Walking into the Albuquerque Museum brought me back to my time as an Arts & Entertainment/Features Editor and reporter. This time, I wasn’t there to cover a story. Instead, I was attending the “What Business Leaders Should Know About the News Media” panel discussion held by Economic Forum Albuquerque as a new Assistant Account Executive with The Garrity Group Public Relations alongside our Director Taeya Padilla.

It was a fantastic morning of networking; across the room, I saw several familiar faces. I immediately said hello to my former co-workers, greeting them after almost a year of not being in a newsroom. Being at this event offered a behind-the-scenes look at the daily realities of local journalism.

Reconnecting with my past life as a journalist was a nice trip down memory lane. I dedicated about 25 years of my life to local journalism as an editor and reporter at the state’s largest newspaper and other publications. I covered every beat from community news, cops and courts, business, arts and entertainment to features. I did it all except for sports and state politics. 

After years as a journalist, transitioning to the other side of the coin in public relations has been a fresh new start and a positive new chapter. I am a people person with a positive outlook on life. Public relations has allowed me to network and spread the word about people, places and organizations that make the Land of Enchantment an amazing state to be a part of.

As I sat, listening to the panel discussion, I realized being a people person in this industry is key! Mainly, the newsroom wants to meet the people sending the press releases. Taking the time to grab a coffee, sit down, and have an off-the-record chat builds a foundation of trust. When a journalist knows your face, your values, and your track record, they are more likely to read your pitch and pick up your story.

Hearing this directly from editors and reporters has inspired me to step away from my computer and keep building face-to-face connections. It is something that served me well as a journalist and will continue to be an asset as an assistant account executive at The Garrity Group.

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