Annie Kuo

When Malcolm Gladwell published The Tipping Point, many people told me that he'd written about my type: a Connector. After reading the book, I was both floored and flattered. A Connector has a knack for making friends and acquaintances and a habit of making introductions. According to Gladwell, our social network is 4-5 times the size of other people's. We span many different worlds due to our instrinsic personality-- "some combination of curiosity, self-confidence, sociability, and energy." So I am a Connector. That's a good start to knowing about me.

With roots in Texas, the Friendly State, and Thailand, the Land of Smiles, I think people are adorable and am curious about them-- consumer insight, public relations, and brand communications are my specialties. I do my best work as a catalyst, change agent, and influencer.

Whether about town or out of town, I'm in constant motion, which is why colleagues once gave me the superlative "Most likely to give birth on a plane"! Apparently I inherited the wanderlust from my mother, who was a Pan Am flight attendant. International school? Women's college? If it's the road less traveled, I've tried it (or want to). I am the textbook variety seeker.

My first career involved managing performing artists in jazz and drum performance. When I launched a regional arts organization into a national touring company, I booked the ensemble at 14 venues in 5 new regions, including the Kennedy Center, through mastering the art of trade shows and cocktail parties.

Developing audiences was my favorite part of the job, so I got a PR certificate and worked to raise public awareness about compelling issues and products. I cut my teeth at two pioneering agencies, Edelman and Ogilvy, on public affairs and consumer brands.

In 2008, I earned a master's degree from Northwestern University in integrated marketing communications. As principal of Emerald Fertility Consulting, I've worked on various brands in higher education, health care, professional services, and consumer products. I am also a freelance journalist on general assignment.

In March 2019, I became the first Director of Public Relations in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UW Medicine.