Staff Spotlight: Mya Temanson
Mya Temanson recently joined Rapp Strategies, Inc. as an Assistant Account Executive, bringing a background in research, writing, project management and multimedia production. She graduated from Minot State University with a degree in English and World Languages. Throughout her education, her curiosity and collaborative spirit was a driving force for her academic success, and she is excited to bring those qualities to Rapp Strategies.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind team. I really feed off others’ enthusiasm, and there’s a lot to go around. I’m excited to be working with such dedicated, intelligent and passionate people here at Rapp Strategies.”
Previously, Mya was a fellow with YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio, where she produced a wide variety of multimedia content. Her work focused on bringing unique stories to diverse audiences — from Classical Queery, an exploratory Pride Month series, to Underground Noise, an hour-long special examining the world of fungi through classical music.
Mya has also focused on building community, including by organizing a climate action event in Shakespeare’s birthplace and producing three interactive murder mystery plays to bring the Minot State community together.
“My creativity has always been rooted in strategy. I’m eager to let my strategic thinking take center stage while growing my career at Rapp Strategies.”
What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?
I’ve always liked thinking deeply about whatever I’m working on. Strategic communication gives me the opportunity to engage with people in thoughtful ways, always learning how to communicate more effectively.
What is your favorite professional experience?
During my time at YourClassical, I worked on an hour-long special about the world of fungi. This was already marrying my love for music and mushrooms, but it was made even more meaningful because I had the opportunity to collaborate with two good friends from my hometown, who share my enthusiasm for fungi. I incorporated our song cycle into the special, interviewed both of them about the project and wrote up a little web feature spotlighting our work. I was growing as a media professional while also celebrating a really collaborative project. It couldn’t have been more meaningful.
What is one habit that makes you more successful?
For me, I always need a notepad and pen on hand. Whether it’s for notes, list-making or a little doodle to help me focus, having a classic pen and paper really helps ground my thoughts in a way a computer and keyboard don’t always do.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Many, many things. I had a different idea at each stage of childhood. Though, my most memorable plan was hatched in preschool: an artist in the morning, a lawyer in the afternoon and an opera singer at night. What a dream!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
This last year, I’ve made some pretty remarkable friendships and also got engaged to my best friend. It’s amazing how much more enriching your life becomes when you have a tight-knit group of people you love and who challenge you. I’d say that’s been one of my greatest accomplishments.
What is one thing about you few people know?
I’m a pretty open book, perhaps to a fault. There isn’t a lot I keep to myself. Though if I open the vault to things long gone, I suppose one thing I don’t bring up a lot anymore is that I was the fourth-grade runner up in the Ward County written spelling bee. I made it to the second round, where you go up to the microphone to spell out loud. Very exciting to hear my little voice projected across the room (after they adjusted the height of the microphone for me). Alas, I didn’t know how to spell caribou, so I was out immediately.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Two erudite and unexpected pieces of advice I’ve received in recent years:
“You just have to treat everyone you meet like they’re already your friend.” – A dear friend of mine when I asked her how she’s so charismatic.
“Life’s a crooked road.” – An older man at a post office in Hayward, WI, who took an interest in me and how I ended up in that small town. I was going through a rough patch, and his words, simple as they were, really stuck. It’s become a bit of a mantra. I never saw him again or got his name, but it felt like one of those liminal moments where the veil between here and fairyland thins.
What is one piece of wisdom you would give your younger self?
Enjoy making mistakes, asking questions and being the dumbest person in the room. Learning is so much more fun than perfecting.
What is your favorite or most-used app on your phone? Why?
I love Wikipedia. Recently, I read about a lovely white flower with a killer name: bloodroot. And that led me to learn about the strange and fascinating world of escharotics.
What is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Northern Wisconsin will forever have a special place in my heart, because my family used to have a little cabin up there. Taking walks around the area, saying hi to familiar trees and identifying as many mushrooms and slime molds as I could were my favorite things to do.
