Humans of TMA: Rita Mogilanski
Humans of TMA is a content series in partnership with Discover_TMA that showcases the diverse, interesting, and creative people that make up The Marketing Arm.
Let’s get to know Rita…
What has working remotely looked like for you during the pandemic? When quarantine began, I carved out a dedicated office space in my apartment, which has really helped me focus and create a good routine while working from home. Pro tip: leave plenty of snacks in your desk.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about you? I don’t take myself too seriously. I just want to spend quality time with the important people in my life, and the rest just isn’t so important.
Where do you find inspiration? New York City. I’m born and raised here, but I’m still inspired by its energy, diversity, and most recently, its resiliency during unique and tough times.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? My dad always encouraged me to take chances in life and say yes to new opportunities that come your way. That has led me to a lot of challenging but rewarding experiences.
What has been your favorite cultural moment of the last few years? The Fyre Festival fiasco was very interesting from a marketing and advertising perspective. With so many huge celebrities involved and with how quickly the mysterious orange tile spread on social media, it was wild to see how hard and how publicly it all came crashing down.
What causes do you support? Ones that further scientific research to help solve important medical issues and social justice causes to ensure more equality in our society.
What three words would your closest friends use to describe you? Reliable, funny, hungry.
What is your guilty pleasure? Tiktok! It has brought me so much joy during quarantine. It’s incredible how creative and talented people are. Thanks for the laughs, Gen Z.
What’s your hobby or passion project outside of TMA? Pre-COVID, it was travel. In the last two years, I was lucky enough to be able to go to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Now in the COVID world, I travel to my kitchen to bake new recipes. Cinnamon buns, cherry pie, and Oreo cheesecake have been the favorites so far.
What led you to this career/industry? I love understanding how people think and why they behave the way they do.
Quick Hits…
What are you watching? Great British Baking Show, Below Deck Mediterranean, and I am re-watching New Girl from the beginning. Funny, light, and mindless TV is the way to go right now.
What are you listening to? Throwback 90s and 00s classics. My favorite way to de-stress and get my eyes off my screens the last few months has been to go for a walk around my neighborhood and put on a great throwback playlist.
What are you ignoring? Negativity!
Who are you following? Lots of chefs and cooks on Instagram and Tiktok. Cooking demonstrations are soothing and provides great recipe inspiration. Some favorites: @frankprisinzano, @edeneats, @food52, and @eater.
Rita Mogilanski is a Senior Director of Strategy in TMA’s New York office and has been with the agency for over 7 years. She leads strategy and planning for a variety of consumer brands.
