Employee Spotlight: Emma Martin

Meet Emma Martin, our media relations and storytelling associate, on United Way’s Marketing team! When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her relaxing with her cat Seamus, enjoying some knitting time or in the kitchen cooking. Here’s your chance to get to know Emma better.

What’s your role at United Way and what’s your favorite part of the job? 

I’m the media relations and storytelling associate. In my role, I handle media inquiries, build relationships with reporters and pitch stories to generate positive coverage of United Way. I also create and edit content for our website, including success stories and blogs.

As a former reporter, I’m very passionate about local news and love checking for United Way mentions each day. One of the most rewarding parts of being a reporter was seeing a story come to life after all the hard work I put into it. Now, I get that same feeling on the other side, when a reporter publishes a story about us that we’ve worked hard to make happen. I read those stories and often think, ‘Wow, we’re doing really cool stuff.” It’s clear to the reporters, and it’s clear to me.

What’s a moment or accomplishment you’re most proud of? 

I’m proud of making the shift from being a reporter, a path I once thought I’d follow forever, to finding a new career that I truly love. I’m also proud of taking the leap to move to Pittsburgh from Virginia and build a life here.

What’s one thing your coworkers may not know about you? 

I’ve been knitting since high school, and over the years I’ve finally reached the point where I can make pieces I really love and actually wear. I enjoy it so much, especially because I can knit while watching TV or listening to an audiobook. I’m self-taught and learned almost everything from YouTube.

When you’re not at work, where can we find you? 

You’ll usually find me cooking dinner, hanging out with my cat, Seamus, or staying active, whether that’s at the gym, on a walk or run or playing pickleball.

What’s an item you would bring with you to a deserted island? 

I’d bring language books so I could learn another language. It also would prove helpful just in case the person who finds me doesn’t speak English. And of course, I’d bring Seamus for some much-needed companionship.