As Director of Media Relations at Adelphi University, her job description is quite extensive. “Searching for the next big news item,” she said. “As a publicist, I love to pitch and build relationships with reporters and Adelphi administrators, faculty, staff and students to create amazing stories. Whether promoting a faculty’s expertise to become the go-to expert in their respective field, raise awareness about a cause to benefit a student initiative, or crafting an angle for a national story, I’m advancing Adelphi’s reputation. Building a strong brand takes hard work. Knowing what Adelphi does well and communicating our values and what’s remarkable about our people and programs is essential. And, PR is in the world of immediacy. Public relations professionals need to keep pace with the fast-evolving industry and use a variety of techniques to tell the story and get media coverage. I get to write, be creative and work with terrific people.”
This year, Chan won “Best Publicist on Long Island” in the 2017 “Best of Long Island Press” competition. “It meant a great deal to me to be named ‘Best Publicist.’ I know unbelievably talented PR practitioners and it was a highly competitive category to earn first place,” she said. “I focus on building healthy relationships. One of my life rules: Nurture and treasure your friends and family members. Kindness towards others tends to be rewarded. And, I’m honored that many friends and Long Islanders voted for me.”
She continued, “I won this award for raising Adelphi’s profile in the United States and abroad. In my 12-plus years at Adelphi, I’ve garnered tremendous year-over-year growth in national and international media coverage, with placements in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Newsday, BBC, CNN, Voice of America and National Public Radio, among others.
Her college, Adelphi University, also won a total of seven “Best of Long Island” categories. “It’s one of the best feelings to work for Adelphi. In my role, I’m charged with developing, executing and managing university-wide media relations activities for the eight distinguished schools, dynamic learning hubs, outstanding undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs and prestigious Performing Arts Center. The university’s ‘Best of Long Island’ awards reflect our success in many areas and are making a difference in students’ lives and in our region,” she elaborated.
Chan finds great fulfillment in her job at Adelphi for a variety of reasons.My job is fulfilling for many reasons. “I’ve engaged faculty experts and community members on some of the most important matters: bullying, autism, gun violence, emergency preparedness, mental health, parenting, healthcare, STEM education and the global economy. Something is always happening, and that makes the job fun and exciting. It gives me a sense that I’m making a difference in someone’s life, and sharing something new and special,” she said.
Each day, Chan is motivated by her desire to learn. “The more I can learn, the better. There is legitimately news every single day and a broad range of topics or issues to tackle. Plus, I’m a genuine newshound,” she said.
Over the years, she is proud of many proud moments from a professional standpoint. “I treasure my opportunity to influence and mentor young people and to encourage their interest in public relations and the communications field. I’ve mentored students and successfully supported their applications to highly competitive graduate programs, internships, or full-time employment. Adelphi has made student success a priority and I share the commitment to their personal success. I feel great pride in helping them make the transition from the classroom to a career,” she said.
The Adelphi University Performing Arts Center just had Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member Crystal Gayle at its venue;, and it was named “Best Concert Venue on Long Island.” “Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center (AUPAC) is an important part of Adelphi’s commitment to creating powerful community connections and to fostering student success. AUPAC also draws some of the best emerging and established artists from New York and around the world to Adelphi, and area residents are taking notice,” she said. “Grammy-winning country star Crystal Gayle closed out AUPAC’s season on Saturday, May 13, with a sold-out crowd and a sensational program of country, folk, pop, rock and gospel tunes. ‘We love it in New York,” Gayle told the audience. ‘This is such a beautiful theater. You’re lucky.”
The AUPAC is putting the finishing touches on their upcoming 10th Anniversary Season, which may be seen on the venue’s official homepage.
In addition to her role as Director of Media Relation at Adelphi, Ms. Chan served as president of the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island (PRPLI), for the past two years. “PRPLI is the largest regional trade association for PR and communications professionals,” she said. “The PR and marketing industry is constantly being transformed. Our members and event participants represent nearly every industry on Long Island, and include solo practitioners and NYC professionals. PRPLI strives to keep up with the changes and educate, inform and share best practices and tools to help professionals perform in their job and advance their career. It has been a pleasure serving on the board since 2011 and as president for two years. I truly care deeply about PRPLI and its members.”
She continued, “PRPLI also won for ‘Best Networking Group’ in this year’s Long Island Press ‘Best of Long Island’ contest. I think about the thousands of talented members and communications professionals we have influenced and connected across industries to create a strong networking group. PRPLI’s leadership, voice and engagement are more important than ever.”
Her advice for aspiring publicists is as follows: “Be open to the opportunities that come your way even if they might make you nervous or scare you. Be eager to learn about things that are not immediately within your job responsibilities. Go the extra mile. Never stop grinding. Be curious. Network and get involved in professional groups. Keep your finger on the pulse of the media. Embrace all of the free online resources at your fingertips. From websites to blogs to tweet-chats, and everything in between.”
The award-winning publicist underscored the importance of a hard work ethic. “The one thing you can control is your effort. If you do not go after what you want, you will never have it,” she said. “If you’re not consumed and deeply committed to the communications field, then PR isn’t for you.”
Kali Chan defined the word success as “Being being true to yourself and others. Have integrity and exemplify good morals.”
To learn more about Adelphi University, visit its official website.
