A warm welcome to our new teammate, Cristina DaPonte! In her role as publicist, she will expertly connect Page Two’s clients to wider audiences through strategic, personalized media planning.
Cristina holds a degree in both English Literature and Book & Media Studies, as well as a certificate in Publishing. Before joining Page Two, she has worked in the world of books as a bookseller with Indigo and a publicist with Penguin Random House Canada. We’re delighted to have her join our small but mighty marketing team!
Read on to learn more about Cristina and her passion for books, art, and culture!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background?
My life and career have always centred around books. I double-majored in English Literature and Book & Media Studies at the University of Toronto, and shortly after attended Centennial College for the Publishing certificate program. I worked as a bookseller with Indigo to put myself through school, and upon completing my certificate program, began working in publicity at Penguin Random House Canada.
Just before joining Page Two, I had taken a brief journey into the tech world as a content marketer to diversify my skill set. And with those new skills in my repertoire, I was beyond excited to come back home to book publicity!
What excites you the most about your new role?
Connecting books and readers has always been a passion of mine (in my capacity as a publicist, bookseller, and as a reader!). I’m thrilled at the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Page Two’s books and authors and connect them with their audiences.
What’s your favorite book you’ve read in the last year and why?
Hands down, my favourite read from the past year was the third installment of The Locked Tomb series, Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. It’s a whip-smart, hilarious, and heart-wrenching queer sci-fi/fantasy romp that gave me the worst book hangover of my life (so far). Can’t wait for the next one!
I also really enjoyed She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan and Sally Rooney’s Normal People!
Do you have a favorite word (or words?)
Loam. I wish I had more occasion to say it out loud!
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I like to fill my days with as much art and culture as possible. If I’m not out watching a play or concert, you can find me at home doing some amateur painting, playing guitar, or (of course!) reading.