VPRS Diversity in PR Panel
Thanks to Vanderbilt Public Relations Society, I got to sit front row at a panel consisting of four diverse PR professionals in Nashville. The women visited for the Diversity in Public Relations Panel, which was held at Kissam to discuss what it looks like to be a minority and/or female in the PR and media industry. NOT ONLY did I get to listen to these powerful women speak for an hour, but I got a free Tazikis dinner and a Greek Member Experience point (booyahhhhhh!).
The panelists included:
Jacel Egan- Marketing Communications Manager at Icitizen
Kenisha L. Rhone– Director of Digital Media and Social Strategy at Belmont University Athletics
Harriet Vaughan-Wallace– News Reporter at Fox 17
Natasha Johnson– Entertainment Publicist and founder of DEN Public Relations Group
Although the women’s lines of work were extremely different, ranging from news reporting to working for a tech start-up, one thing was very clear: each individual was extremely passionate about her profession. The panelists were asked about safe spaces, diversity in the workplace, and where they saw the industry heading in the next 5-10 years.While they all had different answers and drew on various experiences, each one had hope for increased diversification in the media industry. The positive energy from the panel was contagious, and it was evident that the women were also enjoying each other’s company. Their goal? To give a voice to those groups who may not have one.
Not only was the panel super interesting, but it was equally fascinating to look around the room at the students attending the event. The diverse audience drew individuals from all corners of campus, a testament to Vanderbilt’s diverse student body.
Even if you aren’t a member of VPRS, you aren’t necessarily interested in PR, or you don’t like Tazikis…. Still come! These events are open to anyone and everyone. They can really change your perspective and expose you to people both from Vanderbilt and from Nashville that you would have never met before.
If you’re interested in joining the organization or have any questions, shoot an e-mail to claudia.r.willen@vanderbilt.edu.