Team Spotlight: Catherine-Mercedes Judge
Catherine and Paloma have been working together since 2010.
Almost ten years ago I made the leap to become an entrepreneur, and one of the key people that has been with me on this journey is Catherine-Mercedes Judge. She has been an integral part of the business development and operations for the PapaLoDown Agency since 2010, and joined the team as part of an apprenticeship program I was developing at the time.
What I appreciate about Catherine is her commitment to social justice, her organizational skills, and for believing in PapaLoDown as much as I do. She's been a huge part of our growth over the past nine years, and has contributed to the success of our clients.
I could tell right away Catherine was passionate and eager to learn, and I think that's been a huge part of our success as a team. Finding this email is a sweet reminder of why I started this business. Thank you Catherine, you're the best! #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
Here's the email Catherine sent went she first introduced herself to me on December 12, 2009. I had forgotten how we event met, and now remember that it was my friend, Adriel Luis that had made the introduction! #communitylove
"I got your email through Adriel Luis and was suggested to send you a message. I wanted to reach out to you because even though I've never met you, your website has impressed and inspired me so much that I thought about the need for me to hone my own marketing/PR skills.
I read about how you use those skills to strategically support artists and causes that you believe in, and that your profession not only makes you money but also works to challenge the mainstream and better the world. I definitely connect with this because I have worked as an organizer in unions and other community groups for the past few years.
From your blog, I have learned so much about professionalism, how to stay organized, and work life principles that I want to embrace. "I would be honored and privileged to intern/work with you in whatever capacity you need. I hope to benefit from your guidance and ingenuity."
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ABOUT:
Originally from San Francisco, Catherine-Mercedes Judge is currently based in New York City and has spent the last ten years managing social justice and leadership development initiatives with non profit organizations in The San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Boston. She developed and honed her media relations skills at The PapaLoDown Agency where she started as the company's first apprentice in 2010 and later worked as a PR Assistant and Client Coordinator. Catherine graduated with her MPA from Baruch College (CUNY) through the National Urban Fellows program, and a Bachelor’s in Urban Studies from Queens College (CUNY).