Member Spotlight

MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: Carol Oscarson

CURRENT LIVELIHOOD: I currently am the Agency Director of Leverage PR where I assist clients in the financial services and technology industries raise their visibility with media and investors through effective pitches, bylined articles and strategic speaking engagements.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: I was inspired by my 10th grade European history teacher to become a history professor. I majored in it in college with the hopes of teaching one day but quickly realized that my study of history provided me with analytical and communication skills that I could use in other areas.

DRAW TO THE COMMUNICATIONS FIELD: I’ve always been someone who’s had a love of language and writing and communications allows me to meet new and interesting people, learn about what drives them and find new and creative ways to tell their story.

ALMA MATER: University of Colorado, Boulder

HOMETOWN: I was born in Colorado and spent most of my life there. After college I was eager to explore new places and have lived in San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL: My most memorable experience as a communications professional was when I was working for a large law firm. Our client, who is a well-known tech company, was fighting antitrust allegations in Asia. I received a call from one of our attorneys at 4 p.m. PST letting me know that an important decision had been made in the case and that it was absolutely essential that we contact to media in Tokyo immediately to try to get the word out for the next morning’s paper. Since Tokyo is 17 hours ahead it was absolutely crucial that I quickly understand the details on the case and call reporters — many of whom I had never reached out to. Through quick work, I was able to secure a story with The Wall Street Journal.

RECOMMENDED READS: I recommend reading The New York Times, daily. I seriously would be lost without it.

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT AUSTIN AND FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS: My favorite thing to do In Austin is kayaking on Town Lake, biking the trails behind my house, getting a slice of pizza at Pinthouse and gorging on the fresh mozzarella at Café Vespaio.