TheBridge profile: Erin Bzymek

Name: Erin Bzymek

Current city: Washington, DC

Current job: Media and public relations at MWWPR

Past job: Press secretary at BlueGreen Alliance

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? I love the Coffee Bar on M Street. It’s always sunny in there around 2 p.m. when I need a bit of caffeine and the sweets are delicious.

Q. Describe one way how a skill you learned in a previous job helped you in your new job. Working on campaigns—some might argue the original startups—for a few election cycles has been the hardest I’ve ever worked and the most fun I’ve ever had on the job. The experience taught me how to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. The skills I learned building relationships and the grind of door knocking and phone banking has benefited me in every job I’ve had since then.

Q. Job advice in three words? Keep hustling harder

Q. How are you (or your company, org, nonprofit) currently bridging the gap between politics and tech? We work with people across both industries. One way we’re currently fostering this kind of cross-industry collaboration is through our monthly Connect breakfast series. It’s a high-level conversation including leaders from politics, tech, the media and more that delves into the current debate on a given issue. The event brings people together who might not otherwise be in the same room.

Q. Favorite app? I use the podcast app everyday and am addicted to shows including How I Built This, Constitutional, Hidden Brain, 30 for 30 and Gravy.

Q. How do you unwind after work? Before or after work, I’m running the roads and the trails around the city. I just finished the Detroit half, my 10th half marathon.

Q. Favorite restaurant? La Puerte Verde in Ivy City is one of my favorites these days. It’s low key, authentic and delicious. The mezcal margarita is not to be missed. 

Q. How often do you work from home? Once or twice a month.