Q&A: Meet Associate Anita Dongieux

Q&A

15 Jan

We’re pleased to welcome Anita back to The Herald Group as an associate. After interning with the firm in summer 2024 and serving as a fellow this fall, she returns with a strong foundation in government-adjacent communications and a clear interest in client-facing work. Working closely with our third-party team, Anita will help support and strengthen relationships with clients, advocacy partners, and allied stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from New Orleans, but I just recently moved to D.C. in August after graduating from Wake Forest in May. I previously interned with The Herald Group last summer and was a Fellow from September to December of this year.

What led you to a career in public affairs?

At Wake Forest, I was a Politics & International Affairs major with a double minor in Journalism and Communications, where I first learned about the government-adjacent sphere. After I interned at The Herald Group in the summer of 2024 and learned more about what public affairs really was, I realized that it was a career path I could see myself pursuing after graduation.

Where’s your favorite place to travel?

My favorite places to travel are Greece and London. London quickly became my favorite city after I studied abroad there during my junior year of college. Greece, on the other hand, holds special significance because it’s where my mom’s entire family is from. Growing up visiting my relatives and exploring the different islands has made Greece a huge and very special part of my life.

What’s one thing about public affairs that surprised you once you got into it?

One part about public affairs that surprised me once I got into it was how fast-paced the environment can be at times. While this can certainly be stressful at times, I find that it always keeps me engaged in my work and on my toes!

What are you most excited to take on in your new role as an associate? How do you hope to make an impact?

I’m most excited about taking on a more prominent client-facing role in my transition from Fellow to Associate. Working with our third-party team, I’m hoping to make an impact through my engagements with various clients and advocacy groups, working to help support existing relationships and foster potential new ones.

Outside of work, where would we find you? What are you passionate about?

You’ll find me hanging out with my two roommates who have helped make my move to DC so special! I’m very passionate about exploring DC, whether that’s trying new restaurants, visiting new museums or walking around new neighborhoods—and of course I love shopping days in Georgetown!

What’s a hobby or interest that has nothing to do with politics or public affairs — but you secretly think makes you better at your job?

One of my biggest hobbies is exercising, which I think makes me better at my job as it gets me up and energized for the day. My favorite workout studio here in DC is CorePower Yoga, which is conveniently located right next to THG!