I help organizations turn complex stories into clear, compelling narratives that earn attention.
01 / About
I’m a PR Account Manager at Bob Gold & Associates, where I work across public-sector, technology, media, consumer and sports accounts. My work spans proactive media relations, strategic messaging, crisis response, executive interviews and briefings, news releases, awards and coverage analysis.
I earned my master’s degree in Public Relations & Advertising from USC Annenberg. I’m most at home where a complicated subject needs to become a story people can quickly understand and trust.
02 / Selected work
Explore selected campaigns, media programs and communications work by sector. Selected coverage is linked directly from each project.
Willow · The Long Game
Led media outreach for The Long Game: Saurabh Netravalkar, Between Two Worlds, positioning the film at the intersection of cricket, technology, identity and the road to the Olympics.
StreamTV Show 2026
Led media relations for the 2026 StreamTV Show, securing journalist moderators, driving media attendance and supporting coverage before, during and after the event.
Curacao · Essential Assistance Program
Supported communications around a free assistance program for families affected by immigration enforcement, with outreach tailored to local communities and regional media markets.
Curacao · Estamos Contigo
Supported media outreach around Curacao’s debt-relief program for customers affected by deportation, generating broadcast, digital and social coverage across Southern California and beyond.
Port of Long Beach
Support the Port of Long Beach across day-to-day and high-profile communications, including news releases, messaging, direct media outreach, executive interviews, coverage tracking and reporting, media tours and issues response. Work has also included crisis communications support during major operational incidents.
Planned the New York media tour and secured briefings with Bloomberg, Reuters, Axios, CNBC, NBC Business, CBS MoneyWatch, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, AP and CNN.
Supported crisis communications following the container collapse, helping develop messaging, coordinate media interviews and monitor coverage to keep stakeholders informed, counter misinformation and reinforce that Port operations remained open and operational.
Odwalla
Supported media outreach around Odwalla’s return to market, helping build visibility across business, beverage, food and consumer media.
Search.com / Ad.com
Client work spanned the Search.com launch, a high-profile bid for Chrome, thought leadership, feature stories and ongoing media engagement across advertising, technology and business press.
Impossible Cloud
Supported media relations around Impossible Cloud’s seed funding announcement, helping translate a technical infrastructure story for venture, technology and crypto audiences.
Utah 360°
Helped execute the PRSA LA PRISM Award-winning campaign, supporting outreach around a landmark NIL program for University of Utah athletes.
03 / Selected coverage
A cross-section of earned media spanning technology, entertainment, consumer, sports and community-impact work.
04 / Writing
Selected published writing, including bylined commentary and thought leadership.
Bylined Opinion · PRWeek
No amount of mewing or auramaxxing will help brands up their rizz if they’re not compensating and crediting creators.
An original opinion article I authored, pitched and placed in PRWeek, examining how brands can connect with Gen Z without forcing relatability or co-opting creator culture. The piece was also republished by Campaign Asia.
If you’re a major brand today, no amount of mewing or auramaxxing will help up your rizz to a level ten Gen Z sigma, lil bro.
If that didn’t make sense to you, you’re likely not as chronically online as Gen Z — much like today’s corporate leaders.
Gen Z, otherwise known as Spend Z, is already earning disposable income and is ready to buy, buy, buy. With brands desperate for a drop of that sweet post-student-loan payment discretionary spending, they’ve turned to adopting Gen Z memes, trends and brainrot slang to appear more relatable.
But at what point does an attempt at relatability feel less sigma and more like disingenuous pandering, à la 55-year-old Steve Buscemi in 30 Rock, dressed like a teenager asking, “How do you do, fellow kids?”
We’ve already seen these efforts backfire.
Adidas, for instance, was accused last year of using the Chill Guy meme without the original artist Phillip Banks’ consent or compensation.
Or, take the “very demure, very mindful” phrase coined by TikTok creator Jools Lebron, which vanished as quickly as it appeared; smothered by relentless corporate meme-jacking as brands scrambled to prove Gen Z relatability.
