Here’s to six decades of passion, progress and purpose! As we celebrate our agency’s 60th anniversary, we recognize how boldness can fuel a career in integrated communications. Past and present Franconians continue to showcase the value of seeking out new opportunities and embracing honesty (even when it may not be the easiest route). Whether they realize it, they’re helping us cultivate an environment where team members can freely grow, live true to their values, tackle challenges and pursue meaning.
Meet Angela Hernandez, a Franco alumna who now serves as the associate director of communications at Biogen in Boston, Massachusetts. During her three years at Franco, Angela supported and led accounts like Comerica Bank, Buddy’s Pizza, The Salvation Army, Hard Rock Cafe, Pewabic Pottery and Security Credit Union.
Angela’s experience at Franco from 2009-2012 sparked her passion for social media strategy and empowered her to guide business leaders to embrace an authentic social media strategy. Today, she channels her Franco-honed skills at Biogen, strengthening the company’s reputation as a leader in biotech.
Discover Angela’s Franco story and learn how it helped shape her into the professional she is today.
What do you do as Biogen’s associate director of communications?
I support communications for Biogen’s North America region including owned, earned and paid strategies that advance our organization’s reputation as a leading biotechnology company. My focus includes our rare disease and specialty franchises including therapies for spinal muscular atrophy, postpartum depression, multiple sclerosis and Friedreich’s ataxia. A majority of my work is digital-focused, including web and social media content development, employee social media advocacy, media relations and internal communications.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Franco?
It’s so hard to pick just one! I had the opportunity to work on so many fun projects and made so many memories. I have to say one of my favorites was working on the inaugural Comerica Bank Grand Slam Grant program, watching it grow and seeing the real impact it had on local communities.
What about your experience at Franco makes you more effective in your current role?
I left Franco with a resume full of diverse experience and the ability to work with leaders at all levels – from the c-suite to small business owners. I am more effective in my role today because of the opportunities I had early in my career and the knowledge I gained through exposure to a variety of industries.
What did you enjoy most about working at Franco?
The people! I have worked in places where you get along with the people you work with, but at Franco it truly felt like family.
What do you feel makes Franco stand out from other agencies?
Franco is a true partner to clients. They hire some of the brightest minds in the industry and only take on clients if it is a true fit for both the client and the agency.
Describe your biggest learning moment while working at Franco.
Clients were just starting to pay attention to social media during the time I was at Franco. I remember working with one client who was interested in creating a Twitter account, but wanted to turn off the ability for people to tweet at them. I politely provided counsel that a.) it wasn’t possible and b.) that people were going to talk about them on Twitter regardless of whether they were participating in the conversation. That was a moment when I learned just how much potential there was to grow my career with a social media focus. I’ve been helping businesses and leaders understand the value and impact of social media ever since.
What else is on your mind?
It’s so inspiring to see the continued success of the agency and now being a women-owned small business. Cheers to the next 60 years!
Are you interested in becoming part of Franco’s legacy? Learn more, submit your resume and apply to join our team!
