Repairing the World in a Roundabout Way
Growing up Jewish, I had the importance of tikkun olam – repairing the world – instilled in me by my parents. I’ve carried this notion through college, adulthood and, as of 2020, parenthood.
Fresh out of college, I expanded my skills, took (calculated) risks, and grew as one does in their 20s. But one thing remained constant: I always needed my work to be meaningful and impactful.
Nearly three years after graduating from the University of Florida, I learned of an opening in communications at the University of Florida Health, the Southeast’s largest academic health system. With no prior experience in health care communications or any connection to health care (aside from the occasional “House” reruns), I knew that this move would give me the chance to work in an industry centered around caring for others. For more than six years, I served on the organization’s marketing team and had the privilege of sharing patient journeys, strategizing award-winning campaigns, supporting COVID-19 communications efforts (including working in our COVID-19 command center) and more.
In 2021, after having welcomed my first child the year before, I pursued graduate school while working full time. In my first semester, our professor assigned the class “Storytizing, What’s Next After Advertising.”The author’s approach to connecting and engaging with audiences was fascinating. The author, Bob Pearson, happened to be the former vice chair and chief innovation officer of W2O, now Real Chemistry. After researching the company, I discovered via LinkedIn – harnessing the power of social media – that one of my former interns worked at Real Chemistry and that the company was hiring. It was serendipitous, to say the least.
From the outset, Real Chemistry’s progressive vision aligned with my values. During my time at Real Chemistry, I’ve assisted with communications about advancements in immunotherapy, a treatment approach that continues to be studied in clinical trials and receive approval from U.S. and global regulatory agencies to treat multiple types of cancer. Real Chemistry’s commitment to taking on client work that betters the health and wellness landscape always ties directly back to its mission of making the world a healthier place. Real Chemistry also prioritizes the mental and physical health and well-being of its employees. The company offers ways for employees to connect virtually through Business Resource Groups, including Parent’s Village and the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), which were created to connect employees during a time when many felt (and may still feel) isolated working remotely. Most importantly, Real Chemistry emphasizes the importance of family, community and diversity. It embodies tikkun olam.
Making the transition from in-house health care communications to a global health innovation company has broadened my perspective about the number of ways that people, like myself, are communicating about health, wellness and innovation to better the world. It’s connected me with others who embrace the idea that we can continue to do better. Real Chemistry saw the potential in me, as I continue to see the potential in repairing the world.