Memes don’t appear out of thin air. They’re brought to existence by content creators, artists and everyday users who pour their creativity into the internet’s collective consciousness. Too often these creators don’t see a dime when corporations hijack their work in a quest to be more relatable and, ultimately, profitable.
The lifecycle of today’s memes exist as such: regular people have fun with it, brands latch on, and, suddenly, it’s dead.
Gen Z recognizes this corporate inauthenticity and it leaves them feeling exploited and disconnected.
Part of the trade-off of “free” digital social spaces such as X, Instagram and TikTok are the existence of brands and their advertising. Yet, brands have recently taken it a step further, anthropomorphizing corporations into our fellow Gen Z besties.
Nonetheless, when done well, the strategy can be clever enough to make us laugh and feel seen. When it’s forced, we get the infamous “ick.”
Not all brands get it wrong. Some manage to come across relatively genuine by uplifting creators rather than exploiting them.
Through meaningful, paid partnerships with creators, Marc Jacobs, for example, keeps its finger on the pulse of online culture rather than playing catch-up.
The brand collaborates with leading Gen Z voices like comedy podcasters Emergency Intercom and YouTubers Slushy Noobz, along with micro-micro-influencers like @SylvanianDrama, who stages soap-opera-esque skits with tiny Calico Critters figurines.
Each partnering creator brings their authentic voice to sponsored content with the brand amplifying their creativity instead of co-opting it.
The results speak for themselves: Sylvanian Drama’s video promoting Marc Jacobs’ Tote Bag earned nearly 2 million likes on Instagram, while influencer Nara Smith’s TikTok making the designer bag “from scratch” hit 2.5 million likes.
Collaborations like Marc Jacobs' Heaven line’s Emergency Intercom collection consistently sell out in minutes — despite high price tags.
So, what’s the takeaway for brands? Know your purpose and provide real value instead of chasing empty engagement. Gen Z knows the difference.
Respect creators. Pay them, collaborate meaningfully, give credit and think long-term. Not every trend fits your brand. Don’t sacrifice your image and values for fleeting engagement.
In the end, Gen Z likes it when brands understand us, but being our besties might be a bit much. When they try too hard and miss the mark, well, -10,000 aura points.
Albert Heape is an account executive at Bob Gold & Associates.
Client News Release · Willow
Drafted the launch release for Willow’s first original podcast and managed media outreach, interview coordination and follow-up.
Coverage included Daily Mail, The Streamable, Broadcast Now, Advanced Television and CricExec.
WILLOW LAUNCHES FIRST ORIGINAL PODCAST, “GAME ON WITH GRACE,” HOSTED BY FAST-RISING SPORTS BROADCASTER GRACE HAYDEN
Bi-Weekly Series Premieres Sunday, July 20, Offering Candid Conversations That Connect the World of Cricket with Pop Culture
Mountain View, CA – July 17, 2025 – Willow, offering more live, streaming and on-demand cricket than any other sports service, today announced the launch of its first original program, Game On with Grace, a weekly video podcast hosted by Australian commentator and TV personality Grace Hayden. Premiering Sunday, July 20, 2025, new episodes will debut every other Sunday night across all Willow platforms including Willow TV, Willow Sports and the Willow App, and major podcast platforms.
Hayden, 23, brings on-camera experience from the IPL, Cricket World Cup, GT20 Canada and Channel 7 Australia, along with a social media following of more than 300,000 fans. The daughter of Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden, Grace has carved out her own path as a versatile host and commentator, blending deep cricket insight with a modern, lifestyle-oriented voice that resonates with both young audiences and brands.
“Game On is about pulling back the curtain on the world of sports’ untold stories,” said Grace Hayden, host of Game On with Grace. “I grew up in cricket’s front row and have covered its biggest tournaments, but the moments that fascinate me most happen off camera. Partnering with Willow allows me to share those raw, funny, and inspiring conversations with athletes, artists, and anyone chasing greatness. I can’t wait to bring these stories to fans each week on the Willow app and wherever they listen to podcasts.”
