The Top Places to Work in PR: Agency—Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide is “committed to helping employees realize their own potential,” says one employee, pointing to the fact that the agency has a number of vice presidents who started as interns. “WE provides employees with what they need to grow and develop their careers, starting from day one.”

The agency, which celebrated its 25h anniversary in November 2008, has a global presence, which it encourages employees to take advantage of with programs like Global Exchange—“where employees swap roles with individuals in other WE offices to learn cultural differences and local practices.”

This global mind-set also comes through in the agency’s commitment to fostering a diverse workforce. Waggener partners with Howard University for recruitment, participates with the LaGrant Foundation and has an official Diversity Council to “broaden our commitment to diversity, which we define as going beyond ethnicity to include differing backgrounds, skills, life choices and interests,” says a staffer. “WE believes in balancing our commitment to employees and clients with a dedication to enriching the communities in which we live and work.”

This open-mindedness is further cultivated by a culture that is “a strong reflection of our values”: collaboration, curiosity, innovation, integrity, passion and respect. These values began with WE’s co-founders, Melissa Waggener Zorkin and Pam Edstrom, and continue today.

“Waggener Edstrom is an agency formed by two passionate women who have continually broken through communications barriers on behalf of our clients and our industry,” says one employee. “These individuals would be the first to tell you that the secret to our 25-year success is, first and foremost, our people.” PRN

October 19, 2009