Get to know the latest addition to the Merritt Group team! 

What do you do at Merritt Group?

I’m a Public Relations Intern for the Security, Business Technology and Government Groups. I also support some of our marketing efforts by doing research, creating social media content and scheduling blogs using Hubspot.

What’s your greatest moment — whether in work, school or marketing/PR — so far?

During my first week at Merritt Group, I remember participating in the weekly security team meetings and I have to say –  it was hard to catch up with all the insider language like reporter’s names and PR jargon. Two months later, I not only understand what is being said, but also actively participate in the meetings. I have learned so much during this short period of time and it is pretty exciting to be graduating from George Mason University with a major in PR and media relations know-how.  

Who do you love to follow on Twitter or Instagram and why?

I follow a lot of different media outlets such as @NPR, @nytimes , @washingtonpost, @FoxNews and @CNN. I’d like to think that reading the news from different sources makes me more aware of our media landscape and our own biases.

What’s your favorite piece of technology?

Without a doubt, my favorite piece of technology is my new pair of blue Beats headphones. I have a long commute to the office, so when I am in the metro, I play the soundtrack of Bohemian Rhapsody and just have a good time listening to Queen.

What’s the one gadget you think needs to be invented?

I am a student at George Mason University and right now, our campus is filled with little white robots that deliver food all around the Mason facilities! I’m still enjoying this recent innovation, so not sure what I think should come next.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the Washington, D.C., area?

I would have to say diversity. People, food, things to do. I enjoy living in an area where I can hear two or three different languages while walking to an authentic sushi restaurant.

What do you love to do when you are not working?

This may sound cheesy, but I LOVE FOOD. Being born and raised in Southern Brazil, I grew up with a mix of Brazilian, German, Italian and Argentinian culinary influences. Whenever I am not working, I try to experience new dishes, restaurants and homemade recipes. My personal favorite on the weekends is a traditional American breakfast: eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns. That is something you won’t find in Brazil!

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

During my social media and PR classes, I enjoyed two great reads: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini, and Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. In the first, Cialdini gives six evidence-based methods of persuasion that will make people more compliant with your requests. In the second, Berger provides the reader with six key steps to creating contagious content.

What’s your favorite Merritt Group memory?

There are many, but my favorite so far is the day I brought homemade Brigadeiros to the office – sweet chocolate balls that are a traditional Brazilian recipe. Everyone that could grab one – they were a hot commodity that day – sent me an email saying how much they loved it.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

FaceTime. With my entire family still living in Brazil, I use FaceTime often to chat with my parents, sister, grandparents and aunts. Love having a big family!

What’s the most interesting item on your desk?

My blue agenda. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to keep track of my progress in projects and other events by writing everything down on paper.

Get to know more of our staff in our ongoing Q&A blog series or visit Who We Are. Want to join our amazing team? Check out our open positions.