Game On with Grace is a first-of-its-kind podcast featuring guests from across the sports spectrum and delivering heartfelt stories, fresh perspectives and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of athletes and sports figures. With cricket as its heartbeat, the show also explores broader themes in sports, pop culture and personal identity, offering the kind of honest, informal conversations not often found in traditional sports media.
“Launching Willow’s first original series is an important step in expanding how we serve and grow the cricket community,” said Todd Myers, COO of Willow. “Grace’s knowledge of the game, combined with a confident on-screen presence, makes her a uniquely powerful and authentic voice as the host of Game On with Grace. This podcast will bring authenticity, energy, and a fresh voice that will resonate with both longtime cricket fans and newcomers alike.”
Watch Game On with Grace starting Sunday, July 20 on the Willow app, Willow Sports, Willow TV and all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music and more.
Willow is the premier destination for cricket in the United States and Canada, boasting the most comprehensive live, streaming, and on-demand cricket coverage available. Guided by its mission to make cricket globally accessible, Willow combines cricket’s rich heritage with innovative broadcasting to offer an unmatched viewing experience.
Dedicated to excellence and innovation, Willow provides cricket enthusiasts with HD-quality live streaming and extensive coverage from nearly every major cricket board and tournament worldwide.
Willow’s TV network is also available through top providers such as DISH, Sling, Fios, Spectrum, Xfinity, Optimum, DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, Fubo and Prime Video, and also offers a dedicated streaming app available on all major CTV devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox One, Android TV, Chromecast, Google TV, and more, ensuring fans never miss a moment of the action.
Explore the ultimate cricket experience at www.willow.tv.
Community Communications · Curacao
Drafted community-facing messaging announcing Curacao’s Essential Assistance Program and reaffirming the company’s support for families during a period of uncertainty.
The piece balances practical program information with empathetic, community-focused messaging for a sensitive public issue.
Curacao Stands With Our Community
Los Angeles – July 15, 2025 — At Curacao, our customers are the heart of our community. For over 45 years, they have welcomed us into their neighborhoods, trusted us with their home necessities, and helped build not just this city, but this company. We honor their strength, their faith, their family values, and the tireless work they have poured into building a better life for themselves, for their families, and for this country.
We know these are uncertain times. Many in our community are feeling unsafe, and some are afraid to even leave their homes due to the recent environment. We share that concern deeply, and we’re here to stand with them.
To assist those affected, we’ve launched the ‘Essential Assistance Program’. Families that are currently unable to leave home and have an urgent need for basic household items—like a small appliance, microwave, fridge, TV etc.—may be able to receive these items completely free, including home delivery if needed.
We are also offering a limited supply of ESSENTIAL FOOD, with home delivery if necessary. This food assistance is also completely free for families who are truly in need and unable to leave their homes.
Families experiencing difficulties because they are unable to leave their homes may benefit from this help, they can visit: https://icuracao.com/estamoscontigo and fill out the request form. All the information submitted is fully confidential.
We’ll carefully review each submission with care and compassion and do our best to prioritize those with the most urgent needs.
Our community is large, and Curacao’s resources are limited. We kindly ask that this assistance be reserved for those who need it most. Thank you for understanding.
Our hearts are with every member of our community.
We’ll get through this—together, stronger, and more united.
With love,
Your Curacao Family
Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate-income individuals needing high-quality home and tech products, travel, export and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interest-protected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Curacao is headquartered at 1605 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015. For more information, visit icuracao.com.
Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected, and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial literacy, health, well-being, education, and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of a Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.
For more information, visit icuracao.com and foundation.icuracao.com.
Company Byline · Technology
A first-person piece published on the Bob Gold & Associates blog exploring AI overload, changing consumer expectations and the technologies that stood out at CES 2025.
By Albert Heape · Thought leadership and technology commentary
Overwhelmed and Inspired: What I Learned at My First CES
By Albert Heape
Attending my first CES was a whirlwind of new technology, new faces and pure sensory overload. The massive event spans cavernous halls packed with towering displays, flashing lights and an endless maze of booths showcasing every kind of gadget you can imagine, from cutting-edge AI demos to, well, So. Many. Robot. Vacuums.
