Nancy L. Goldfarb once considered being a social worker, but instead pursued a career in public relations. However, she believes her new job as communications director at the
Center for Reproductive Rights brings her back to her original career goal.
"In a certain way, my joining a nonprofit organization that focuses on defending human rights brings me back to my original desire to contribute to the greater good, through
using my communications skills," she says.
Goldfarb was previously director of public relations for Unilever North America and ran the consumer and healthcare practice at Ketchum/New York, where she won
two PRSA Silver Anvils and launched the agency's "Ketchum College" professional development program.
Her new mission employs her professional communications experience to protect and promote reproductive rights around the world.
"As a longstanding feminist deeply concerned about advancing women's rights in general, I have always cared greatly about reproductive rights," says Goldfarb. "Learning the
many complex issues involved in reproductive rights, gaining a greater understanding of the law, and finding ways to influence the debate about reproductive rights, both in the
United States and around the world at a crucial time, are just a few of the key challenges I see on the immediate horizon. But those challenges are part of the reason I chose to
join the Center for Reproductive Rights."
However, Goldfarb is no fish-out-of-water. She says her biggest advantage is "the depth and breadth of experience I bring to the Center, coupled with expertise in positioning,
messaging and media relations."
Some of Goldfarb's current projects entail generating attention for the Center's lawsuit against the FDA's decision not to approve over-the-counter availability of the
morning-after pill, overhauling the organization's Web site and reviewing high-priority legal cases.
As for some of her long-term plans, Goldfarb says, "First and foremost, the communications strategies will be driven largely by the Center's pressing legal cases and global
challenges. I do want to help demystify the law, and find ways for constituents to better understand and appreciate the important work that is taking place."
She also has her eye on raising name recognition for her new organization. "In addition, I intend to develop strategies that firmly establish the expertise of the Center, and
set it apart from other organizations that also operate in the reproductive rights arena, albeit with different specialties," she adds.
Contact: Nancy L. Goldfarb, [email protected].