What’s it like to have a remote public relations job in New York City? In this Staff Spotlight, we highlight a Caliber Senior Manager, Heather Valle, a mid-career public relations professional. She sat down with our Culture Manager, Kate Forster, to talk about why she loves fintech public relations, reading and leading a team. Read more about our Summer Graduate Associate program leader and all-around rising star!

Kate: Since we’re currently a work-from-home friendly workplace, tell us about “home” for you!

Heather: I grew up in Piscataway, NJ and I currently live in Long Branch, NJ — close to the beach! I left New Jersey for 4 years to attend college in Washington, D.C., but I moved back after graduation to pursue pubic relations jobs in New York City.

Kate: What’s your favorite part of your job as a Caliber Senior Manager?

Heather: My team is my favorite part of this job. I have never met a more friendly and collaborative bunch. We all want to see each other achieve personal and professional success. Experiencing our supportive, team-focused environment makes me excited to lead this year’s Caliber Summer Graduate Program to help train the next generation of public relations talent.

Kate: What do you like to do outside of work?

Heather: Read! I read 24 books in 2021 and my goal is to read 36 in 2022. I also love a good themed party. I had a luau-themed (August) birthday party for about 10 years in a row.

Kate: Since joining Caliber, what career milestone makes you proud?

Heather: Starting at Caliber in 2021 marked my fifth year in a public relations job in New York City. I have since helped clients announce funding rounds and product launches, garnering ideal top-tier and trade media coverage in publications like The Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch. These hits are the final result of dedicated work – initial messaging, brainstorming media angles, developing relationships with reporters, arranging interviews, following through post-interview and, finally, seeing the client’s name in a headline. It still always makes me pause and think: wow, I did that. And now, when you google my client, they will show up on the first page!

Want to learn more about the Caliber team? Click here to read all about us.

Kate: What’s one thing that amazes you about fintech or innovation in financial services?

Heather: As a customer, I expect my banking/financial services to be quick and easy, and working with fintech companies every day, I get to see the passion and hard work that goes into making that happen. Working in this industry also opens my eyes to the customer-focused integrations I should be taking advantage of, that I am currently not – like mobile and contactless payments (I still whip out my cards) and automated investing tools to help save for retirement (I have been slacking).

Kate: If you had to include one ingredient in every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Heather: Chocolate. I have a sweet tooth! Let’s add chocolate to everything.