This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers,” gives an insider’s look at how Howard Schiffer, a former midwife, founded Vitamin Angels—a global public health nonprofit. His mission to provide life-saving vitamin A to children worldwide began with the startling realization that millions of children lacked access to this crucial and affordable nutrient. Since its start in 1994, Vitamin Angels has broadened its mission to include other evidence-based nutrition interventions with proven, high-impact results. In 2022, Vitamin Angels reached more than 71 million underserved pregnant women and children across approximately 65 countries. With a deep commitment to improving lives, Vitamin Angels plans to double its impact, setting an ambitious goal to reach 140 million women and children annually by 2033. In this interview, Howard shares the organization’s humble beginnings and how he propelled the vision of Vitamin Angels forward.

Key pitching takeaways from Howard Schiffer on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Ensure your global program is scalable and sustainable.
• Invite others to join a mission larger than themselves.
• Stay agile—act swiftly without bureaucracy.
• Support urgent requests with compelling data.
• Highlight the dignity, beauty, and possibilities of people.
• Use stories to forge deep connections and reveal our shared humanity.
• Keep moving forward—don’t look back.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Howard Schiffer to access Howard’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with Howard Schiffer:

Instagram | Facebook: @howardschiffer @vitaminangels

X: @howard_schiffer @vitaminangels

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-schiffer-06741711/

Website: www.VitaminAngels.org

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Cameryn Junck’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the moves she made since graduating from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Mass Communications and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Cameryn began her professional career at a boutique PR agency, Wynne Communications, as account executive handling both the public relations and events side of the business. There she gained extensive experience hosting business and medical public relations networking conferences in D.C. and New York City. Shortly after the filming of this podcast, Cameryn started working with Spirit Airlines as senior media relations specialist utilizing her pitching skills in both proactive and reactive PR.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Cameryn Junck on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Get to the Point: Skip the fluff and be direct with journalists.
• Embrace the “No”: Don’t take rejection personally; it moves you forward.
• Start Small, Learn Big: Gain valuable experience at smaller companies.
• Stay Composed: Journalists may be intimidating, but don’t let it rattle you.
• Stay Organized: Detailed notes and lists are crucial for success.
• Be Direct: Avoid saying, “I’m just following up”—it’s redundant.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Cameryn Junck to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Cameryn Junck:

Instagram: @CamerynJunck

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameryn-junck/

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast follows the career of Erica Loewe who rose from intern to Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Public Engagement at The White House. Previously serving as President Joe Biden’s Director of African American Media, Erica has held many key roles in Congress, including Deputy Communications Director for House Majority Whip James Clyburn, and Press Secretary for the House Financial Services Committee under the leadership of Chairwoman Maxine Waters. With a strong background in strategic messaging and stakeholder outreach, Erica has made a significant impact in public affairs, government relations, and providing journalists equal access to The White House.

Key pitching takeaways from Erica Loewe on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Rejection is sometimes protection in disguise.
• A 'no' could just mean 'not yet'—use the time to prepare.
• Tap into your network—ask for introductions.
• Offer your skills for free to add value and get ahead.
• Be clear about your goals—tell people exactly how they can help you.
• Correct mistakes quickly, especially when it comes to misinformation.
• Inaction is a mistake—be the change you want to see.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Erica Loewe to access Erica’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with Erica Loewe:

Instagram: @EricaPLoewe

X: @EricaLoewe46

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericaloewe/

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Ledora Brown’s time at Pitch Publicity® and her deep history with founder Amy Summers. After graduating from Howard University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism, Ledora began her career at Pitch Publicity®, where she built a strong foundation in pitching that set her up for success. Working with Pitch Publicity® both during its early start-up phase in the office and later during its pioneering remote days, Ledora developed a unique mentorship relationship with Amy during crucial stages of their careers. In 2020, Amy invited Ledora to co-produce the inaugural INICIVOX® “Elephant in the Room” virtual seminar series, which focused on communication strategies addressing racism. This series won the PR News award for Best Diversity & Inclusion Campaign and was the catalyst that propelled Ledora’s career to the next phase. As a dedicated mother of three, Ledora understands the importance of nurturing future leaders. She is an active member of the Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a national organization committed to fostering the development of African-American youth through leadership training, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Ledora Brown on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Be Transparent: Lay everything out upfront in every situation.
• Work Hard: Success demands effort; nothing comes easy.
• Hire Mothers: They excel in organization, multitasking and management.
• Keep Calm: Avoid mirroring unproductive energy.
• Ask Questions: Rely on experienced professionals and never hesitate to ask.
• Stay Organized: Maintain a detailed schedule to keep on track.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Ledora Brown to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Ledora Brown:

Instagram | X: @luvledora

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ledorabrown

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast puts talk show host and radio personality Mark Alyn in the interview hot seat! With more than 30 years experience in broadcast media, interviewing 30,000+ experts and celebrities, Mark shares his insider tips on how to best approach and pitch a broadcast journalist. As host of “Late Night Health Radio,” Mark interviews experts who share how to achieve optimal wellness through natural health. Mark is also a seasoned television reporter and anchor and currently hosts a live cooking show, “Mark Alyn Cooks,” where he combines his love of global cuisine with living a healthy lifestyle. He stresses the importance of making sure your pitch is voice ready and why human connection is paramount in pitching.

Key pitching takeaways from Mark Alyn on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• When pitching journalists, make it newsworthy not an ad.
• Don’t pitch yourself. Having a publicist means you’ve been vetted.
• Make it easy for the journalist - they are often overworked and underpaid.
• Pick up the phone and pitch journalists so they can hear your voice.
• Present your pitch like a natural conversation, not a scripted recitation.
• After emailing a pitch, call and leave a message.
• Tailor your pitches—don't send finance stories to health reporters.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Mark Alyn to access Mark’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with Mark Alyn:

Instagram: @markalyncooksyourdinner

Facebook | TikTok: @markalyncooks

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markalyn/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkAlynCooksYourDinner

Website: https://www.latenighthealth.com/

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Tiffany McKinnie’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the skills she gained to launch her career in public relations. After earning a Public Relations degree from the University of Florida and interning at Pitch Publicity®, Tiffany has gone on to work at other PR agencies in New York City focused on tech, biotechnology, government, and nonprofits. Her work ethic, dedication and pitching skills have quickly made her a standout early on in her career.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Tiffany McKinnie on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Keep it Captivating: Make sure your pitch is anything but boring.
• Connect the Dots: Show how your story aligns with theirs or contributes to a larger narrative.
• It's Not Just About You: Highlight what's in it for them, not just for yourself.
• Confidence is Key: Sometimes you have to fake it till you make it.
• Be Direct: Get straight to the point on why you are pitching them.
• Get the Experience: Take advantage of every opportunity to absorb more mentorship and advance your career.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Tiffany McKinnie to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Tiffany McKinnie:

X: @TiffanyMcKinni1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanymckinnie

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers'' podcast follows the passionate journey of Timothy McLemore, founder of Essential Haus, a Miami-based non-profit that supports LGBTQ+ individuals affected by domestic violence and homelessness. In his book, "Love Is Not Abuse," Timothy shares his own personal experiences with domestic abuse in a gay relationship and provides resources and hope for others in similar situations. As a community organizer, social media influencer, and skilled networker, Timothy's mission is to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ relationship issues, and provide a safe space for anyone living a truth not widely accepted by mainstream society.

Key pitching takeaways from Timothy McLemore on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Be Genuine: Authenticity is key to yourself and your story.
• Lead with Pain Points: Begin your pitch with the problems and challenges.
• Create Community: Cultivate supporters around your cause to gain momentum.
• Listen Actively: Be real in your interactions and show you care.
• Return to Your Stomping Grounds: Leverage past connections by revisiting familiar places and people.
• Embrace Rejection: Your pitch isn’t for everyone, so keep pushing until you find the right people who will open the door for you.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Timothy McLemore to access Timothy’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with Timothy McLemore:

Instagram: @essentiallytim and @essentialhaus

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/essentialhauss

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallytim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essentiallytim

Website: https://essentialhaus.org

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Gillian Stoney’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the confidence she built through her early years of pitching that eventually landed her a job at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where she currently holds the position of Digital Marketing and Communications Manager for Four Seasons Resort Nevis located on Nevis island in the West Indies. As a graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, Advertising, Applied Communication and Criminology, and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration and Management, Gillian has forged her path by consistently challenging herself beyond familiar boundaries. This pursuit has not only bolstered her confidence, but also honed a unique skill set, leading to her attainment of a dream job that affords her the freedom to travel and nurture meaningful connections.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Gillian Stoney on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Exude confidence through your voice and body language.
• Focus on content production, not just fan following.
• Emphasize storytelling over promotion when pitching press.
• Highlight the benefits that may seem like disadvantages in your pitch.
• Be transparent and open with mentors and mentees.
• Share relevant parts of your personal life for job security and success.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Gillian Stoney to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

Connect:

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc

X: @PitchAmy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Gillian Stoney:

Instagram: @vlogandbeautiful

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-stoney-b511b957/

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.