“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
– Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
– Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
Initially driven by an unwavering commitment to ethics, Summers’ career took an unexpected turn when she took a principled stand at a PR firm, resulting in her swift dismissal. While diligently pursuing opportunities elsewhere, Summers’ former clients, impatient for her exceptional publicist services, rallied behind her. In an extraordinary turn of events, five unrelated companies mailed her checks, urging her to procure the necessary tools of the trade—a phone and laptop—and continue pitching on their behalf. At just 27 years old, Summers embraced the challenge, giving rise to a thriving and enduring PR agency.
Summers’ expertise lies in the art of the pitch, skillfully generating earned media exposure and advancing the causes and campaigns of her clients through effective communication strategies. Since the inception of Pitch Publicity®, her campaigns have secured billions of media impressions worldwide. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first strategist to orchestrate live media interviews at both low and high points of the planet—the scientific laboratory Aquarius, 63 feet beneath the sea and the summit of Mount Everest, 21,000 feet above sea level.
With more than two decades of experience in crafting impactful media campaigns, Summers’ leadership extends beyond her own achievements. She has fostered a culture of one-on-one mentorship within her team, ensuring the growth and success of each member. In 2018, Summers further demonstrated her dedication to knowledge-sharing by launching “The Pitch with Amy Summers” on Amazon’s Alexa. This esteemed communication flash briefing swiftly rose in popularity, earning a prominent position among Amazon’s highly ranked offerings, boasting an impressive 500 consecutive episodes.
Building on this momentum, Summers established INICIVOX® in February 2020, a visionary endeavor aimed at honing a diverse range of soft skills indispensable in today’s complex communication landscape. INICIVOX® has garnered recognition for its groundbreaking “Identifying the Elephant in the Room” educational seminars, addressing critical communication strategies surrounding racism and sexism. This work has earned her prestigious awards from PR News and New Hope Network’s Nutrition Business Journal in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Summers’ educational foundation includes a bachelor of science degree in public relations with a minor in health science education from the University of Florida, where she also served as an adjunct lecturer instructing the course “Pitching Persuasion,” a testament to the success of her methodology showcased through “The Pitch.” Summers’ influential career has garnered her recognition as a PR News Top Women Awards Honoree in the Business Entrepreneurs category, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to the public relations profession.
Above all, Summers takes immense pride in her leap of faith as an entrepreneur, as she founded and self-funded her business, utilizing it as a platform to launch numerous successful careers. The guidance, mentorship, and training provided by Summers at Pitch Publicity® have paved the way for countless young professionals to excel in the art and techniques of public relations. Headquartered in New York City, Summers also serves as a board member and founding partner of Naturally New York, embodying her commitment to supporting and nurturing the growth of an industry that has served her well throughout her career.