We’re excited to introduce our newest team member, Nina Ng! Nina joined the team in April as Teak’s newest Account Coordinator. In this role, she will help us elevate our nonprofit and socially responsible clients by generating attention to their causes through media, awards, speaking opportunities, and social media efforts.
Nina comes to us from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She has also worked for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, and Ithaca College. Nina graduated summa cum laude with a double major in English and Environmental Studies from Ithaca College and is pursuing her master’s in corporate and organization communication from Northeastern University. Here is a conversation with our new colleague whom we are proud to add to our staff and whose words you’ll be reading soon in the Teak Talk blog.
Nina volunteering
What drew you to this position at Teak?
As someone with an environmental undergraduate background, I was excited by Teak’s clients and the possibility to combine my interests in climate and environmental policy with my professional interests in communication and public relations. Additionally, I am inspired by Teak’s commitment to promoting organizations with high ethical standards, which are dedicated to improving the world in various ways.
What causes are you passionate about?
I am enthusiastic about conservation of natural spaces and food insecurity. As a lover of the outdoors and someone who grew up in rural Pennsylvania, I have always appreciated the experience of spending time outdoors. There are so many mental and physical health benefits to having access to natural spaces, so it is vital to protect these places. Additionally, food insecurity is such an overwhelming issue that affects so many people. Food insecurity can be not having access to healthful and nutritious foods, not having enough food, or even not having the health literacy skills to make informed dietary decisions. While an undergraduate student at Ithaca College, I co-founded a food-donation project which supplied the campus food pantry with fresh produce (leafy greens, herbs, peppers) from the campus greenhouses and aquaponic system.
What do you enjoy about media relations?
I like meeting with different people and hearing stories about experiences that have shaped their work. To me, media relations is about storytelling and beginning conversations about important and newsworthy topics. I am looking forward to the opportunity to assist Teak’s clients with telling their stories!
How do you secure media-worthy stories?
Be an avid consumer of media. This teaches you about which reporters and outlets would be receptive to stories about the work of your clients and helps you understand the types of stories that resonate with our clients and those they serve. Media that showcase people’s stories, personal or professional, are so appealing because they can spark a dialogue about shared experiences.
How do you relax outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and baking. Recently, I took a French pastry class in NYC and learned to make fresh beignets. I also love watching cooking content on YouTube or TikTok and recreating what looks delicious! One of my favorite things about traveling is trying new foods and dishes!
What’s something unique about you that not everyone would know?
A few years ago, I went on a camping and hiking trip through the Belizean rainforest. While on this trip, I saw and heard jaguars in the wild which was both exciting and terrifying!
Nina in Belize
