ALEXANDRA Tursi
Alexandra Tursi
Career Highlights
- Kelliher Samets Volk – Senior Public Relations Associate
- Liz Claiborne, Inc. – Summer Paid Intern in Corporate Communications
- Georgia-Pacific Inc. – Summer Paid Intern in Communications & Engineering
- Artscope Magazine – Writer
- IdentityTheory.com – Visuals Editor
- Cornell University Chorus – Public Relations Manager
- Cornell University Office of the Vice Provost for Research – Office Assistant
Community Involvement
- People Group Leader at Kelliher Samets Volk, helped to plan KSV’s first commuter challenge, ALS walk, and employee social events
- Laura Kate Winterbottom Memorial Fund, provide pro bono PR services
- Burlington City Arts, volunteer tour guide
- Cornell Club of Vermont, president who plans alumni activities and oversees a $50,000 scholarship fund for Vermont students
Favorite part of job? Strategizing communications is the best part of my job – with my team and my clients. I love building and developing a kernel of an idea, resulting in a novel way to connect my clients with their publics. It could be a tweet, a video, a media interview, a Facebook tab, or an editorial visit. Tapping into my creativity and pushing myself to “think outside of the press release” is always fun, challenging, and exhilarating. Working at an agency, I also have the pleasure of working with multiple clients in multiple industries and multiple media channels so I get to learn – a lot! Shooting video, understanding energy efficiency or nutrition, knowing the latest about SEO. Everyday there is something new to learn. It’s an exciting, ever-changing environment.
Most inspiring mentor? Linda Kelliher, chief creative office at KSV. Linda and I don’t meet for coffee, or talk shop in her office. We go horseback riding together, and I have to say that it has taught me so much about human behavior and relationships – and myself. Riding builds confidence and character, Linda has explained to me. I thank her for introducing me to the sport that she credits with her own personal and professional successes.
Who is your living hero? The fashion designer Betsey Johnson – I’m continually inspired by women who are able to translate an artistic vision into a thriving business without compromising aesthetics for dollars. And I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mother – she’s given me advice I live by every day: “Always reach for the top shelf – you’re bound to get something great. Reach for the bottom and you will only get what’s on the bottom.”
Favorite downtime activity? I’m an insatiable bibliophile, so if I’m not at work, you can catch me reading a good book – a real hardback one. Singing has also always been a passion of mine. Now, I perform with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus and perform in local theatre.
Favorite Vermont escape? I spend my weekdays in Burlington, so on the weekends, I like to go off on mini-adventures throughout the state. I recently traveled down to Bennington and took in some art at the amazing Bennington Museum, and had the best Mexican food in Vermont at the Rattlesnake Café. My favorite Vermont escape is exploring the unexpected pleasures of our state, off the beaten path.
Favorite social network? Tumblr, a blogging technology that allows for instant social sharing. Social media started with the blog. The blog has fundamentally altered how we develop, distribute and digest information. It has turned mainstream media on its head, and in the process created the opportunity for anyone, anywhere with a computer and decent Internet service to share her thoughts with the rest of the world…And allow that person to then become a lynchpin for the passionate tribe of people who are also interested in the topic discussed – whether it’s food, fashion, or politics. For a person who loves writing, reading and sharing information, the blog is queen.
Favorite website? GOOD Magazine (good.is). Great design, great investigative reporting, great mission.
Vermont Business person you would most want to network with? Melinda Moulton. She’s forward-thinking and committed to sustainability and social good. I would love to sit down with her for lunch at Skinny Pancake!
