The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. Each week we’re profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series developed in partnership with MyMediaBox.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find YOU😊)?
I answered an ad in the New York Times! Children’s Television Workshop (as Sesame Workshop was known then) placed an ad in the newspaper for a publicist for its magazine and book division. I remember “studying” for the interview and learning about this furry red Muppet that kids couldn’t get enough of. While I watched Sesame Street when I was younger, Elmo had not made his debut yet. Landing the job was both exciting and scary. You want to do right by those 3-year-olds.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
LOL, there is no typical day in PR. Every morning, I wake up and look at my “Things to Do” list and at the end of the day, I’ll be lucky if I’ve crossed off one item. For sure, I’ve added three.

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary campaign was massive. We had a street naming, an Empire State Building tower lighting, commemorative stamps with the USPS, a nationwide road trip, panels at Comic-Con, to name just a few. The campaign delivered over 100 media appearances and 7,000 features, earning 27 billion impressions!

I’m also incredibly proud of Sesame Workshop’s work on racial justice. Sesame Street has the unique ability to entertain children while explaining complex issues like no other program. I’m thrilled to be part of a team creating opportunities for direct discussions about racism to help children grasp the issues and teach them that they’re never too young to be upstanders.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
During these unprecedented times of a pandemic, climate change crisis, and racial injustice, kids are under more stress and pressure than ever before. I’ve seen the licensing industry rise to the call and pivot to wellness, mindfulness, and the general physical and mental health of families. For example, Sesame teamed up with Headspace for videos on YouTube featuring the characters learning various breathing and sensory activities and other mindfulness techniques to better manage relatable, everyday scenarios. That kind of industry support and those resources are so needed right now.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? OR What is your favorite quote?
It’s simple: be kind.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’d be in the Food and Nutrition industry. I remember when my niece discovered butternut squash when they served it in her school cafeteria. It made her excited to go to school. Nourish the body, nourish the mind. I would love to help pick out the menu and give the kids good healthy options…ok, and every now and then, offer a fun licensed snack.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A Star Lab t-shirt for my 14-year-old. He is obsessed with The Flash. And when I say “he,” I mean “we”!

THE 2021 PEOPLE PROFILE SERIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYMEDIABOX
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