Meredith Worsham, Chief Communications Officer at People Inc. is a perfect embodiment of NYWICI. Leading a team of about 15 communications professionals across some of the most recognizable names in media, including People, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure and Southern Living she preaches hard work, a positive attitude, and kindness above all.

From PR Agency to Publishing Powerhouse

Worsham’s career began at a PR agency, an experience she credits as foundational. “Starting at an agency forces you to learn fast and juggle diverse clients,” said Worsham. From there, she moved to About.com, a search-engine-era platform that later evolved into Dotdash Meredith and, ultimately, People Inc., now the largest publisher in America.

Along the way, she’s watched the media landscape transform, and helped the People Inc. team and brands transform with it. That’s meant finding new, creative ways to tell brand stories and build consumer trust, from splashy live events like the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and Charleston, to unexpected brand extensions like Southern Living’s upcoming line of sweet tea.

The Power of Persistence

One story stands out as a favorite of Worsham: a year-long effort to land a New York Times feature on People Inc.’s test kitchens. Rather than a single pitch, it was built through sustained relationship-building with a Times reporter — checking in, staying top of mind, and earning trust over time. The payoff was a feature story that might never have happened without that patience.

It’s a lesson Worsham comes back to often and shares with her team and the next generation of communications professionals: in PR, persistence and genuine relationships beat one-off pitches every time.

On AI, Trust, and the Human Element

Even as AI reshapes the media industry, Worsham and team are clear-eyed about what won’t change: the value of human connection and trust in content creation. Communications professionals, she says, need to stay versatile. We need to be comfortable handling everything from media relations to brand strategy, while creating relationships that make good storytelling possible.

Community and Mentorship

Worsham discovered New York Women in Communications early on in her career and later went on to serve on the organization’s board for a year. She points to NYWICI as a source of inspiration and connection for women across the industry. Now, as a leader at People Inc. she advocates for fellow women to join NYWICI.

Her advice to young communications professionals starting out: keep writing, keep building media contacts, and don’t be afraid to raise your hand and say yes to opportunities. She lives by a simple mantra for success: work hard, be kind, and good things will happen.