I Became a Communications Director, Thanks to 2 Members

Had I not been a member of NYWICI, I would never have been the director of communications for the nonprofit HeartShare Human Services of New York.
 
It came about in 2003, as the result of talking with member Ginny Pulos, owner of Ginny Pulos Communications, at an NYWICI event in 2003. It was a lucky conversation: That night I told Ginny that I wanted to work for a nonprofit. She knew that Pat O'Connell, long-time member and former NYWICI president, was retiring from her post as HeartShare's communications director. Ginny introduced me to Pat. Then, Pat recommended me (pictured above) to replace her.
 
At the time, I had exactly what HeartShare was looking for. The organization wanted a professional who could revamp its materials, from its internal and external newsletters to its annual report, website and department brochures. My experience in magazine journalism (which includes a master's degree from New York University and teaching in the same program) along with a background in start-up publishing, websites, marketing, public relations and other communications-related experience placed me in good stead.
 
But the other unexpected bonus of that conversation with Ginny is the gift of having Pat in my life. She turned out to be a true friend and ever-supportive, gracious colleague. I got to know Pat when she and I overlapped at HeartShare for about 6 weeks, and we've stayed in touch through the years.
 
The next year, I resigned from HeartShare to focus on my own firm, Way With Words, which specializes in editorial/copywriting consulting and services. But whenever I hear NYWICI's new motto, members hire members, it rings true, because Ginny and Pat made it happen for me.

How a Member Helped Me Land a Great Gig

Members Hire Members is NYWICI's new career slogan, but that's not the only way members can have one another's back.

In my case, NYWICI member and activist Gloria Feldt, who knew my work, recommended me to a colleague. That person hired me as the content developer for a new web campaign called NotUnderTheBus.com, launched by the Women's Media Center. The website is a platform to raise awareness that women's healthcare is to be kept fair, safe and accessible to all — "not to throw women under bus," so to speak, in the current reform debate.