By Elise Ramer, MBA, APR, CPRC
Author’s Note: This entry is part of CWC-FPRA’s new blog series about the mentors our members have found through FPRA. As mentees share who has shaped their life and career, we’ll be then spotlighting their mentors’ stories to encourage a snowball effect of gratitude and “paying it forward.” Cheers!
Who is your PR “mentor?” What about them inspires you as a communicator?
That is a tough question because I have had several influential PR practitioners who have helped shaped my career. While I owe great acknowledgements to Jennifer Moss Wilson, APR, CPRC, Joe Curley, APR, CPRC and Ginya Carnahan, APR, CPRC for their support throughout my PR career here in Sarasota, there is one person who truly steered my career into real estate public relations, and that is Jennifer McGuire. As a communicator, she is efficient, straightforward, and clear with her words. Jennifer is adaptable, which is truly inspirational. Her role has changed many times from public relations to internal corporate communications, to social media strategist. She is nimble and gracious.
Pictured left to right: Joe Curley, APR, CPRC with Elise Ramer, MBA, APR, CPRC.
Pictured left to right: Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC; Jennifer Moss Wilson, APR, CPRC; and Elise Ramer, MBA, APR, CPRC.
Pictured left to right: Elise Ramer, MBA, APR, CPRC and Ginya Carnahan, APR, CPRC.
Where did you first meet your mentor? What stood out to them about you?
I believe I first met Jennifer when I was CWC’s chapter president at a luncheon. She was seeking a new public relations strategist for her team at Coldwell Banker’s largest affiliate, NRT. I remember her southern charm and accent. There was something unpretentious about the way she spoke, but at the same time, knew exactly how to positively affect the person she was speaking to, in this case, me. She had the ability to connect with me in such a way that it was exciting. She could motivate me, which is not an easy thing to do. Basically, after meeting me told me I needed to apply for her open position, and I did! And we were lucky enough to work together.
How have you collaborated with your mentor, either at work, in FPRA, or in life?
I worked with Jennifer at CB/NRT for four and a half years. I have gone back to her time and time again when I needed guidance on an issue or needed a shoulder to cry on. She understood my frustrations and offered realistic solution that were practical. Jennifer also has a musical theater obsessed daughter, like mine, and she helped steer my daughter to the right performing arts troupe to help her grow. It’s been 7 years since we were both on the same team for work, and she has since opened her own communications business. I am truly proud of her new endeavor and continue to send clients her way.
Pictured left to right: Jennifer McGuire and Elise Ramer, MBA, APR, CPRC.
What is/are standout qualities about your mentor that make them a great communicator?
She is supportive and pushed for my professional growth. She celebrated my achievements when I received my APR, something that was on both of our bucket lists, and thrilled when I received my CPRC. She listens with her entire body. She is tentative and warm. Her responses are thoughtful and reassuring, even when I need to hear the hard truth.
What have you learned from your mentor so far?
I have learned to listen above all else. Be thoughtful with my communication, and to not send blunt emails. She reinforced repeatedly for me to slow down, it’s not a race. And to be giving with my experience to others.
Have a mentor story to share? We can’t wait to hear about and highlight the incredible professionals that make CWC-FPRA stand out. If you’d like to submit a story, please e-mail Amanda Heisey at AmandaH@ThePlayers.org.
Ready to find your own tribe of comms pros? Email Jen Hemmerdinger to learn more about membership: Jennifer.Hemmerdinger@ey.com.