What We’re Up To
☕️ We grabbed coffee with our VP of Digital Advertising Kelly Vingelis to talk about the expansion of our Advertising Division, adjusting to NYC life, and how she took a DNA test and turns out she’s 100% obsessed with Lizzo.
How do you like your coffee?
With a splash of almond milk! I tried oat milk – not a fan.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Baking is a huge hobby of mine. To balance that out, I also like trying new workout classes around the city. Rumble Boxing is my favorite so far!
Why did you join BerlinRosen?
I’ve always admired the work BerlinRosen does and the commitment they have to the progressive movement. When I heard they were planning to expand their advertising team I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve worked in digital for over 5 years and I’m excited to bring my experience running advertising campaigns to the folks here. I really believe that something magical can happen when you get dedicated, passionate folks together in a room with the right tools and let them build something without restrictions. I’ve been able to witness this on a few campaigns I’ve worked on and I want to help foster that energy here.
What’s your day-to-day like at BerlinRosen?
No day is ever like the day before it, that’s for sure. And that’s what I love about working in digital – the fast-paced nature and the constantly changing industry means our team has to evolve right along with it. I’ve been working really closely with our Digital Advocacy and Campaigns teams on making sure we’re ready to hit the ground running in 2020. We’re building an infrastructure that is going to enable us to help so many important causes and candidates win big elections. So I’ve been thinking through processes, procedures, and helping meld those with industry best practices.
You’ve recently made a big move from Virginia to New York! What’s it like to be in the Big Apple?
I did! This is the first time I’ve lived outside of Virginia, so it’s a big adjustment, to say the least. I love the energy of New York and how everyone is here to do something different – not one industry really dominates the city. The best piece of advice someone gave me before I moved here was “find your green space.” I didn’t understand it at first, but now I know. I had to find a place in the middle of the bustle of the city that was calm and surrounded by greenery. Prospect Park is the perfect place to chill out after a long week.
Tell me a life-changing moment that helped shape who you are today.
It’s not a single moment, but more of an experience. In 2012, my mom and I would volunteer for the Obama for America campaign on the weekends. It was a real changing point for me – politics all of a sudden became very intimate and local and real. That experience with my mom instilled a sense of service in me. I try to find ways every day that I can help and be of service – whether it’s through my work with our clients or helping someone on the subway.
What advice would you give to candidates applying to join the Digital team?
Be hungry and be humble. Recently, I’ve heard folks on the team say “I don’t know what I don’t know” and that really struck me. We’re passionate about our clients but recognize when we don’t yet have the right knowledge or skill set to succeed. So we dive in, learn, and grow together every day.