Media Inc.’s interview series, in which we discuss the latest and greatest with a different Northwest company each issue, continues with PR pioneer Edelman.

Edelman is the world’s largest independent public relations firm, with wholly owned offices in 53 cities—including 2 award-winning locations in the Northwest region. Here is Marta Monetti, general manager at the Portland location, on the record:

Tell us a little about your company.
The Portland office of Edelman was founded in 2002 and has since grown to be one of the largest PR agencies in the region. Edelman Portland offers creative, results-oriented communications counsel, with expertise in consumer marketing and public relations, food and beverage, technology, corporate and public affairs, public involvement, transportation infrastructure communications, and social media.

How has your business changed throughout the years?
Since I joined Edelman in September of 2009, we’ve obviously seen some tremendous changes within the industry. The Portland office of Edelman has been incredibly resilient in the face of these changes, weathering the storm and coming out stronger than ever. As the market took a downturn, we learned how to be nimble while still delivering the same industry-leading results that our clients come to know and expect.

What current project are you working on that you are particularly proud of?
Creating an internal work culture in our office that fosters creativity, teamwork and stellar client service.

Edelman has been named both “Agency of the Year” and “Agency of the Decade” by a number of leading publications. What do honors such as these mean to you?
These awards serve as a testament to the world-class creative work that we’ve had the opportunity and privilege to be a part of on behalf of our clients. We are proud of the work we do and it is an honor to be recognized by both the industry and our peers through awards like this.

Marta and her son at the 2011 Komen Race for the Cure.

Who or what inspires you, either personally or professionally?
I am inspired by Nancy Brinker, the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. My sister died of breast cancer at the young age of 35 and watching what Nancy created for her sister Susan is incredibly powerful. She started a movement with one promise.

How important is it for your company to connect and engage with your surrounding community?

I have always been active in my community, having served on several boards and engaged in many initiatives that ultimately serve the local community. Playing for something greater than yourself is critical. It makes life worth living…

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
In Italy eating Gnocchi made by my Aunt Ferdnanda.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Travel, travel, travel… Then having traveled the world, come back home and figure out how I could really make a difference in my community.