Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary McKenzie.
Hi Zachary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Lampasas, a small town in Central Texas. When I was accepted to attend The University of Texas at Austin, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I picked something I thought sounded interesting—kinesiology. I did well in school, but struggled through my upper division science courses. I found much needed respite and joy in my rhetoric and English classes. After bouncing around within my major, between exercise science and health promotion, I ultimately graduated with my B.S. in Kinesiology with a specialization in disability studies—a true passion of mine.
Upon graduating, I accepted the first job I was offered and moved to Houston, knowing I needed a change of scenery without venturing too far away from home. After brief stints working as an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist making $15/hour and as a research assistant at UT Health, focusing on projects aimed toward supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, I landed at my first nonprofit job at Camp For All. I was hired as a development assistant and worked in fundraising, specifically events. My ability to write and my comfortability with members of the media at various outreach events was noticed by the executive director who tasked me with writing newsletters, social media and email copy for various initiatives, and handling mini public relations projects.
Having added a variety of marketing skills to my resume, I was eventually hired at Theatre Under The Stars where I worked as a marketing assistant. I continued to learn the ins and outs of email marketing and how to navigate a rapidly evolving social media landscape. Working closely with the communications manager in charge of public relations, I continued to work in media relations and learned how the profession operates and achieves specific goals.
At this same time, I began freelance writing for CityBook Magazine, covering local movers and shakers that make Houston special. I was able to utilize my marketing copywriting as samples to land the gig. With my portfolio of written articles slowly growing, I reached out to the team at OutSmart, Houston’s premier LGBTQ+ magazine, to inquire about writing for them and I was offered my first story. I still write for the magazine today after nearly eight years. In that time I’ve interviewed everyone from local business owners, advocates, politicians, authors, and community leaders to celebrities such as Isaac Mizrahi, Chelsea Handler, Billy Porter, Orville Peck, Theresa Caputo and more.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I took a big leap and transitioned to a role with another nonprofit as marketing manager, overseeing various outreach and media initiatives in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley. Typical of nonprofit culture, I wore many hats, from graphic design to videography, public relations to branding overhauls, all under the guidance and with the support of my director.
Today, I have taken all of the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years to become a full-time publicist at Rachel Austin Public Relations. Our clients are some of Houston’s most iconic and beloved restaurants and bars, as well as some new faces to the Houston food and beverage scene. We’ve also represented world-famous entertainers, festivals and events, and more. The diversity of our clientele and of the work involved for each has made for a dynamic and fun work environment that I’ve been fortunate to enjoy and grow within for nearly four years.
Finally, in addition to my full-time job as publicist and freelance work with OutSmart Magazine, I am also a writer for Visit Houston, the official destination marketing organization for Houston, and My Gay Houston, the official Visit Houston resource for LGBTQ+ visitors and locals, promoting Houston as a welcoming, diverse destination. Both platforms feature articles I’ve written that highlight up and coming events, things to do in the city, itineraries for visitors to Houston, and more. I also manage the My Gay Houston social media accounts, bringing even more attention to our incredible city through posts, event promotion, and managing our My Gay Houston influencer/creator.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles I’ve faced along the way are also a testament of how privileged I am and of all that Houston offers in terms of employment. Growing up, I didn’t have many mentors or people like me to guide me toward a path to success. When I graduated from college, I had no idea what I was supposed to do or what a “decent” salary was. Once I got to Houston, I bounced around from job to job in an effort to discover what I wanted to do with my life and to build financial security with each professional transition. How lucky am I that that was even an option?
In my early entry-level employment days, I made a decent salary at each job I accepted. Money ultimately proved to be a motivating factor when it came to picking up freelance writing work. Once I got to a point of comfortability in terms of salary, I realized that my knack for hustling didn’t weaken but instead grew stronger.
It would have been nice to be born on third base in life. Instead, I started from home plate and have slowly worked my way around the bases of achieving professional success. Years of hard work, seeking out and emulating those whose careers I aspire to, discovering my professional strengths through trial and error, and persevering to get to where I am today were all pivotal in my character building and helped write the story of who I am today. I’m only getting started and will continue to work hard, hustle, and seek ways to better myself and reach even more professional milestones. When hard work is the only option, that mentality sticks with you and makes you really appreciate all you have earned.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work full-time as a publicist for Rachel Austin Public Relations. As a publicist, my job is to tell our clients’ stories. I achieve this through writing press releases about new and exciting happenings, media alerts about upcoming events, broadcast pitches to share stories on TV, and much more. My job, under the guidance of my boss, is to keep our clients, which range from those in the hospitality industry to entertainment venues and figures, at the forefront of the minds of Houstonians and visitors alike. In the fast paced world of social and news media, we navigate the ever-changing landscape to make sure our stories get told and reach the appropriate audience. Navigating each individual announcement or project’s target audience, appropriate media outlet, and determining its immediacy all play major roles in achieving what our clients expect and deserve. Every day is different and I have been fortunate to be in some really amazing rooms and situations that have given me incredible stories to share for the rest of my life.
As a freelance writer, I have covered several local and national figures for various outlets, and have even had some personal essays published as well. My work at OutSmart Magazine, in particular, has garnered a loyal readership and I was twice voted the magazine’s Gayest and Greatest Award for Favorite Local Writer. I love sharing stories about intriguing and interesting people, and there is no better feeling than when a subject reaches out to me to thank me for handling their story with care. Often, I’ll reach out with interest in covering someone’s story and they think they aren’t worthy of the platform, only to see in real time just how impactful their life experiences are and can serve as a guide for others as well. While I’ve had a couple of personal essays published in the past, I have recently begun sharing more of my own stories on my Substack. It’s been a new, fun, and vulnerable way to connect with friends, family, and followers I’ve been lucky enough to connect with through the platform.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
It would take me forever to list out every single person who has championed and helped me along the way in my professional career. I often think of family and friends who listened and encouraged me when I expressed interest in something that I thought was out of reach and beyond my qualifications. The editors at various outlets who took a chance on me to tell either my story or someone else’s in a compelling and professional way. The people I interviewed who thanked me for handling their story with care when presenting it to a large readership. My bosses and managers, dating back to college, who demonstrated how to balance work and fun, how to get a job done as part of a team, and that work is just a small part of a big life we all lead.
I have a binder of news clippings from my local newspaper that featured me throughout my high school years that my tennis coach collected annually for each individual graduating senior. I keep it on a bookshelf in my apartment and flipped through it recently when I was feeling nostalgic. One clipping is a short question and answer profile on me as a varsity team member and when asked who my hero is I wrote, without hesitation, “My mom.” None of my success is possible without her and her unconditional love and support from day one. She has been there for every dream I’ve had, failure I’ve experienced, and success story I’ve been fortunate to share. Observing her work hard my whole life, professionally and at home as a single mother, instilled a work ethic in me that I am incredibly grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://substack.com/@zacharymckenzie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zachmckenzie/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-mckenzie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zacharymckenzie4512
- Other: https://linktr.ee/_zachmckenzie
Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of Zach McKenzie
