After a year of outstanding growth and participation in the New Professionals Section led by a group of passionate young PR professionals, we would like to welcome the members of the 2012 Executive Committee. Some are veterans of the Section, and some are new faces, but all are enthusiastic and optimistic for the coming year. Big thanks go out to the 2011 committee, and especially immediate past chair Sarah Siewert, for their leadership, commitment and fresh perspective, which positioned New Professionals as PRSA’s biggest Section in 2011. The 2012 Committee will strive to build upon the foundation they have laid out for another successful year.
This year, the Section has a diverse group of individuals from a range of PR specialties, companies and geographic location. Each committee member brings with them a different viewpoint, and as a way to introduce them, we asked–what is your favorite thing about your city?
The thing I love about Dayton (Ohio) is that it provides a combination of “city” life and a quiet, little suburbia town (living in Centerville). Everything that I want/need to do is within a 10-minute driving distance and there’s a nice mixture of nightlife, museums/theaters and great places to eat! It’s also just a short drive to Cincinnati or Columbus if I need a little something extra (like baseball games)!—Leah Moon, Section chair
Woolrich, PA – “The best of both worlds” – For those who love the outdoors, I’m right beside the Pine Creek Valley. The views from the peaks and valleys are breathtaking, not to mention the opportunities for kayaking, biking, fishing, camping, etc. How about that city life? I work in Williamsport, PA, which was just recently listed as the 7th fastest growing city in the United States! Trust me, there is a lot of growing space – it’s a very small city. It’s also right across the Susquehanna River from the home of the Little League World Series – we get our few weeks of fame every August!—Elizabeth Rhoads, Section chair-elect and programming director
Seattle, Washington: Venture here from May-September and experience why so many Seattleites never move away – the water, mountains and abundance of green are spectacular and make the rest of the year worthwhile. Add in opportunities to work with top-tier technology, healthcare, biotech and aerospace organizations, and it becomes obvious why we’re proud to call Seattle home!-–Brendan Hughes, programming co-chair
Philadelphia. We’ve got cheesesteaks, Rocky and, of course, the Liberty Bell. While Philly may have a tough reputation, those who live here know they’ll never trade the lights on Boathouse Row or Citizens Bank Park for any other city. Say what you will about New York or Chicago, but we know it’s always sunny in Philadelphia.–Anna Cramer, social media chair
What I love best about my city is that it’s a big city with a small-town feel. Charlotte, North Carolina may not be considered a big city to most, but given its popularity, it has just the right amount of people. It’s not extremely busy, the people are friendly and the community generally cares for each other.–Jamela Wintons, newsletter co-chair
First, let me say that I love the Mitten! Yes, the Mitten, as in the state of Michigan. The area plays host to great sports teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and even the Lions. Music is in its veins, and the art scene is growing. If you’ve not seen a Pure Michigan campaign, you are missing the beauty that is often overlooked when you hear about the city and its surrounding communities. I’ve lived in several communities in the Detroit metro area, and I have an affinity for each one. The best part about the town, regardless of the location, is the people. They are strong and resilient even through tough times. Without the drive of the people, I don’t believe I would be the person I am today.–Diahnn Henderson, newsletter co-editor
“NEW YORK! Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.”- Alicia Keys. Several musicians have said it best when describing New York as an extraordinary town- if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. New York City is a wonderful location for a new professional in the PR industry because it offers so many opportunities and experiences that help shape your professional development. From networking to events to top-notch clients and corporations, New York City is a great place to launch a career.—Brandi Boatner, mentorship co-chair
Living in Washington, D.C., is a truly an amazing and eye-opening experience. From jogging trails that run by the Lincoln Memorial to spotting the President’s motorcade on a ride to work, it is a city like no other, where residents descend from across the country and the world to make up our nation’s capital. D.C. is great for young professionals to start their careers, whether it be in the nonprofit world, civil service or private sector. Whatever your interests are, there is something for everyone in our little district.—Kate Enos, mentorship co-chair
