Srijoni Sarkar’s Super Power: Showing Up with Curiousity and Making Your Mark

In the fast-paced world of PR, it’s easy to feel like just another voice in the crowd. But for Srijoni Sarkar, breaking through has come down to one simple truth: Showing up with curiousity.

When you talk to Srijoni Sarkar, it’s clear she approaches problems with an open mind. Not just about the latest trends, but about people and culture. Beginning in India and now building her career in Canada, she brings with her a fresh, global perspective to PR - demonstrating how commitment, connection and a willingness to learn can truly make a mark in the industry.

“I didn’t start out planning to be in PR,” she gleefully mentions. “I did events, journalism… but I realized what I loved was helping find and amplify voices in meaningful ways. PR felt like the perfect fit once I got into that.”

Srijoni’s journey is more than titles or awards. Though she’s certainly earned some impressive ones, such as IABC/Toronto’s Student of the Year and CPRS Toronto’s Young Professional of the Year in 2024. But, beyond that, it’s also about soaking in the details. 

And when she arrived in Canada, Srijoni didn’t just jump into things - she dove into different news cycles. “I started following Canadian influencers and journalists, and made it a goal to have a coffee chat with other PR professionals every month. My program coordinator at the time at Seneca gave me a tip I still swear by: always ask the person you meet to introduce you to someone else. That’s how you grow your network. You have to set your goals and go after them. I’m always thinking three, six, nine months ahead, pushing myself to try new things.”

That curiousity fuels how she approaches her work every day. “I keep up with the mainstream news cycle, sure, but I also look beyond that. Like, what’s bubbling under the surface on TikTok, what conversations aren’t mainstream yet but should be, will be? And what’s happening around the world? That’s how you stay relevant, and help your colleagues and clients break through noise.”

She is currently learning French - her fifth language so far - to deepen both her personal understanding and professional impact within Canada’s diverse cultural landscape, reflecting her broader commitment to continuous growth, which she deems as essential to staying relevant in the field.

At APEX PR, she’s found a space that matches this energy. “I met Linda Andross through a coffee chat as well, and what stuck was how much she values giving people the chance to be creative and find their own voice. I’ve been able to jump into projects I care about such as #BlackFoodEnergy with DoorDash.”

The campaign was more than just work. “There was this moment when we wrote grants to restaurant owners, and everyone in the room felt the weight and the joy of it. Food brings people together - it reminds us of home, culture and community. Being part of that early on felt really meaningful.”

As a proud introvert, Srijoni brings unique strengths to PR. A deep focus on listening, observing, and attention to detail. PR goes beyond speaking, it’s about understanding what’s said and unsaid, noticing the little things others might miss, and knowing when to recharge. This balance keeps Srijoni energized and ready for the next challenge.

And she’s not just learning for herself either, as two-way mentorship has been key to her career growth. She mentions having amazing mentors who provided her the space to ask questions and shadow. Today, Srijoni wants to pay that forward.

So, what advice does Srijoni give to someone thinking of entering PR? “Show up. Be involved. Stay curious. PR doesn’t happen sitting behind a desk; it happens when you’re present and engaged. That’s where opportunity lives.”

Srijoni Sarkar is a Consultant at APEX Public Relations, where she combines strategic communications expertise with creative execution to lead campaigns across the consumer, CPG, fintech, and healthcare sectors. She specializes in media and influencer relations, digital media, and events, developing integrated programs that deliver measurable impact for brands. Originally from India, Srijoni brings a rich international perspective and a multi-disciplinary approach to her work, wearing many hats to drive success through innovative solutions.