Learning from Central Florida’s PR Power Players with PRSA Orlando

By Adrianna Vargas, Student, University of Central Florida

What does it mean to be a successful woman in PR today? At PRSA Orlando’s recent program celebrating Women’s History Month, a panel of PR pros who own their own communications agencies shared valuable insights on overcoming obstacles, personal definitions of success and lessons learned along their career journeys. 

The panelists, Jennifer Regen Bisbee, APR, Fellow PRSA; Cristina María Calvet, MBA, APR; Laura E. Richeson, APR; and Wendy J. Roundtree, APR, were led in candid conversation by Michele Plant Kroupa. 

Overcoming Obstacles 

When asked about the unique challenges women face in the PR industry, Laura E. Richeson, APR, Chief Get-It-Done Officer of Richeson Communications, discussed the struggle of overcoming the “PR girl” stereotype,  emphasizing the importance of earning clients’ respect and trust through quality work. 

Meanwhile, Wendy J. Roundtree, APR, Founder and Lead Strategist of Jarel Communications, shared a piece of wisdom she holds close: Run your own race. Don’t compare your Chapter One to someone else’s Chapter Twenty. Stay focused on your own journey.

Redefining Success

Personal definitions of success in the public relations industry often evolve as professionals gain experience and mature in life. For our Central Florida PR Power Players, success has transformed from landing some of their biggest clients to having meaningful impact on a smaller scale. 

Founder and CEO of Bisbee and Company, Inc., Jennifer Regen Bisbee, APR, Fellow PRSA, noted, “I wanted to do big things… and what’s changed for me 30 years later is, I want to do small and impactful things that make a difference in other people’s lives, in my life and that keeps rising for me, professionally.”

Valuable Lessons Learned

When asked about early career missteps, the panelists agreed on the importance of learning when and how to say, “no” when needed. Recognizing that not every client or project is a good fit for your organization is essential for establishing the foundation for strong and beneficial client relationships. 

Cristina María Calvet, MBA, APR, Founder and CEO of The Wonderland Agency, reflected on the importance of a strong initial connection with clients, explaining, “I really try to meet my prospective client in person… The chemistry is so important, especially when they’re trusting you with very sensitive information.”

The spirit of collaboration among PR organizations was also highlighted, showcasing the community-focused and collegiate environment of the local PR industry. Jennifer Bisbee acknowledged, “There’s plenty of work to go around, and I feel really proud about the work we’ve all done to be collaborative in this community. PRSA Orlando has been a big part of that.”

As someone early in their career, attending the PRSA Orlando Women’s History Month program was an inspiring reminder of the power of community and the importance of amplifying women’s voices in the industry. I’m incredibly grateful for opportunities like these, where experienced professionals can openly share their journeys, insights and valuable advice. 

This program is a testament to PRSA Orlando’s commitment to fostering an environment where leaders can share their stories and equip the emerging generation of PR professionals with the knowledge they need to thrive. Moments like these make it clear that our industry is strongest and most resilient when we support, empower and learn from one another. 

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