We’re spotlighting our Edelman Culture Champions, individuals recognized by their peers for exceptional dedication, positivity, and contributions to fostering a supportive workplace environment. These champions play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture where every voice is heard and valued. This edition of Inside Edelman features profiles of these outstanding colleagues from our U.S. offices, showcasing their efforts to uphold Edelman’s values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
Tell us about your Edelman journey.
My Edelman journey started a little over two years ago when I was recruited from ONE School, a portfolio program through The ONE Club for Creativity for emerging Black creatives in advertising. I originally joined as a Copywriter within the Experiences team under Taj Reid, which has now become a specialty creative offering at Edelman. Since then, I dove headfirst into a variety of projects for some of our top clients, including Microsoft, TJX, LinkedIn, The Ajinomoto Group, and MAC Cosmetics, where I contributed creative ideas, strategic problem solving, and human-centric storytelling. Beyond my work as a Copywriter, I also serve as a Co-Lead for GRIOT New York, our Black employee network group, where I help develop programming, create safe spaces for the Black community, and contribute to the Edelman culture alongside our other ENG’s. In short, my Edelman journey thus far can be characterized by great work, great connections, and great impact.
What is one of your most memorable moments at Edelman?
I’ve had several moments at Edelman that I’ll always value, but one I find particularly memorable was my involvement in the Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club in SoHo, New York. This was the first brand event I worked on, and it was even more special because it gave women access to tools, resources, and communities that would help them achieve their ambitions for a better life. In addition to its amazing purpose, I was able to employ a variety of my skills and play multiple roles, such as a social copywriter, journalist, community engagement manager, and content creator. I not only helped develop the event and the creative rollout for it, but I also got to experience the final product and connect with our consumers along the way. This event experience showed me how dynamic a creative role can be at Edelman and offered me personal and professional fulfillment.
How does your personal background play a role in your professional life?
My personal background plays an integral role in my professional life, especially how I show up at work daily. Ever since I was young, I’ve always had a knack for creativity — writing short stories, doing craft projects, and constantly exploring new media for self-expression. I wasn’t sure how or what, but I knew I was destined to have a creative career. As I continued exploring my creative interests while growing up as a Black woman in Metro Atlanta, I quickly learned the importance of diversity and representation and they’ve become a part of my core values as a professional. Through my college education and my participation in several personal and professional development programs, I realized my ultimate career goal is to create with a purpose. Every day, I strive to use creativity and storytelling to connect with the world, be inspired while inspiring others, and advocate for marginalized communities in any room I’m in. With such a powerful goal driving my career, I always jump at new opportunities to make a difference through my work.
When you think about the future of Edelman, what does it look like for you?
There are so many opportunities here at Edelman and equally as many amazing and talented people who want to do great work. I hope to continue contributing to these all-star teams and creating meaningful work that goes beyond the impressions, metrics, and awards, and reaches the communities it aims to serve. Edelman is a big player in the creative PR, advertising, and communications space, and I aim to do my part in leveraging our resources and influence for a positive impact.
How has being a part of the GRIOT group shaped your Edelman experience?
I believe that to truly excel at a job, you must feel a sense of belonging and community. GRIOT has been a major source of belonging and community for me during my time at Edelman. Like most people regarding employee network groups, I originally started as a general member of the group, attending the events and programs that seemed most relevant to me and connecting with colleagues along the way. Once I relocated from the Atlanta office to the New York office, I wanted to play a bigger role in engaging the Black community at Edelman. So, I became a Co-Lead of GRIOT New York alongside Lead, Andre Yearwood and Local Sponsor, Abbie Griffith, where we’ve helped reinvigorate the community following the pandemic and the RTO initiative. My time with GRIOT, both as a member and a Co-Lead, has played a major part in finding my place at Edelman beyond my client teams. I encourage all my colleagues at Edelman and externally to support their ENG’s, as they work tirelessly to make our workplaces feel like safe spaces for all.
Alise Crittendon is a Copywriter on the Experiences team based in New York.
