A Letter from the President | May 2025

Dear PRSA Orlando,

May is here, and it just might be the most fun month — not just because my birthday is coming up — but because it is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate some of the rich cultures, stories, and voices that shape our communities.

Over the past year, I’ve immersed myself in memoirs by AANHPI authors, including The Magical Language of Others, I Was Their American Dream, It Won’t Always Be Like This, The Best We Could Do, and Family Style. These powerful stories — some of them graphic novels — are masterclasses in storytelling and cross-cultural communication. As we honor AANHPI Heritage Month, I encourage you to explore these poignant depictions of the immigrant experience in the United States.

Now, back to business! April was a full and fulfilling month. We welcomed Maritza Martinez for an insightful monthly program, enjoyed a fun family day at Southern Hill Farms, and gave back to our community through PR Paid Forward — be sure to check out the recap in this blog post. And while APR Month has come to a close, it’s always a great time to consider pursuing your Accreditation in Public Relations. When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our APR Co-Chairs, Lorelie Johnson, APR, and Ashley Blasewitz, APR — they’re happy to guide you on your journey.

Looking ahead, our May program will focus on the value of cultural communications. Join us for an inspiring panel conversation on how strategic public relations and community engagement can elevate the visibility, success, and cultural presence of AANHPI businesses and initiatives across Central Florida. And if you’re still wondering what to get me for my birthday… I’d love to see you there!

Lastly, a quick heads-up: there will be no monthly breakfast programs in June or July, but we hope to see you at Media Mashup on June 27. Stay tuned for more details.

Here’s to another great month ahead!

Warm regards,

Verónica Figueroa, APR
Read the letter in Spanish here