We’re initiating the conversations that have been avoided for far too long.

This year, PR Summit is going digital, with weekly presentations in October featuring topics in recognition of Global Diversity Awareness Month. Every Wednesday, PRSA Pittsburgh will host one or two sessions facilitating hard conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the PR industry. Each presentation will include time for Q&As, so that attendees can participate in these critical discussions.

PR Summit sessions are FREE for PRSA & PRSSA Pittsburgh members

PR Summit sessions are $10 per session for non-members

PR Summit Sessions:

Wednesday, October 7 at Noon

• • Transforming the Landscape: Working Toward a More Diverse Profession — Learn Tips and Tools to Embrace Diversity
  • Presenter: 
    • Felicia Blow, APR, Associate Vice President for Development & Campaign Director, Hampton University
      • As the 2020 Co-Chair of the PRSA National Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the 2021 National Chair-Elect Nominee, Felicia Blow, APR, will share her expertise on how to shape future conversations on race and race relations in our varied communities as she explains the importance of diversity as a key principle within your organization or teams. Learn how to create and implement plans to promote diversity and inclusion as well as how to support and engage employees, colleagues or volunteers of diverse backgrounds.
      • RSVP HERE

Wednesday, October 14 at Noon

• • Combatting the Stigma of Mental Illness in the Workplace
  • Presenters: 
  • • Deanna Tomaselli, Vice President, Client Services, The Motherhood
    • Maria Kakay, Director of Communications & Marketing, NAMI – Keystone Pennsylvania
      • In 2019, PRSA Pittsburgh partnered with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Keystone Pennsylvania to promote the CEOs Against Stigma campaign in the Pittsburgh region.  This session will highlight how PRSA Pittsburgh’s volunteers and NAMI – Keystone Pennsylvania staff collaborated to engage local business leaders to combat the stigma of mental illness in the workplace. Learn about the strategies developed for this campaign, the tactics deployed, and the outcome.
      • RSVP HERE

Wednesday, October 21 at Noon

• • ADA at 30: Accessibility in Pittsburgh
  • Presenters:
    • Remy Davison, Lead Designer/Developer of ADA at 30: Accessibility in Pittsburgh
      • The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26,1990. To celebrate the 30-year anniversary the FISA Foundation set out to learn: How has the ADA changed life for Pittsburghers with disabilities? And what progress still needs to be made 30 years later? When compiling this information, a website was needed. Web designer Remy Davison worked to create a website that is accessible for all. Remy will be speaking to the process of designing the website for ADA at 30, accessible design practices, and how to apply those tactics to future projects.
      • RSVP HERE

Wednesday, October 21 at 6 p.m.

• • How to Create a Mom-Friendly Workplace
  • Presenters: 
    • Priya Amin, CEO/Founder, Flexable
    • Wendy Gilch, Founder, SellingLater.com
    • Monica Hershberger, Design & Marketing Manager, Fourth Economy
      • Mothers face many barriers in the workplace, which have only been amplified by the COVID-19 public health crisis. This panel will address real-life solutions to challenges mothers face in the workforce, so that employers and colleagues can foster inclusive environments that not only benefit working parents, but all employees.
      • RSVP HERE

Wednesday, October 28 at Noon

• • Ageism and the PR Industry
  • Presenters:
    • Edgar Largaespada, Director of Industry Partnerships, Partner4Work
    • Stephanie Ranno, Vice President, Business Development and Account Management, Torchlight Hire
      • The marketing, advertising, and communications industries thrive on new ideas, and early adoption of platforms and technologies. As digital natives become a larger share of the industry, where does it leave mid-level and veteran professionals? And is Ageism a two-way street? What challenges do younger professionals encounter? Learn about the age barriers jobseekers face, from a workforce development professional and a recruiter who serves the marketing and communications industry.
      • RSVP HERE

Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m.

• The Arts’ Role in Amplifying the Voice of the LGBTQ+ Community
• Presenters:
  • Rachel Lange, Chief Editor, Queer PGH
  • T.J. Murphy, Executive Director, REEL Q: Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Film Festival
    • Queer PGH is an online magazine written by and for queer folks in Pittsburgh providing LGBTQ perspectives on queer events, experiences and places. While Reel Q is the longest running film festival in the Pittsburgh region and the 6th oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the entire world. The panel will address what it is like communicating art specifically for the LGBTQ community and all the layers that go into it.
    • RSVP HERE

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