Cathy J. Hood shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Cathy J., really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
While I’m known for running a PR & Communications firm and representing top talent and brands, what I’m most proud of building is a deep-rooted infrastructure of civic engagement in my community — work that often happens behind the scenes. I’ve mobilized hundreds of volunteers for neighborhood cleanups, built coalitions across city departments, and served on boards where policy is designed to serve people.
As an appointed Los Angeles County Commissioner, I’m at the forefront shaping how emerging technologies uplift communities. I also serve on the Hollywood Studio District Neighborhood Council and contribute to the NAACP — roles that allow me to amplify diverse voices and advance equity. These efforts may not always make headlines, but they foster trust, resilience, and innovation — a legacy I’m committed to building.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a well-known communications strategist and a two-time top nominee for the L.A. Times Studios Inspirational Women’s Leadership Award (2022, 2023). With a mission to amplify diverse voices in mainstream media, I founded Pristine Initiative, LLC which is a PR firm representing top talent and corporate brands across multiple industries. My expertise spans from curating high-profile events to worldwide campaigns for meaningful causes.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that reshaped how I see the world began with a simple frustration: the growing piles of trash in my neighborhood. As a resident in Hollywood, CA, I couldn’t ignore how neglect was dimming the vibrancy of our community. So, a friend and I took action — organizing grassroots cleanup events that have since grown into a citywide movement to beautify Los Angeles ahead of the LA28 Olympics.
During these cleanups, I watched strangers become friends, and new connections form across backgrounds and generations. Over the past two years, this journey has shown me that meaningful change doesn’t always begin in board meetings or make headlines — sometimes, it starts with a trash bag and a conversation.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Like many entrepreneurs, I have faced my share of failures while building my business. One of the hardest lessons — and the most transformative — was learning the value of patience. Early on, I believed success had to be fast, visible, and constant. When things didn’t go as planned, I felt like I was falling behind. After hitting a few roadblocks, I realized growth often happens quietly.
Patience taught me to trust the process, even when the results weren’t immediate. It helped me to stay grounded in a world that moves fast and demands instant gratification. I used to see setbacks as signs of defeat — now I see them as invitations to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. This shift in mindset didn’t just change how I run my PR firm — it changed how I show up in life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Culture is at its ultimate finest right now! From culturally driven events, initiatives, experiences to the preservation of people’s stories and family traditions, my role as a PR professional is to protect all these elements as we position individuals into thought leaders.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Right now, I’m investing in something that won’t fully bloom for another few years: a legacy. I’m scaling my PR firm not just to lead in media and press, but to evolve into a global public outreach agency — one trusted to shape the narratives behind historic cultural moments. Through hands-on, purpose-driven strategies, I help clients align their visibility with their values. That kind of impact takes time.
I’m also deeply rooted in community work — from organizing citywide cleanups to serving on civic boards and helping shape how technology and storytelling intersect in public life. These efforts may not yield immediate results, but they’re planting seeds for a more sustainable, connected, and empowered future.
I believe the work I’m doing today — both in the spotlight and behind the scenes — will shift how people see themselves, their communities, and their power.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pristineinitiative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pristineinitiative/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pristineinitiative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pristineinitiative
