November 7, 2019
Ask The Associate – Nora Kenney
Ask the Associate is a monthly series that highlights Cashman & Associates PR, marketing and
communications experts to give a glimpse into the lives of the team behind Philadelphia’s
leading lifestyle agency.
Nora Kenney is C&A’s Special Events Coordinator, responsible for creating our agency’s signature event experiences from the VIP Lounge at Wawa Welcome America’s Party on the Parkway to several extravagant culinary-oriented events for the iconic James Beard Foundation. Nora works hard to customize every detail to bring our clients’ visions to life. As a born-and-raised Philadelphian, Nora is your go-to-girl for under-the-radar restaurant recommendations and can’t-miss city-wide celebrations, parades and happenings!
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
I just finished coordinating three exciting events for the James Beard Foundation for 2019 and am looking forward to closing out the event series in Spring 2020. I am also planning the King of Prussia Town Center’s annual Winterfest, holiday-focused events are always fun.
What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
The food. I consider myself a foodie and really love experiencing the new and diverse cuisine that has entered Philly’s food scene. Philly’s food has really come a long way. We have some of the best restaurants from upscale dining serving bone marrow to hole-in-the-wall joints with “wooder” ice and pizza pretzels.
How do you relax after the end of a long day or week?
After a long day, I take a challenging gym class and watch the Real Housewives (any season, any cast; although, RHONJ is my favorite). After a long week – a nice bottle of wine and a home cooked meal with my family.
What about you makes you good at your job?
I come across as laid back, but I am actually very hard working—I love a challenge and the reward that comes with problem solving. I am also VERY organized which I believe has really helped me in any workplace, but especially here where our major events have so many moving parts.
If you could be any television or movie character, who would it be and why?
Olivia Pope from Scandal. She’s fierce, intelligent and stylish. Olivia is ruthless but she knows she is irreplaceable. She confidently goes up against power-hungry men and we know she has the experience and the ability to one day be president herself.
What, in your opinion, is South Philly’s best kept secret?
The Mummers Parade. It is hard to explain to people who haven’t experienced it behind the scenes. The short version – the Mummers are an organization made up of family oriented social clubs. Every year on New Year’s Day, the Mummers parade down Broad Street in extravagant costumes that can take months to make. Outsiders don’t get to see the work, dedication, talent and creativity that happens all year around for just one day. It’s a beautiful tradition that I am proud to have been a part of my entire life.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a graduating college student trying to get a job at Cashman & Associates?
My advice for college students trying to get job, whether at Cashman or elsewhere, is that nothing can prepare you for real life work more than real life experiences. Take as many internships as you can, meet people, network and make connections. Sometimes, it’s about who you know and not if you graduated with a 4.0.
