Ohio’s 22-year-old Katie Spotz was virtually unknown when she decided to embark on her mission to set a world record as the youngest person to row solo across an ocean and in doing so, increase awareness of the world water crisis. The 70-day event, Row for Water, featured her solo journey across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America in a self-contained ocean rowboat. Yopko Penhallurick’s powerful communications initiative was built on social media, a website and media relations that increased awareness of her journey and exceeded her fundraising goals. Spotz gained global followers from more than 166 countries and coverage from more than 150 media outlets worldwide valued at more than $4.5 million due to YP’s efforts:

• The agency coordinated a post-event New York media tour with dozens of interviews including CBS Evening News and Early Show, ABC Evening News conversation with Diane Sawyer, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, Discovery Channel, PBS News Hour, Inside Edition and Sirius/XM Rosie Radio.
• Worldwide recognition resulted in sustained interest a year after the row through more than 50 speaking engagements including the United Nations Youth Council, Global Leaders Conference, TED Conference; honors such as Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year, and ongoing coverage in Glamour and Reader’s Digest.
• Following the row, YP helped create a traveling exhibit and managed a speakers tour for Spotz and her boat that included dozens of schools. A leading water company sponsored Spotz and a speaking engagement series of dealer visits around the country that YP promoted.