Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Ray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ray.

Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born to write! I began ‘blogging’ from a very young age in Trinidad where I was born and grew up. My love for writing started with journals where I documented all that I was experiencing in life. The passion for writing continued through my teen years and into adulthood. I moved to New York City in 1998 to pursue an English degree. I was even recognized by the English department for excellence and was asked to become a tutor for my peers during my second semester. It was also around that time that I began writing my first formal blog using WordPress. When it was time to declare my major, I ended up in the journalism department after taking an introductory course. I wrote for a few newspapers during my college years and after, and even received an internship with New York Newsday during my final semester. I eventually moved from journalism to corporate communications, pursing a career in public relations and public affairs.

In 2018, I moved to Central Florida. Given I was new to this area, I decided to blog once more. I started a page on Instagram, Orlando Unplugged, and created a website, OrlandoUnplugged.com. It was created primarily as an outlet for my passion — writing — and to detail discoveries in my new city. It soon morphed into a lifestyle journal with a goal to curate content about Orlando and the surrounding communities. I envision Orlando Unplugged becoming a trusted friend where subscribers can find truthful recommendations about my travels and experiences within Orlando, Central Florida, and even beyond.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Blogging hasn’t been as smooth as I would like it to be, as I’ve always held a full-time position. I’m also passionate about my career so sometimes finding that balance to do it all can be a challenge. Since the pandemic began, I’ve been heavily involved in developing and managing media responses at the health care institution where I work. Additionally, in recent times, family life has also been a challenge. The ideas for the blog are there, but limited time due to competing interests have slowed down progress a bit. I continue to push through however, as I believe my followers look forward to what I have to share in this space.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am an account supervisor for a Tampa-based crisis communications agency called Tucker|Hall. However, I am based in Orlando with a major health care client. My day-to-day consists of managing media relations for various hospitals and services lines at the Florida-based health care system. For example, I manage media relations for the infectious disease group, which means I play a role in developing and managing media requests related to COVID-19.

Prior to what I do now, I worked for a Saatchi & Saatchi agency in Trinidad and Tobago. There I lead their corporate communications division working with international clients such as Microsoft and Arcos Dorados (the largest McDonalds franchise in the world) who had a presence on the islands and in the region. I provided public relations support to these clients and others in the market, as well as I was responsible for oversight of the team. Before moving back to Trinidad in 2012, I worked at Nickelodeon in New York City in the public affairs department. There I worked on signature prosocial initiatives such as Worldwide Day of Play, The Big Help, The Big Green Help, Teen Nick Halo Awards, and other activities to inspire kids. I had the pleasure of working on Worldwide Day of Play in 2011 when there was a partnership with then First Lady Michelle Obama and her Let’s Move initiative. That year, we held WWDoP on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been a leader, I think. However, growing up on the islands with three brothers it wasn’t viewed as leadership. Instead, I was criticized by my brothers as bossy—and to this day, I still am. Nevertheless, I think the early adult behavior, ease in social settings, love of adventure and cautiousness if and when necessary have served me well in my adult life. I think now, more than ever, it’s important to encourage young girls and explain these signs to them so that they can be true to who they are without fear.

Contact Info:

• Email: Nic@orlandounplugged.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/OrlandoUnplugged
• Other: OrlandoUnplugged.com