PR Dream Team Tips Off: WNBA Star Nicole Powell Joins MWW Group To Introduce Offseason Public Relations Internship Program

NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- MWW Group (www.mww.com), one of the nation's top ten public relations firms, announced today the "tip-off" of a first-ever offseason internship program with WNBA athletes.  The national program, which the MWW Group will institute across its nine domestic offices, will provide WNBA players with valuable experience across a range of practice areas, including consumer lifestyle marketing, social media and digital marketing, corporate communications, healthcare and nutrition, media strategies, sports marketing and public affairs/government relations.  New York Liberty guard/forward Nicole Powell became the first WNBA player to join the MWW Group team, beginning an internship this October in the firm's New York office.  

"This unprecedented program with the WNBA allows MWW Group to cultivate a relationship with young and determined women, who are driven to develop a new set of skills through innovative learning experiences within the PR industry," said Michael W. Kempner, president and CEO of MWW Group.  "I strongly believe that internships are key to the growth of any young professional. Hands-on experience teaches the essentials to a true working environment. I would like to congratulate Nicole Powell as our first intern, and I'm looking forward to working with her."

Said Powell, "PR has been a big part of my life, since I have promoted the sport of women's basketball and the teams I've played on throughout my career.  Now, I get the chance to further develop those skills through this incredible opportunity at MWW Group.  It's exciting to learn from experienced and talented people who hail from so many different backgrounds."  

A graduate of Stanford University, Powell has been recognized at MWW Group as an enthusiastic, dedicated and aspiring young PR practitioner, among her many other qualities. A current member of the New York Liberty, she helped lead her team to the 2010 WNBA Eastern Conference Finals, earned the 2005 WNBA Most Improved Player and a place on the 2009 WNBA All-Star team, and has competed in the Euroleague.  

"It is apparent that Nicole is a superstar, whether it's on the court or in an office environment," said WNBA President Donna Orender.  "She is the perfect person to embrace this opportunity with MWW Group.  It is important for our athletes to expand their talents so that they can apply their knowledge and skills beyond their professional basketball careers. We hope Nicole and future candidates take full advantage of the time at MWW Group and use what they learn in their future."

Powell will begin her internship experience in MWW Group's award-winning consumer lifestyle marketing practice, where she will "assist" the account teams for Sara Lee Corporation, McDonald's and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.

About MWW Group

MWW Group is one of the nation's top ten public relations agencies and is known for its results-driven approach to public relations and "Aim High. Deliver" commitment to client service. For four years in a row, MWW Group was honored with the #1 ranking in the Holmes Report agency client satisfaction survey. MWW Group achieved top rankings in the categories of account leadership, strength of account team, creativity, strategy and planning, and program execution. In 2008, MWW Group was named PR Agency of the Year by The American Business Awards and Mid-size PR Firm of the Year by PR News, in recognition of the firm's growth, strategic account leadership and industry-leading employee retention. MWW Group is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG). 

About the WNBA

The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.  The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women's professional team sports league in the world – finished its 14th season with a fourth consecutive year of attendance growth, surging WNBA Finals ratings, and strong increases in traffic to WNBA.com and WNBA Mobile sites.  

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women's health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

SOURCE MWW Group