Alia Mohsen

Social & Influencer Strategy, NA Lead, Health

Before she joined Weber Shandwick’s Digital Health team in early 2011, Alia spent many of her days navigating a complex healthcare landscape as someone living with the rare genetic disorder known as ectrodactyly. She is dedicated to helping others do the same by delivering inclusive, authentic and thoughtful digital communications for her healthcare clients and the patients and caregivers they aim to support.

Question person

What does the “era of earned” mean to you?

Answer person

What is truly valuable and meaningful cannot be bought.

Question person

In five words or less, how would you describe your Weber Shandwick colleagues?

Answer person

Kind, collaborative, supportive, savvy and funny as heck.

Question person

What’s the coolest (or weirdest) place a project has taken you?

Answer person

London! I always regretted not studying abroad in college, so I jumped at the opportunity to work abroad in London for a few months. I learned so much from my colleagues in the London office – and was truly able to immerse myself into the energy and culture of the city too. It was undoubtedly one of my best professional experiences and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Question person

If you weren’t working in this industry, what would you want to do?

Answer person

I would be an elementary school teacher. I love arts and crafts, holiday treats and Velcro shoes.

Question person

What’s your favorite thing about Boston?

Answer person

Is it cliché to say everything? I moved here from Nebraska in 2009 and I have not stopped marveling over this city’s beauty ever since. I spend as much time outdoors as possible, enjoying everything from the 19th century architecture to the effortlessly beautiful botanical gardens and waterscapes.

I’m in awe of how this city sits perfectly at the intersection of old-world charm and modern day urban planning.

Question person

What’s your favorite metaphor or phrase to use at work or in a pitch?

Answer person

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Our time, energy and mental capacity is not limitless – and we should not hesitate to ask ourselves if something is worth it.

Question person

Do you do any charity or volunteer work?

Answer person

Many years ago, I took part in a Weber Shandwick program called “No Boundaries,” in which I was given a week off from work to go explore a passion of mine – and I found myself at Camp No Limits. CNL was established to provide children living with limb loss and other physical disabilities a week with similarly abled children, physical therapists, prosthetists and advocates.

With the motto to “transform disability to ability,” the camp is designed like many other youth camps – with nature hikes, swimming, sporting events and crafts. However, the campers are more easily able to participate in these activities, as they are specifically tailored to their unique abilities. CNL prefers to staff the camp with adult amputees (like me!) or those living with other physical challenges to help eliminate any discomfort or shyness from the campers. This also provides an opportunity for volunteers to share their experiences and support with these children (and their families).

While I never attended this camp as a kid, or any camp specialized for children living with disabilities, I deeply understand how important this camp is to so many children and their families. I’ve been an advocate of CNL ever since and I am grateful I was given the space to experience this organization firsthand.

Question person

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?

Answer person

Focus on the motivating factor behind an action. Taking a moment to assess the situation by considering the opposing motivation has equipped me with the much-needed perspective needed to engage in difficult business decisions or navigate interpersonal conflict. Understanding my own motivations has been critical in navigating my own career path too.

Question person

What is your most-used app on your phone?

Answer person

Social networks come and go, but The Weather Channel app will always be my favorite. Did anyone else grow up watching endless hours of TWC? Or just those gals from the Midwest who were always keeping an eye out for the next tornado?!

Question person

When did you start working at Weber Shandwick?

Answer person

I started working here as an intern on March 14, 2011. Every year since, I have taken my “yearbook” photo in front of the WS sign in the lobby (and in front of my WFH set-up in 2021). It is one of my favorite ways to celebrate my Weber-versary. I also use my anniversary to reflect on how this will also be the most formative chapter of my professional life, regardless of where life takes me!

I have given a lot to this job, but it has given to me too. It has introduced me to my lifelong partner, friends, mentors and more. It has expanded my worldview literally and figuratively. And while there is certainly more to life than work — it’s important to invest your time in a company and its people who will reciprocate your investment with kindness and support when it truly matters.

“What is to give light must endure burning.”

Viktor Frankl

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