But beyond the chaos, CES left me with valuable insights about where technology and our world are heading. In an interview at CES, Mark Cuban summed it up perfectly: “There are two types of companies: those that are great at AI, and everybody else.”
At BG&A, we’ve already embraced AI to streamline our workflows, but CES highlighted just how much potential AI has beyond the buzzword. Here are three key lessons I took away:
AI was everywhere. From AI-powered washing machines to AI-powered bird feeders. Though some of the claims bordered on absurd, like ‘AI water,’ which was simply a water filter that alerts you when it’s time to replace it. Let’s call it what it is: marketing spin.
What stuck with me, though, was the reminder to balance innovation with humanity. While AI can make our work more efficient and take on repetitive tasks, it can’t replace the originality and imagination that only people bring. By design, AI learns from what already exists, but it’s human creativity that drives progress and innovation.
For companies, the challenge is clear: don’t lose sight of the human element. Celebrate creativity and use AI as a tool to empower your team, not make them feel obsolete.
Today, consumers expect every device to work as seamlessly and intuitively as their smartphone, and to offer the same level of customization. When it doesn’t, frustration and negative reviews ensue.
While car apps offering features like remote starting, AC controls and even parking have been around for some time, one demo I saw took customization to an entirely new level.
Imagine your teenager just got their license, and, naturally, you’re concerned about their safety. This retrofitted 1970 Ford Bronco running Sonatus Automator AI can detect if a passenger enters the vehicle and automatically play a message (loudly) instructing them to leave. Or, if the temperature rises above 70 degrees, it can automatically blast the AC and cue up some summertime tunes.
This kind of personalization and seamless connectivity is quickly becoming the new standard. Companies that fail to meet these expectations risk being left behind in an increasingly smart world.
Amid the buzz of autonomous vehicles, transparent TVs and humanoid robots, the gadget that stuck with me most was a small, fuzzy creature that… simply looks around. You can clip it to your bag, your jacket or even wear it yourself, and it interacts with people nearby by nodding at them.
Often, it’s the simplest ideas that make the biggest impact. Amidst the glitz and glamour of next-gen tech, Mirumi was a refreshing reminder. It’s not here to revolutionize the world, just to bring a little joy, and that kind of innovation deserves its moment too.
CES can be overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly inspiring and offers a window into what our future lives might look like. My biggest takeaway? It’s not just about the tools we invent, but how we choose to use them.
As I left CES, my head was spinning with questions: What will the future of work look like? Will companies truly use AI to innovate, or will it become an excuse to replace employees with flashy tech? What other technologies will become extensions of our mobile devices? And, most importantly, when can I get my hands on Mirumi?
It feels like we’re at an inflection point. Today’s AI-powered technology could either be remembered as another dot-com bubble, or, spark meaningful change for the better. How we choose to harness this technology, or not, will define the legacy we leave behind.
05 / Experience
PR Account Manager 2025—Present
PR Account Executive 2023—2025
PR Account Coordinator 2022—2023
Integrated communications across public-sector, technology, media, consumer and sports clients, including messaging, media strategy, executive communications, launches, events and issues response.
Communications Specialist
Created community-facing releases, internal communications and newsletters reaching 2,600+ community members; increased Instagram reach 124% and engagement 145% through short-form video.
Super Bowl LVI Social Media Command Center Staffer
Monitored real-time social sentiment, corrected misinformation and delivered daily trend and sentiment reporting to the NFL media team during Super Bowl LVI fan experiences.
Social Media Coordinator
Led digital engagement through COVID-19 and the return to in-person programming, increasing Instagram engagement 200% and followers 55%.
06 / Education
Master's
Bachelor's
07 / Résumé
Experience across public-sector, technology, media, consumer, sports and entertainment communications.
08 / Contact
Want to get in touch? You can reach me below.
