Our Story & Team
Since launching in 2018, our small but experienced team has almost tripled as we continue to welcome exciting new clients from across Canada.
The story behind our yellow arrow
The Worthington “W” has a yellow arrow cutting through it, and like everything we do, there’s a story behind that.
Several years ago, our Founder Paula walked part of the famed “Camino de Santiago” in Northern Spain – a centuries-old trail system that spans the country. Yellow arrows mark the path, giving travelers the confidence they’re headed the right way.
Simple in nature, an arrow can serve as a powerful symbol to provide navigation on any journey. It’s a wayfinder and guide.
Our goal is to be the yellow arrow for our clients, confidently guiding them in the direction they wish to go.
The Worthington PR & Story Team
PAULA WORTHINGTON
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
“Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill
A respected national PR leader and award-winning communicator with 20 years of experience, Paula founded WPRS in 2018 and is a sought after and trusted communications advisor to international
and national brands, entrepreneurs, charities and local businesses.
She was inducted into the Canadian Marketing, Advertising, Communication and PR Hall of Fame in 2022.
A creative and dynamic thinker, she’s known for developing effective, creative and memorable communications strategies with her dedicated team, then bringing them to life with precision.
Outside of the office, Paula flexes her storytelling mastery behind a camera lens and as a notable freelance travel writer, and she also teaches Media Relations at Mount Royal University.
RACHEL ZOLLINGER
SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
“Good things happen to those who hustle.” – Anais Nin
With more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing, Rachel brings in-depth knowledge of communications management, brand management and event execution to the Worthington team. She loves the challenges of helping clients solve their marketing dilemmas by pushing boundaries and developing creative alternatives.
Always ready to roll up her sleeves and pitch in, Rachel leads by example and continually looks for ways to mentor the next generation of communications professionals.
Outside of work Rachel keeps busy volunteering with her kids’ schools and sports teams, and will spend every chance she gets travelling and exploring new destinations, or curling up with a good book.
STEPHANIE POTTER
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL MEDIA & GRAPHIC DESIGN
“Design is the intermediary between information and understanding.” – Hans Hoffmann
As a marketing specialist with a dedicated focus on digital media and graphic design, Stephanie helps bring projects and brands to life. She specializes in building and executing digital media strategies, designing and amplifying brands and creative campaigns, and supporting high-level marketing strategies for a diverse set of clients.
Stephanie has a history of practicing in the fine arts, which has built a strong foundation for commercial and graphic design. She has a growing portfolio of print and digital assets, including major ads in malls, transit and airports.
During her free time, she enjoys experiencing different restaurants around the city, running along the river, and planning her next travel destination.
MIKE BROWN
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
"Public Relations is making flower arrangements of the facts, placing them so the wilted and less attractive petals are hidden by sturdy blooms." - Alan Harrington
With more than a decade of experience in strategic communications inside both government and Calgary's non-profit sector, Mike brings in depth knowledge of media relations, communications management and issues management to Worthington. He loves helping clients feel comfortable speaking to the media and supporting them to tell their stories to the public.
Outside of work, Mike can be found volunteering with his daughter's soccer club, cheering on Cavalry FC and spending time with his three (!!) dogs.
RACHEL REDMOND
OFFICE MANAGER & ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
“Success is best when it’s shared.” – Howard Shultz
In her role as Office Manager & Account Coordinator, Rachel offers a modern perspective on public relations to the Worthington PR & Story team. A natural communicator with a knack for organization, Rachel enjoys being immersed in many different types of projects for various clients. She has a strong passion for working with clients in the travel and tourism industry after working with several destination marketing organizations. Most notably, her specific interests include media relations, event planning, influencer management and video production.
In her free time, you can find Rachel cuddling up with a good fiction novel or binging the newest true crime doc.
GRACIE CURLOCK
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
“The path of least resistance is a terrible teacher.” - Ryan Holiday
Gracie is a budding communications professional who injects enthusiasm and a vibrant perspective into the industry. Enrolled as a fourth-year public relations major, she goes above and beyond by delving into a marketing minor to maximize her education and knowledge base. Gracie firmly believes in the power of authenticity, seamlessly weaving captivating narratives through visual, written and digital mediums. Gracie's deep-rooted connection to sports has instilled in her the values of teamwork, perseverance and respect, which she applies in all environments.
Beyond the classroom and office walls, you'll likely find Gracie at the dog park, enjoying the company of her beloved Bernedoodle or cozying up with him while engrossed in the latest true crime series.
FRANCESCA SMITH
COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACTOR
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.” – Nat Turner
With a combination of agency and corporate experience, Francesca’s creative thinking and positive can-do attitude are the results of her passion for delivering impactful communications strategies to her clients and team. Francesca’s strong understanding of media relations, influencer marketing, social media management, event execution and project management are evident in her results-driven approach to telling your brand’s story.
Outside of the office, Francesca is a public relations student at Mount Royal University who is happiest when spending time with her two dogs, catching up on her latest book or planning her next summer trip to Lake of the Woods.
EVE WORKMAN
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
“The ability to communicate is the ability to connect, and that's what building relationships are all about.” - Tony Robbins
Eve is an emerging communications professional currently enrolled in her third year at Mount Royal University, majoring in public relations and minoring in English.
With a relentless passion for crafting compelling narratives, Eve is eager to make an impact in the world of communications, utilizing her enthusiasm for building long-lasting connections and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth as the cornerstones of her journey. As an eager learner and avid storyteller, Eve aspires to contribute meaningfully to the PR industry by bringing a fresh perspective to the Worthington PR & Story team.
Eve’s interests in communications include investor relations, influencer management and event execution. In her free time, she enjoys cozying up on the couch with a good book, grabbing coffee with friends or embarking on new travel adventures.
BLAKE MARCZUK
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier
Blake is an emerging communications professional committed to making a meaningful impact through effective communication. Currently in his third year at Mount Royal University pursuing a major in public relations, Blake is channeling his academic insights into practical solutions for real-world challenges.
With a keen eye for detail and a knack for building genuine connections, Blake aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying the lessons he's learned in school to tackle the complexities of today's communication landscape. His passion for cultivating meaningful relationships serves as the basis of his approach, as he continuously strives to evolve and adapt in order to deliver compelling narratives that strike a chord with audiences.
Outside of work, Blake enjoys exploring Calgary's diverse food scene and indulging his passion for cinema by immersing himself in the latest releases or timeless classics.
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