Angela Salerno-Robin
Senior Vice President Media Relations at dna Communications
“A typical day begins with watching the local news and the Today Show. In my job being on top of the news every day is very important. I work on a number of different healthcare projects; whether it's pitching pharmaceutical companies a new drug or skin cancer awareness. I am on the phone with media all day to pitch those stories. I participate in brainstorms to help garner media attention through strategy and positioning. I'm in the office most of the day but I would love to get out of the office and be on the ground more! I like to be able to leave work and then enjoy the city and dinners with my husband, who is a chef!”
Read Angela’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
A typical day begins with watching the local news and the Today Show. In my job being on top of the news every day is very important. I work on a number of different healthcare projects; whether it's pitching pharmaceutical companies a new drug or skin cancer awareness. I am on the phone with media all day to pitch those stories. I participate in brainstorms to help garner media attention through strategy and positioning. I'm in the office most of the day but I would love to get out of the office and be on the ground more! I like to be able to leave work and then enjoy the city and dinners with my husband, who is a chef!
Why do you love it?
I love my job because it's always different every day! It's constantly challenging. I went to school for communications and after working as a traffic reporter, a hospital reporter and an anchor, I ended up in PR. I've been fortunate enough to change my career trajectory but still be able to stay close to what I love: helping people through raising awareness about positive causes. Because I'm in health it's particularly rewarding and the messages I bring to the media are helpful. It's fast paced, challenging and I get to meet a lot of different people!
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
I was really nervous when I made the change from journalism to PR. I didn't want to live the journalist life and I didn't know if I would succeed in PR. The fear of failure was strong. Now that I'm in PR, there are client management and budget challenges; in particular, the pharmaceutical industry still intimidates me.
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
I have been working on Cures Within Reach. They help repurpose and rediscover drugs for diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is personal to me because my husband is diagnosed with this disease. I have met patients who have benefitted from the company's work and that's really incredible. Being able to do something like that, pro bono, to help people in this way was really exciting for me.
Where did you grow up?
Albany, NY.
What is your unique talent?
I'm really adaptable. I can walk into any situation and melt right into what other people are doing.
Tell us about your personal style.
To be comfortable! I'm not a fashionista, life's too busy!
Is there a current book or book you love?
The Storyteller - Jodi Picoult
Who inspires you?
My mother. She raised me and my brother on her own and every day I wonder how she did it! She's the glue that keeps us together.
What’s next for you?
I definitely want to keep bringing new healthcare to clients and help to shape the future for patients!
