In the coming months, we're taking you inside The Foggies, to learn more about the winners – what makes them tick, how their winning entry came about, how much work went into it, and more. Next up, please meet Young PR Pro of the Year winner, Katie Parr, a Senior Account Executive at UPRAISE Marketing and Public Relations.

Tell us more about yourself.

 

As a Senior Account Executive at UPRAISE, I am adept at implementing a comprehensive strategy to effectively improve media presence and brand awareness in a cohesive way. I think big before I think small. I specialize in assessing a client’s overall business plan and marketing program before executing the day-to-day to ensure messages are consistent and differentiating.

Always in search of warmer weather, I spend my weekends exploring the seemingly endless labyrinth of hiking trails in Marin.

 

Tell us about your winning campaign/entry. How did it come about, what were the highlights, how much work went into it, results, etc.

This award is a testament to the team’s collective effort to build brand advocacy through the strategic connection of influencers within target communities. With established competitors in the space, we needed to create a competitive advantage to set our client apart. Decision-making is much more emotional than it is logical, so the ability to tell a good story is essential to differentiating your business in the market. A business with a remarkable story can win over its audience and raise the perceived value of its brand. Our job was to clearly communicate the client’s story and we did so – effectively. We positioned their products as the go-to gift of the season and surpassed metrics, earning media coverage in Tier 1 publications such as Good Housekeeping and Good Morning America.

 

What does it mean to your team to take home this win? How will you celebrate?

Our team is close-knit and there is a “we’re in this together” mentality so we’ll be celebrating this win together!  

I am incredibly grateful to PRSA SF for this honor. This recognition is not only a significant milestone in the growth of my career, but also demonstrates to all young professionals that our voice and our ideas are heard and valued. 

 

What should the Bay Area know about you/your team? 

UPRAISE is a smart, savvy, scrappy company that’s bursting with talent and opportunity. In my time here, I’ve enjoyed creating stellar work with some incredibly smart people. I am constantly blown away by the caliber of talent that is exhibited by my peers and attribute a large amount of my professional growth to my coworkers who have motivated me to be the best I can be.