Last week we introduced Qui Diaz as the Director of Strategy for Livingston Communications. We decided to share a little more about this rockstar.

BB: We noticed that you belong to various online social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Which one is your favorite and why?

QD: I used to be skeptical about online social networks and was a total late bloomer. Now they provide an outlet for my fascination with sociological behavior in the workplace.

LinkedIn is becoming more versatile; it’s evident they’re aiming to adapt to user desires. I like that something new is happening every day that isn’t too divergent from the network’s core objective.

But in truth, my heart belongs to Idealist.org. There’s this joke that my blood type is 501(3)(3), and Idealist (and the many other do good social networks) feed that need for hundreds of thousands of people.

BB: As an avid blogger and social media enthusiast, what inspires you to engage?

QD: Smart people and ideas that compel me to action. The promise of change and the boundless catalysts offered in the digital space. The possibility that something I say might help someone else. And not wanting to be left out.

BB: For up and coming communicators, why do you think they should embrace Web 2.0? Any advice?

QD: As with anything, there is a lot of hype and pressure in the online space. Perspective is key. Take what you need and want, share it with others, and know that you’ve acquired transferable and highly marketable qualities necessary for today’s integrated communications world.

BB: One of your charges is integrating digital strategies into larger public relations campaigns. What’s the key to success?

QD: Admitting that both approaches go together! Public relations has always been about relationships. Strategic PR flourishes through endeavors that create and cultivate two-way affiliations and connection points between your target audience and you (your goal). An integrated approach must meet your audience where it’s at, online or off-line.

Anything you plan that doesn’t do this is probably off the mark, excessive, and/or for your own entertainment. Not that there’s anything wrong with having some fun.

BB: What was your favorite communications experience?

QD: One that has to do with discovery and adaptation. While with 360° Digital Influence, I was heavily involved with developing and promoting the Pandemic Flu Leadership Blog with the Department of Health and Human Services. It was a 5-week blog intended to help start the conversation about pandemic preparedness among high-profile national leaders and others.

Talk about a tough message, and when we started, HHS was still very conservative when it came to the online space. Through it all, we found a community of potential advocates and engaged them in a conversation through the blog. HHS has continued to evolve their efforts and identify clever ways to build trust with the online pandemic flu community. And incorporate what they’re learning into their larger strategies on a holistic level. That takes courage, perseverance and time. Every organization and marcomm professional can learn from their experience.

BB: Your least favorite?

QD: Most small-group discussions. I have this ongoing paranoia that everyone in the room thinks I’m a moron. It keeps me humble, and gives me a personal communications obstacle to overcome – everybody has their hurdle.

BB: What’s your biggest hope?

QD: Perhaps it’s because I’m a complete bleeding heart – feel like I’m in training to contribute my all to a great cause. To me, the greatest cause is kicking poverty’s A. The hope is that we’ll all do something to help. Start here.