TheBridge profile: Ashley Pratte

Name: Ashley Pratte

Current city: Washington, DC

Current job: Director of Public Affairs, The Herald Group

Past job: Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs, ALEC

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting : La Colombe in DC or North Side Social in Arlington (also a great wine bar upstairs!)

Q. Describe one way how a skill you learned in a previous job helped you in your new job: I know this is said often, but networking. I moved to DC from New Hampshire four years ago around Christmas time, which was great because that's holiday happy hour season in DC which lead to making a lot of contacts very quickly. From that point on I had my own media rolodex -- never pass up a networking opportunity.

Q. Job advice in three words? Always aim high.

Q. How are you (or your company, org, nonprofit) currently bridging the gap between politics and tech? The intersection of politics and technology is so important as we are now living in a digital world where news and information can be accessed at any second at our fingertips. In this business, news breaks fast and it's important that politicos and communications professionals understand how to message and market in a digital space -- particularly campaigns!

Q: What time do you wake up in the morning? I wake up every morning at 5:30a and go for a run or hit the gym, make a smoothie and catch up on all the news I missed while sleeping. Great way to start the day and have energy throughout! 

Q: What is your favorite app? My new favorite app is GoPuff -- just downloaded and I'm obsessed! Who knew you could have gummy bears delivered to your door?

Q: Which Member of Congress is most tech savvy? Well, it would have to be Sen. Ben Sasse. Love his sassiness on social media!

Q: If you had to live in another city, what would it be? If I had to live in another city, it would be Austin, TX, it's so fun, young, vibrant and a tech hub!