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Celebrating APR Month With Ask the APR

April is APR Month — but APR Month has nothing to do with Annual Percentage Rates. A second, less recognized, definition for APR is Accreditation in Public Relations. In the world of communication professionals, Accreditation in…
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A Message From Our President – April 2021

April is a time for renewal. It’s hard not to feel the extra spring in your step when the sun is shining, birds are singing and plants and flowers begin to bloom. It’s also the perfect time to look into renewing your commitment to your…
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President’s Letter – March 2021

As we turn the page of our calendars from February to March, we also turn our focus to Women’s History Month. The national month-long celebration began in 1987 and shines a light on the extraordinary contributions of the American women who…
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President’s Letter: February 2021

“The way to right wrongs is turn the light of truth upon them.”~Ida B. Wells-Barnett I love this quote from Ida B. Wells-Barnett. A woman ahead of her time, Wells-Barnett was a journalist, activist and researcher who fought against…
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President Spotlight: Stefanie Macfarlane, APR

While we never could have imagined what 2020 would hold for the world, even in times of uncertainty, staying bright can light the way for yourself and those around you— a vision Stefanie Macfarlane, APR shares and lives every day. The…

PRSA Orlando Member PRofile: Lisa Lochridge, APR

It’s not every day your PR efforts catch the attention of and inspire action from the President of the United States—but it’s not a surprising feat if you talk to the colleagues of seasoned public relations pro Lisa Lochridge.  Known…

PRSA Orlando ICON 2021 Kicks Off

The PRSA Orlando Planning Team for PRSA’s 2021 International Conference (ICON) (also known as Team Mouse) kicked off its work during a well attended virtual meeting in late January. The volunteer team will be helping to organize ICON…
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2021 PRSA Orlando Hardship Fund

Thanks to the generous support of our donors at the PRSA Gives Back Virtual Holiday Mixer, we were able to reinstate/renew four members! We have enough remaining in the PRSA Orlando Hardship Fund to renew/reinstate two additional members.…
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President’s Letter: January 2021

Happy 2021! It’s finally here! Every New Year is filled with anticipation and hope, but never in recent memory has a year held so much expectation and promise. There certainly is a lot of pressure on 2021 to be a great year. And then, six…

PRSA Orlando Holiday Recipes

There’s no place like home this holiday season! Spice up your celebrations with our leadership team's favorite recipes of the season. 4-Ingredient Samoas:  You definitely deserve a cookie, so don’t miss this delicious recipe from our…
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Thank You for a Trailblazing Year; Get Ready for ICON 2021 in Orlando

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson That was my high school class motto. It resonated with me then (just a “few” years ago) as I set out into the “real…

Don’t Forget the “B” in D&I Efforts

By: Tory Moore, PRSA Orlando VP, Administration  Brené  Brown, a renowned professor at the University of Houston and New York Times bestselling author, reminds leaders that diversity and inclusion should consider adding an additional…
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2020 PRSA Orlando Hardship Fund Program

UPDATE: Thank you for supporting the PRSA Hardship Fund! Because of your support our chapter was able to reinstate or renew four PRSA Orlando memberships. Applications are now closed for this program. ____________________ The PRSA Orlando…

Getting to Know 2020 PRSA Orlando/Frank R. Stansberry Scholarship Recipient, Candice Joseph

Thanks to an endowment from PRSA Orlando, students majoring in public relations at the University of Central Florida have the opportunity to receive additional funding to assist their journey within the industry with the PRSA Orlando/Frank R.…
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‘A Year to Forget or A Year to Learn?’ As We Faced Global Pandemic, Social Unrest, Misinformation, Disinformation, Presidential Election

We all know 2020 has certainly been anything but normal, and many of us are ready to put it behind us and move on. But, as one speaker asked at this year’s PRSA ICON, “Strategic Communications: Navigating A World Disrupted” held virtually…
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Register Now: November is Member Appreciation Month

November is Member Appreciation Month - REGISTER NOW toRECHARGE Your Mind, Body & Spirit! Recharge Your Mind: Improve Your Marketability PanelFriday, Nov. 6 at 12 noonSharpen your personal brand with our interactive panel of experts…
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A Time of Turbulence, Transition and Transformation

While there are still three months remaining in 2020 (I mean, who can’t wait for this year to be over?), let’s hope the turbulence, challenges and difficult conversations serve as the foundation of change for a better tomorrow. …
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Takeaways From Adweek’s Hispanic & Latin American Summit

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair Last month Adweek brought together 12 marketing leaders from global brands together for the inaugural Hispanic & Latin American Summit, where they discussed…
Interns pose at a NASCAR event

How To Create A Diverse & Inclusive Internship Program In Your Workplace

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair Building a diverse and inclusive company culture in the workplace has become a primary focus for many organizations, especially over the past year. Whether you’re…
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September Marks Change, Ethics and Philanthropy

