Getting To Know Us – Nicole Katz

1. Tell us about you. Where did you go to school? What’s your most recent professional experience?

I attended the University of Massachusetts as an engineering major my first two years of college, then transferred to Marist College my junior year and graduated with a major in communications. After graduation I worked in book publishing/editing at Forbes, then for a Communications/PR firm that exclusively served K-12 school districts and public libraries on Long Island. I worked primarily on budget and bond issue community outreach campaigns.

2. Tell us about your role here at E&I. Give us a quick rundown of your responsibilities and how they play a part in our team’s overall success.

As the Senior Content Manager at E&I, my role involves various aspects of our company’s messaging and branding. I work on promoting our value proposition, helping to shape our brand identity, and various other marketing communications. By ensuring consistency and effectiveness in our messaging, I contribute to our team’s overall success in engaging members and stakeholders.

3. What do you enjoy most about your work? Are there specific tasks or projects that you find particularly fulfilling or exciting?

One of the projects I’m currently focusing on is helping to create the videos that promote E&I’s value prop that are included in each of the ABM campaigns marketing is sending out. These videos are interviews with members as well as E&I employees. Working on the videos has been a great opportunity for me to get to know some of the employees I don’t often interact with and that’s been a fun experience.

4. What aspect of our company culture resonates with you the most? Are there particular values or practices that you find especially meaningful and enjoy being a part of?

I’ve been with E&I for many years, and one aspect of our company culture that has consistently resonated with me is our commitment to work-life balance. Inevitably we all have personal challenges or situations we are going to deal with at some point, and I’ve always appreciated how the organization prioritizes sensitivity and mindfulness when it comes to maintaining that balance.

5. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? Tell us about your passions and how you unwind and recharge when you’re not on the clock.

My dad always implored me to travel as much as possible and I’ve really tried to take that to heart. So far Italy and Hawaii are among my top visited destinations, but there are so many places I’d like to see. For relaxation I enjoy yoga and acupuncture – I’ve found that with consistency these two things really help clear my mind. I’m a big Yankees fan and my husband and I make sure we get to a least a few games during the season. One of my latest passions is discovering the best espresso martini. The most effective thing I do to recharge is to smother my sweet yellow lab Ollie who is the love of my life.

6. What are you reading, binge watching, or listening to? Anything in particular that’s captured your attention or sparked your interest recently?

Currently watching: Quarterback; Reggie; Griselda; The Curious Case of Natalie Grace. At my mom’s relentless insistence, I’m currently reading The Little Liar by Mitch Albom.

7. Share a fun fact about yourself. Is there something about you that your colleagues might find surprising or interesting?

I’m an ordained marriage officiant. A few years ago my nephew asked me to help him write his wedding vows. That somehow spiraled into asking me to perform his ceremony. I got my certification online and have since performed a number of weddings, vow renewals, and unfortunate pet funeral ceremonies for family and friends.

8. What’s one thing you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?

Go skydiving. I’m terrified of heights so I started with indoor skydiving which was awesome. I’m ready to take the plunge.

9. What do you want to get 1% better at each day?

I’m working on becoming 1% more patient each day, focusing on actively listening, and resisting the urge to constantly move on to the next thing.