Emel Shaikh

About Emel Shaikh

Emel Shaikh has 13+ years of experience in the media relations and PR industry, with experience leading publicity efforts both in-house as well as boutique agencies across multiple disciplines. An immigrant and a woman of color, Emel has carved out a unique space for herself as an expert in amplifying the stories of fellow BIPOC and other marginalized groups. In addition to her expertise in highly nuanced, cultural media relations work, Emel is a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) consultant, as well as a freelance writer. With an overall focus on consumer and lifestyle brands, Emel is particularly passionate about working with mission-driven companies in the food and beverage CPG sector and specializes in championing the nuanced stories of minority-owned brands. Emel has also developed and executed media relations strategies for clients in the restaurant and hospitality space, including both chef-driven concepts and quick service restaurants. Her work managing media relations in-house at the renowned Sundance Institute set the foundation for independent storytelling and helping to amplify the voices that might otherwise go unheard. Emel has secured top tier media coverage in The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Today.com, Sunset, Hunker, Eater, Westways and many more, for clients (past and present) such as One Stripe Chai, Kosterina, Táche, Recess, Old Skool Cafe, The Original Farmers Market, Winston Pies, Humphry Slocombe and more. Emel holds a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations from California State University, Fullerton. She spends most of her day thinking about what to eat (which absolutely makes her even better at her job as a “grublicist\"). She is also a voracious reader, writer, and self-taught baker, and lives in Los Angeles with her very lazy dog, Dobby.

Experience

1. Dei Consultant

   Jennifer Bett Communications

   Aug 2022 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Building Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programming, trainings and workshops for the JBC team, particularly through the lens of media relations and brand communications support. Developing inclusive language for internal and external media materials, producing and hosting ongoing guest speaker series with diverse thought leaders and ensuring that JBC provides a warm, welcoming and safe environment for staff and clients from all walks of life.

Education

• California State University, Fullerton

  B.A.