our friends both near and far. Hit us up in the comments with some fun, creative ways you’ve been able to pivot strategies to keep the ball moving during these dynamic times. If you’re feeling stuck, that’s okay! Reach out to us here and let us know how we can help.

The post Onward! Forward progress during COVID-19 appeared first on Intesa Communications Group.

Happy almost-Mother’s Day! Sunday, May 10^th is just around the corner and the occasion got us thinking about what it means to be a working mom in this moment. There is no shortage of discussion about how to best manage a work/life balance in our “new normal.” We’re seeing expert advice on everything from how to excel at our new teaching roles and maintain work productivity to keeping partnerships functional.

Experts suggest scheduling, being patient, showing yourself some grace, and managing expectations. As many of you know first-hand, this is much easier said than done.

At Intesa, we have the unique advantage of a company culture that has valued a healthy work life/balance since day one. Our founder, Margie Newman, and partner, Maddy Kilkenny, are both mothers of young children who embody a work culture that values life outside of work as much as they value a culture of excellence in the office. For all of our good intentions, however, our team of go-getters can be just as tempted to the “pull” of almost-finished projects, one more email, late night cell phone pings, and urgent deadlines as everyone else. Work/life balance — even in normal times — can be an elusive ideal.

“You think being a working mom is challenging now? Hold my beer.” – COVID-19

Even with leadership that values (and even sometimes enforces) work/life balance, COVID-19 and the resulting work-from-home-with-kids dynamic have presented unprecedented challenges to the working moms of Intesa. So, moms of Intesa, what’s keeping you going?

Margie Newman, Founding Partner

“Structure – or even just an attempt at it – is what keeps me and my kiddos from losing our minds. From daily Intesa team huddles, to mostly-firm coffee, breakfast, lunch and snack times, to Kindergarten and Second Grade Zoom class calendar invites. Establishing a routine, trying to stick to it, and being flexible if we don’t is what keeps us sane. We’re all doing our best. Sometimes that involves a closet cry or shower wine, but this, too, shall pass. I’ve also found great fulfillment in writing cards and letters to clients, colleagues, and friends over the course of these past 50+ days. Also: Tiger King. Tiger King helped me a lot.” 

Mindy Wright, Account Manager

“I have two kids under four years old and my husband is still working outside the home as an essential worker so I think at this point I’m running on momentum and sheer stubbornness. In all seriousness, I’m grateful to get up every day to a healthy family and a healthy to-do list. We have incredible clients who are leading in the fight against COVID-19, helping those who need it, and looking to the future and I’m privileged to help tell their stories. Working and momming at the same time is (very) tough, but I love my jobs!”

Nancy Schroeder, PR Director

“While it’s hard to grasp how much has changed, sharing daily ups-and-downs with my colleagues have made it much easier to cope. I have the oldest kids of the bunch (11 year-old twins), and our Zoom calls make me appreciate that they’re pretty easy + self-sufficient when compared to babies, toddlers and super active youngsters (although I did catch my daughter trying to open a can of corn with a steak knife.) Other things I’ve realized: it’s ok to be just “ok;” go outside when I need a break; and meal burn-out is a real thing. Even Sam Sifton, of NYT’s food blog, admitted he’s SICK OF COOKING! I couldn’t agree more, although we did manage to eke out homemade bread and cinnamon rolls – just once. Lastly, Fortnite and FaceTime were once seen as evil distractions; now they’re incredibly useful platforms that are keeping my kids virtually connected with their pals in real-time, which is really, really important today. Strict screen time limits? Not so much over here right now, and that’s a-ok by me.” 

Maddy Kilkenny, Partner

“When your 3 yr. old runs behind you in the middle of a Zoom call with an elected official and yells “Mommy I have poopy,” you get a lot of perspective. If this quarantine has taught me anything about being a mom, it’s that I need to exercise more patience.  As I lamented to my dad the other day that my boys just aren’t listening to me anymore, he replied with “Well, they’re hearing you a lot more.” So true. Our kids are seeing so much more of our lives than usual, and us of theirs. It’s so important to be patient and understanding of our kids and those around us.  Easier said than done, which is why quarantine has also moved gratitude to the front of my brain. Gratitude for my husband who believes that our marriage is a partnership, and gratitude for our clients and coworkers who understand moms will always be moms first and everything else second.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Have advice or relevant memes to share? Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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