Christine Wiley described the layoff as a “tough blow.” After 13 years of working in various marketing and client service positions with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), Wiley found herself unemployed last year.
She said many friends and business associates, including friends with the American Marketing Association (AMA) San Diego chapter, reached out to her with love and support during that stressful time. Wiley served as the 2018-2019 president of AMA San Diego.
“It was one of the most challenging moments of my career, a tough blow,” said Wiley in describing the typical emotions felt by most people following a job loss. “The Society underwent a heartbreaking reorganization, eliminating 114 positions, including mine. I recognized the need for the organization to move toward sustainability. Still, the reality was devastating. I took a step back to heal, reflect and reset.”
Recently, Wiley accepted a new job as director of marketing and engagement at the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF), a nonprofit that raises support for the nearly 11,000 students in the Carlsbad Unified School District.
“I’ll be working to build a consistent brand presence, strength key relationships and amplify the foundation’s incredible impact on the community’s revenue, events and educational programs,” Wiley told Times of San Diego. “I look forward to championing programs that help kids realize their full potential through music, science and innovation.”
Founded in 1983, CEF said it has awarded more than $16 million to Carlsbad public schools, primarily for science, technology and music and other programs not currently funded by the state. CEF corporate sponsors include ThermoFisher Scientific, Viasat, Nordson, Millipore Sigma, James Silberrad Brown Foundation and Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation.
“Being a parent myself (to a 4-year-old son), I highly see the value in educational opportunities for kids,” Wiley said. “I am enjoying being a part of the team so far and am looking forward to making an impact.”
Crowe PR adds Mutiny Island Vodka
San Diego-based public relations firm Crowe PR, also operating an office in New York City, announced it has been selected by Mutiny Island Vodka for strategic communications and media relations to amplify brand awareness, engage new consumers and drive investor support.
A statement said Mutiny Island Vodka, founded in 2017, is the world’s first breadfruit island vodka brand, crafted with nutrient-dense breadfruit and Caribbean rainwater. Distilled in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, the vodka reportedly using a zero-waste process with natural ingredients that include roots ginger, turmeric, Puerto Rico coffee and smoke hot pepper.
“Mutiny Island Vodka’s unique brand story is rooted in sustainability and making a positive impact in the world one bottle and tree at a time,” said Todd Manley, founder and CEO at Mutiny Island Vodka. “My goal with Mutiny Island Vodka is to educate consumers on the incredible potential of breadfruit, and I’m confident our partnership with Crowe PR will ensure our message reaches new audiences to build a more sustainable future for all.”
Crowe PR current spirits industry clients include Skrewball Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Bear Fight Whiskey, Mary Dowling Whiskey, Mash & Mallow Whiskey and Suntide canned mimosas.
Black journalists host scholarship fundraiser
The San Diego Association of Black Journalists (SDABJ) will celebrate its 25-year anniversary with a reception and scholarship fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 11, at the University Club at Symphony Towers, 750 “B” St., San Diego.
The event will include a celebration of scholarship recipients and a keynote address by Sara Sidner, senior national correspondent and co-anchor of CNN News Central.
Admission is $40 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.nabjsandiego.org
A statement said since its founding on Feb. 1, 2000, SDABJ has supported more than 50 students to pursue their dreams of a degree in journalism, communications or public relations. Some students have landed jobs at Wired Magazine, The New York Times and local newsrooms in San Diego and across the country.
Rick Griffin is a San Diego-based public relations and marketing consultant. His MarketInk column appears weekly on Mondays in Times of San Diego.
