Program Recap: Communicating with Purpose – Building Inclusive and Accessible Connections

By: Sofia Macias

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, PRSA Orlando hosted Communicating with Purpose: Building Inclusive and Accessible Connections, an engaging program that explored how communicators can more effectively engage diverse audiences. The event brought together voices from across industries — arts, health and human services, tourism, and accessibility — highlighting strategies that foster inclusivity and build genuine community connections.

Setting the Stage

The program opened with a powerful spoken-word performance by Shawn Welcome, City of Orlando Poet Laureate, whose words underscored the importance of authentic storytelling in bridging communities. His performance set an inspiring tone for the conversations that followed. “Heaven is and always will be multicultural… we become connected with shades of gray. Shades of gray is all we’ll see when these concrete walls of fear collapse and out of the ashes rises increasing humility to listen…”

Panel moderator Sade Teel, MA, Show/Public Relations Manager, guided the discussion with thoughtful prompts that encouraged panelists to share strategic insights and practical tools, touching on themes such as the role of research, accessibility, and evolving approaches to engagement.

Panel Highlights

Panelists represented a breadth of expertise and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on inclusive communication:

• Zac Alfson, Sr. Director of Marketing at Orlando Family Stage and Founder of Morning Glory Strategies, emphasized the role of the arts in shaping narratives that reflect community diversity, and access to all.
• Nisha Brice, Sr. Integrator at Florida Blue, discussed how intentional internal communication practices can build more equitable workplaces.
• Kimberly McCarten, CEO of Jonathan’s Landing, shared insights on integrating accessibility into leadership decision-making to ensure organizational culture reflects inclusivity.
• Denise Spiegel, VP of Communications at Visit Orlando, highlighted tourism’s role in connecting with audiences through accessible messaging that welcomes all visitors.

Key Takeaways

Throughout the discussion, panelists stressed that inclusive communication is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment. Attendees walked away with actionable strategies, including:

• Centering accessibility in planning and message delivery.
• Actively seeking diverse voices and perspectives when shaping campaigns.
• Leveraging storytelling to authentically reflect the communities served.
• Words matter. Know what resonates with your target audience
• Research and data are critical in knowing how to create an impactful experience through communication
• Language shapes belonging, shifting from “family friendly” to “families of all kinds,” “dreamers of every age,” or “your family.”
• Seek out feedback to better understand your audience.
• Building internal alignment so teams understand and embrace inclusivity as a core value.

The program wrapped up with a game, led by moderator Heather Wilson, Senior Public Relations Consultant, giving attendees a fun and interactive way to recap key takeaways.

Closing Thoughts

This event reinforced that purposeful communication is about more than just words. It’s about creating connections that are equitable, accessible, and lasting. Many thanks to the PRSA Orlando DEI Committee, Shawn Welcome, moderators, and panelists for creating space that continues to guide our field forward.