In honor of Women’s History Month, I would like to highlight a few women who lead — PR trailblazers such as
- Betsy Plank, the first female executive vice president at Daniel J. Edelman Inc, and in 1973, the first female president of PRSA;
- Inez Kaiser who in 1966 was the first Black woman to join PRSA;
- Dr. Debra Miller who served in 1997 as the first Black National President of PRSA;
- Dr. Felicia Blow, APR who served as PRSA National Chair in 2022;
- Greater Boston PR Mavens Gail Jackson-Blount, Colette Phillips and Kelley Chunn – upon whose shoulders I stand as the first Black president of PRSA Boston in the organization’s 75 year history.
Public relations’ definition and practice has transformed and multiplied from its origins of earned media — to employee communication, community relations, public affairs, marketing, etc.
Media used to reach audiences has also evolved –from newspapers, radio, and television, to cable news, the World Wide Web, email, smart phones, tablets, and now our most recent team members, social media and artificial intelligence.
During our anniversary year, themed Reimagining PRSA Boston: 75 Forward, we’ll offer resources to help public relations practitioners navigate and thrive in the current environment, while having FUN along the way.
Sincerely,
Jamie
