Meet the Expert: Mariah Wildgen

Can you tell us about your role at Fenton?

I am an Account Director on the Political Advocacy team. I specialize in project management on integrated teams that include earned, digital, and creative specialists. I view myself as an air traffic controller, helping guide the flow of our work alongside my teammates and clients. I also have experience in earned media and strategic communications. I work across a cross-section of clients from the more political, pro-democracy groups, to renowned foundations and advocacy groups fighting for a better future.?

What is your favorite part about working at Fenton??

The people. I work with such incredible individuals both in and out of Fenton. My colleagues are extremely talented and unique, and we love to celebrate each other. My clients and their partners are passionate and creative about their work, and are always willing to collaborate and trust in our expertise. The outside collaborators and members of the news media we work with are also so diligent as they seek to show the world both as it is, and how it could be. From discussions of in-depth strategy recommendations, to being able to check in on life and joke around with folks on a personal level, I deeply appreciate the folks I’m surrounded by here.?

What social issues are at the forefront of your mind right now?

The fight for the soul of our democracy is always top of mind for me. Prior to my time at Fenton, I worked in Congress for five years when I was right out of school. I was answering phone calls from frightened constituents in my hometown of Portland, Oregon after Donald Trump was elected. When I first moved to Washington D.C., it was in the middle of the government shutdown of 2019 that lasted over a month. I worked through not one, but two impeachment trials, and an insurrection that cost lives and traumatized the nation. In my two years at Fenton, I helped support BIPOC voter outreach in a critical midterm year and continued into this past year. And I’ve watched elections, year after year since 2016, with the sinking feeling in my stomach and the collective anxiety of folks holding their breath.?

When our government doesn’t work for the people it represents, it flat out doesn’t work. People lose hope and they disengage at the exact moment we need their voices most. I get it.?

My experiences and identity shape my perspective as a communicator, especially as we gear up for a 2024 election in which we will be communicating directly to voters, trying to bolster voter registration, education, and GOTV efforts, alongside combatting dis-and mis-information and extremists sowing hate. I know it’s possible to achieve the free, fair, and equitable democracy we all deserve.?

What is one thing people should know who want to go into this field??

You learn so much every day, but you’re never going to be an expert in everything in communications and PR. Become comfortable with acknowledging what you don’t know rather than feigning confidence. I’ve found that people who say they know all the answers and exactly what to do next, while simultaneously failing to ask others for advice or input, rarely succeed in the long-term. Admit what you don’t know, ask for counsel and support, and move forward together with your team of colleagues.?

What are you most proud of – either personally or professionally?

I’m proud of the community I’ve built and the people who welcomed me in. I’m filled with gratitude when I think about the people in my life and how they’ve enriched it. From the friends who’ve shown me it’s still okay to be silly and curious, to my family who grants me unconditional love and support, to my colleagues who teach me something new every day — this network of people is my legacy and I’m deeply proud of it.?

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone looking to break into this space??

Don’t shy away from failure. Failure is one of our greatest teachers in life. To be willing to try something new is essential in progressive communications. The media landscape is constantly changing. From the crumbling of major social media sites like Twitter to layoffs at major national media outlets and the carving out of local newsrooms, we’re constantly adapting to meet people where they are and tell them the truth. To adapt, we can’t be afraid of messing up and falling flat on our faces. It’s inevitable. To avoid failure is to avoid ever trying. What’s the beauty in that????

Who is an influential person in your life, and how do they impact the work that you do?

My mom instilled in me a great sense of both compassion and accountability. She raised me and my sister to give others grace and acceptance for who they are, not who we think they should be. And when I feel that something is wrong deep in my gut, she taught me to trust it. Those two pieces of my worldview greatly influence the way I work. That’s why I thrive in a space centered around progressive social change.?

How do you like to spend time outside of work??

When I’m off the clock, I give my body and brain the rest that they need to keep up the work. I’m committed to not burning out and enjoying my life. You can typically find me watching a scary movie or reading a new thriller with my kitten, Bette, on my lap when I need some alone time to recharge. I also love playing and watching soccer (I’m a Washington Spirit season ticket owner), cooking for and spending quality time with friends, going to see live music, Facetiming with my mom, sister and niece June, or giving my dad a call to catch up on his golf stories.??