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.
Alia Mohsen
Social & Influencer Strategy, NA Lead, Health
What does the “era of earned” mean to you?
What is truly valuable and meaningful cannot be bought.
In five words or less, how would you describe your
Weber Shandwick colleagues?
Kind, collaborative, supportive, savvy and funny as heck.
What’s the coolest (or weirdest) place a project
has taken you?
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!
If you weren’t working in this industry, what
would you want to do?
I would be an elementary school teacher. I love
arts and crafts, holiday treats and Velcro shoes.
What’s your favorite thing about Boston?
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.
What’s your favorite metaphor or phrase to use at
work or in a pitch?
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.
Do you do any charity or volunteer work?
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.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
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.
What is your most-used app on your phone?
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?!
When did you start working at Weber Shandwick?
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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