Ann Smith

PR Professional & Public Speaker

“Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.”

 

— Mark Twain

ann

 

Ann is founder and president of A.wordsmith, a boutique communications firm specializing in thought leadership PR and writing in Portland, Oregon. With 20 years of strategic communications experience Ann has worked in both agency and corporate settings, providing a broad range of support to clients. Prior to founding A.wordsmith Ann worked at PR agencies Weber Shandwick Worldwide and Standing Partnership – managing accounts for large global companies – and served as an internal marketing manager for an international consultancy. Yet it wasn’t until starting A.wordsmith in 2009 that she realized her true passion in collaborating with successful growing businesses and serving as an extension of their team.

As a speaker, Ann is passionate about sharing her authentic insights with an audience. She doesn’t shy away from personal anecdotes to illustrate her perspective. Ann is enthusiastic about speaking on topics related to leadership, employee communication, the impact of storytelling, women in business and creating strong culture. As a panel moderator, she’s adept at engaging each speaker and asking the right questions to extract impactful insights for the audience.

Outside of the office Ann can be found sweating to the beat at Burncycle, enjoying live country music and cheering for her favorite girls from soccer and gymnastics sidelines.

"I attended your presentation at WSU MAP Alliance. Our organization learned a lot from it, thank you for sharing!"

WSU Map Alliance Attendee

Speaking Topics

 

The Power of Storytelling

Culture Creation

Finding Your Voice: Communicating Authentically

Being, Knowing, Raising Strong Women

Best Practices for New Job Seekers

Portland Hot Spots

Speaking Preferences

 

Panels, breakouts, keynotes, moderator and/or emcee

Upcoming Speaking Events

 

Design Week Portland 2020 Panel Moderator:
Designing an Artistic Life

PRSA Counselors Academy 2020: Riding for the Brand

Past Speaking Experiences

 

St. Louis Executive Forum: A Look into Portland

Propeller, Propel Her event - Mentorship Identification: Decoding the Process

Washington State University, MAP Alliance: Getting Real with Yourself & Others (focused on employee communication)

Tualatin Public Library (Must see and dos in/around Portland)

PRSA Counselors Academy 2019: Creating a Winning Culture

A.wordsmith Coffee Chat Emcee since 2017

Community Involvement, Certifications and Awards

Entrepreneur and small business owner - Fastest Growing Company in Portland in 2017, 2018 and 2019

Author of “100 Things to Do in Portland Before You Die”

Graduate of Leadership Portland

Board Member of Opal Creek Ancient Forest

Ambassador Board Member for PDX Women in Tech

Go-to-Girls Society for Girls, Inc.

Prior Community Involvement Roles:

Hollywood Theatre, Girls on the Run of Portland Metro, Willowbrook Arts Camp, Business for Culture & the Arts and Abilities at Work, Marketing Committee for Technology Association of Oregon