SPOTLIGHT: ELINA KAZAN

Founder, Elina Kazan PR

A marketing, corporate and crisis communications executive specializing in retail, branded entertainment, fashion, and consumer products. Currently counseling ecommerce, retail tech start-ups and nonprofits, Elina creates C-level experiential tours for global brands in NYC. She has staged and hosted hundreds of special events including product launches, fashion shows, red carpet arrivals and has led the PR for large-scale nationally televised public events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. From script to soundbite, Elina has served as a corporate spokesperson and has been behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera creating content for documentaries, docu-series and livestreams.

What inspired you to join NYWICI?

There is no industry more exciting than comms. To be with other women who share the same passion, excel in the field, and are just as inspired and invigorated by this industry is why I joined NYWICI. To see seasoned professionals and the next generation come together to embrace the power of communications and media is exhilarating. I love the media and I love communications. It’s in my DNA.

What piece of career advice do you live by?

Be true to yourself. Be open. Own your own story.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Though I was born here, I am first generation, the daughter of immigrants and we only spoke Armenian at home. I learned English once I went to school and my homework assignments was to watch Sesame Street to perfect speaking the language.

What’s the best thing you’ve watched/ listened to/ or read recently?

I got hooked on Apple TV’s Severance. My husband will be in an episode in Season 2 and I binge watched Season 1.

What 5 people living, or dead would you invite for dinner?

My grandmothers whom I never met, Cher, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Taylor Swift.