Her Story
About Elena
Elena Krasnow is the Marketing Manager at Street Cred PR, where she oversees the firm's social media presence, newsletter and blog content, podcast and video production, and a live interview series developed for industry conferences. Since joining the company, she has played a central role in shaping its marketing voice, working closely with the Senior Creative Director to expand the firm's reach across the public relations and financial services industries. Elena is widely recognized for the emotional intelligence, empathy, and authenticity she brings to her work, qualities that have helped her build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Before transitioning into marketing and public relations, Elena spent several years building a career in advocacy with Greenpeace, starting in face-to-face fundraising and eventually rising to National Training Specialist, a role in which she traveled across the country training and developing fundraising teams. That experience in storytelling, mentorship, and relationship-building continues to shape her approach to marketing today. She studied Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon, and broadened her worldview further through an SIT study program in Madagascar and a volunteer stint on an organic farm in Hawaii through WWOOF. Among her proudest professional achievements is the creation of PRess Play Live, a video interview series featured at industry conferences that allows her to merge her marketing background with a lifelong passion for performance and communication. Outside of work, Elena is an avid reader, creative writer, lover of the outdoors, and supporter of environmental causes. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue growing Street Cred's marketing efforts, author a book, and keep exploring new ways to bring a genuine, human voice to marketing in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've found that the strongest relationships—whether with clients, colleagues or members of the media—are built on curiosity, empathy and trust. I try to assume positive intent, communicate openly and show up as the same person in every room. People don't remember perfectly polished conversations; they remember how you made them feel. I think that ability to connect with people, paired with a love of writing, storytelling and a willingness to keep learning, has shaped my career more than anything else.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to never be afraid to ask questions. I've learned that not knowing something isn't a weakness—it's often where the most interesting conversations begin. Coming into an industry without decades of experience can be an advantage because you're more likely to question assumptions, notice what's missing and see opportunities that others have stopped seeing. Curiosity has been one of the most valuable tools in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd encourage young women to embrace being a beginner. Stay curious, ask questions and don't feel like you have to have all the answers before speaking up. Some of your greatest strengths come from seeing things differently, especially if you're bringing experiences from another industry or an unconventional path. Most importantly, be yourself. Authenticity has a way of opening doors that trying to fit someone else's mold never will. I will also just say on the record, young women are so incredibly powerful. Know your worth, then add tax!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is finding the right balance between AI and authentic human connection. AI has made it easier than ever to create content, but it has also made genuine voices more valuable. The brands that stand out won't be the ones producing the most content. They'll be the ones creating the most meaningful connections. That's why I believe so strongly in video, podcasts and conversations that let real people share their perspectives. As marketing becomes increasingly automated, authenticity can be the difference between being remembered and getting lost in the noise.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, curiosity, authenticity and joy are the values that guide me most. I believe the best relationships are built on empathy, trust and a genuine desire to understand one another. Whether I'm working with a client, interviewing a guest or collaborating with colleagues, I try to lead with kindness, assume positive intent and leave people feeling heard. I also think connection is meant to be enjoyable. Some of the best ideas and strongest relationships come from conversations where people feel comfortable enough to laugh, be themselves and genuinely enjoy being together. Finally, I believe in reciprocity. Many of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from people who were generous with their time and advice, and I try to pay that forward whenever I can.
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