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Member Spotlight: Traci Legonelli

Traci Legonelli is a Public Relations Specialist at Manning & Napier. Since first joining the PRSA Rochester chapter in 2014, Traci has always been an active member in the Rochester PRSA community. In addition to her volunteer work with PRSA Rochester, she also is co-president of the Gilda’s Club Associate Board. We sat down with Traci to discuss her career, involvement in PRSA and her favorite part of working in PR. 

What is your role at Manning and Napier, and what do you like most about working in public relations?

I’m the Public Relations Specialist at Manning & Napier. I’m responsible for coordinating and monitoring the day-to-day activities for our marketing and public relations efforts, pitching stories to national and local media, working with various internal departments to determine and recommend potential PR and other marketing communications and thought leadership opportunities. I’m also responsible for our social media and monitoring, content creation, and our awards program. My favorite thing about working in public relations is finding creative ways to tell different stories and no two days are the same.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in public relations?

Originally, I thought I wanted to teach Italian at the high school level. Then my high school guidance counselor introduced me to the idea of Public Relations. After doing some research, it was something I was super interested in and could see myself pursuing a career in.

What is the best lesson you’ve learned during your career in public relations that you’d like to share with any young professional embarking on a career in communications?

The best lesson I’ve learned is to be nimble, flexible, and keep an open mind. 

Describe your involvement in PRSA Rochester’s committee. What kind was the volunteer work you were involved in, and what led you to choose to volunteer or work on this committee? 

Before joining the PRism planning committee this year, I was part of the Young Professional/PRSSA Committee. The YP/PRSSA Committee was a great first step in getting more involved with the local PRSA chapter. I decided to join the PRism planning committee because I love attending the PRisms each year and wanted to be more involved in the process. I also love planning an event! Joining the PRism planning committee has been an amazing learning experience that has provided the opportunity to meet other young professionals passionate about PR and hear about all of amazing things they’re working on.

What is your favorite part about PRSA?

My favorite part of PRSA are the learning opportunities and events. There are a number of amazing sessions throughout the year to help PR pros stay up-to-date on what’s going on in the industry. They’re also a great opportunity to network with your peers and learn more about the exciting things they’re working on. The PRisms are my favorite event of the year! 

When you’re not busy working, what do you like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I volunteer as co-president of the Gilda’s Club Associate Board, I like to run outdoors, read, listen to podcasts, and travel.