I love that Chicago has so many faces. Besides the fact that there are incredible opportunities for new professionals to learn and grow, Chicago is a great place to live. I really enjoy exploring new neighborhoods, trying out new restaurants and visiting the lakefront running trail. Despite the brutal winter weather (which I’ll often complain about on Twitter), Chicago summers make up for it with street festivals and outdoor concerts.—Nick Lucido, PRSSA liason
CHICAGO! Land of deep dish pizza, Lake Michigan and the Cubs: Chicago is a great place for any young professional interested in educating themselves about or working in public relations. Between the many universities offering graduate degrees to the numerous different fields of PR, it’s a city that people can come eager to learn and leave with a bountiful amount of knowledge! I’m happy to call Chicago home!–Alyssa Bronikowski, PRSSA liaison
In what has to be a sign of the times, I don’t have an office. Well, I do, but it doubles as a guest bedroom. When I signed on with a virtual workplace, I had to ask myself where I wanted to set up shop. After thinking about it, I settled on Newburgh, Indiana, about six miles east of Evansville and a solid 90 minutes from the closest “major” city. This place is home for me, but it’s also a fascinating town and area to work from as a virtual worker. The city is big enough to have much of the amenities I would need or like (such as good coffee), but also small enough to feel at home and be familiar with a lot of people. It may not be the biggest or the most glamorous, but it’s home, and that’s the most important to me.–Ben Luttrull, membership co-chair
Washington, D.C.: Though I originally moved from New Hampshire to D.C. to work in PR at a theater, I quickly found that D.C. has many avenues for PR professionals: government affairs, agency work, lobbying, non-profit communication positions and a host of other opportunities. What’s best about D.C. though is that it’s so small! You run into people you know all the time, are able to build a strong network of peers, get to meet accomplished professionals and can go to exciting events on the Hill, at think-tanks, at universities or at other venues. Without a doubt, D.C. has really helped shape my career.–Whitney Gray, membership co-chair
San Francisco: Known for its iconic skyline, steep hills, cable cars, trolleys and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco offers more than just visual appeal: The diversity of its people, variety of restaurants and endless festivals and events make it a cultural hot spot for residents and visitors alike. It’s also the start-up mecca of the world, providing an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. A fusion of fun and professionalism, it’s no surprise that San Francisco is an ideal city for a new PR pro.—Carolina Madrid, diversity chair
The place that I call home is Michigan and I am fortunate to operate around the state, embracing all of which the Great Lakes State has to offer. From catching concerts and sports in Detroit to professional research and alumni support in East Lansing to helping local businesses in Flint, I am proud to be a Michigan resident!–Zaneta Chuniq Inpower, blog co-chair
I’ve had the privilege of living and visiting many cities in recent years, but Chicago will always be the place I call home. The Windy City has more to offer than anyone could experience in a lifetime–from professional sporting events to well-known music festivals and venues, unrivaled food (deep-dish pizza, anyone?) to the best broadway shows. Every day presents something new, all while keeping with treasured traditions. Working in PR in Chicago has opened me up to endless possibilites for fun, networking and growth. Sweet home, Chicago.–Heather Sliwinski, blog co-chair
When I started my PR career, I focused on nailing the basics of PR – writing strong press releases, building solid media lists, writing great emails. I strove for accuracy and a job well done. As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized that while mastering the fundamental PR skills is paramount, I also need to always be looking for ways to add value to my organization. PR professionals who prove that they add real value to their organizations simply do better professionally – they are promoted, secure new jobs more easily, and are liked by coworkers. Here are a few strategies I’ve picked up on so far, and try to put in practice in my career.
Lauren Leger graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in communication, concentrating in public relations. She started her career while still in college at Boston-based PR firm, Zazil Media Group. Lauren relocated to Dallas, Texas in fall of 2014 and began working atThe Power Group as a PR account executive. She recently took on a new role as Power’s manager of digital strategy, where she brings her PR expertise to the digital realm of the business. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