“Ahhh, Labor Day is upon us. Schools are back in full swing. We are reflecting on our summer vacations and travels. We are enjoying sports and the arts.” Well, that would have been remarks for a normal September — in a normal year.…
An group of employees have a discussion in an office meeting

How To Create An Equitable Workplace For Older Workers

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair Nearly 2 out of 3 workers ages 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination on the job, according to results of a wide-ranging AARP workplace survey.…

How Limbitless Solutions Empowers Children & Champions Accessibility

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair “Inclusive design doesn't mean you're designing one thing for all people. You're designing a diversity of ways to participate so that everyone has a sense of…

Tips For Making Social Media Content Accessible To The Blind; Visually Impaired

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair Last month marked 30 years since a major milestone in our nation’s history - the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law by President George…
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Despite Adversity, Camaraderie, Caring and Commitment Still Constant

While there still remains so much uncertainty in the world about the ongoing pandemic, reopening schools and returning to some form of normalcy, one thing for certain that hasn’t changed is our fellow PRSA members who, despite adversity,…
Black and white puzzle pieces

PRSA Unveils D&I Strategy, Outlines Steps To Building Diverse Organization

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair In the wake of George Floyd’s death, we have seen a national outcry and protests against racism, injustice and police brutality occur worldwide, calling for…
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Mid-Year Brings Virtual Membership Mixer, PD Sessions

It’s hard to believe it’s July already. On one hand, where has the time gone? On the other, many of you are probably already over 2020, right? It has definitely been an interesting year for all of us, but hopefully, it has challenged…
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The Lowercase Black is a Color, Not a Person: New AP Stylebook Changes You Should Know Right Now

By Alyssa List, PRSA Orlando VP, Finance The AP Stylebook made notable changes in its latest edition, updating its guidance on a number of relevant topics like race, gender-neutral language, and terms related to the coronavirus pandemic.   One…

The City of Orlando Leads The Way in LGBTQ+ Inclusion

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair Last year was a banner year for the LGBTQ+ community in the city of Orlando and throughout Central Florida. Not only did Orlando receive a perfect score on the…

President’s Letter: June 2020

Pandemic, Protests and Public Relations As a global pandemic continues to impact us and we begin to show some  signs of recovery, we have yet to recover from what divides us. We have seen peaceful protests and calls for change,…

Key Takeaways From Adweek’s Diversity & Inclusion Summit

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair Adweek’s inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Summit, brought thirteen chief marketing officers and brand leaders from top global organizations together for a…

Afternoon Coffee Break Idea Swap Recap

We held our second "Coffee Break Idea Swap" on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. We had nearly 20 members on the virtual meeting and discussed a variety of topics. Here's a summary of what was covered. Media Relations  Question: What advice…

The Importance Of Translating & Transcreating Your Marketing Campaigns

By: Veronica Figueroa Fernandez, PRSA Orlando Diversity & Inclusion Chair We live in a globalized society, and while it feels like we are all interconnected, it is easy to forget that cultures and traditions vary from place to place.…

Resources for COVID-19

As COVID-19 presents new challenges for communication professionals, we have compiled a collection of local and national resources to assist during this time. This collection includes online learning tools, informative research and communications…
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Getting to Know 2021 PRSA Orlando/Frank R. Stansberry Scholarship Recipient Kimberly Smith

By Jaylen Christie, Student Relations/Scholarship Chair Thanks to an endowment from PRSA Orlando, students majoring in public relations at the University of Central Florida have the opportunity to receive additional funding to assist their…
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A Message From Our President – July 2021

Chances are that you witnessed some pretty spectacular fireworks this week as we all came together to celebrate our nation’s birthday and the many freedoms we now perhaps take a little less granted. Even if you stayed home, there seemed to…
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Member Profile: Alyssa List

During the month of July our country celebrates a well-known and highly anticipated holiday – Independence Day. However, there are many other observances and celebrations throughout the month, including Parent’s Day which is observed on…
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A Message From Our President – June 2021

Summer is upon us and with it brings the season of graduations, weddings, vacations and travel. All of the things we’ve been wishing and hoping to do again. As I write from 38,997 feet—on my way to Michigan to visit family and celebrate…
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A Message From Our President – May 2021

As we gear up for the summer season, your Orlando Chapter of PRSA is not slowing down one bit. Planning for ICON 2021 is underway and we’re thrilled to announce that registration will open this week on Thursday, May 13. The typical early…
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Member PRofile: Morgan Shepard, APR

From traveling through NYC with Jason Momoa (a wax version, at least) to teaming up with Ryan Reynolds to cancel sugar—Morgan Shepard, APR, knows that getting organizations their time in the spotlight comes with a lot of work behind the…