Introducing the Jonah Holland Memorial Scholarship
If you were lucky to sit next to Jonah Holland at a PRSA Richmond luncheon, you immediately felt welcomed and would likely leave the meeting with a new friend. Needed a resource or connection? Holland would do her best to make an introduction.
A longtime PRSA Richmond member, Holland embodied kindness, compassion and a zest for communications, especially social media. She was a whole-hearted PR professional who cared about others.
Tragically, Holland was cycling with a friend when she was struck by a motorist and killed in Richmond last year.
This month, the Richmond PR Foundation is honored to introduce the Jonah Holland Memorial Scholarship into our ongoing scholarship program for local public relations students.
As the lead creator of digital content and strategy for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Holland kept followers in the know of blooming plants and helped answer gardening questions. Through her expertise and avid engagement over 13 years, she helped the garden amass more than 2.4 million fans across its platforms. Lewis Ginter also has been voted as one of the “Best Botanical Gardens” and “Best Botanical Garden Lights” by USA Today for several years, thanks to Holland’s leadership.
Holland would readily share her expertise with others. Over the years, she presented at PRSA Richmond, the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence, the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s VA-1 Summit and many others.
The Jonah Holland Memorial Scholarship is a nod to the importance of leading with empathy, respect and curiosity in the communications industry. We’re proud it bears her name.
The new scholarship is one of four $1,500 scholarships we give out annually to juniors and seniors studying public relations at local colleges and universities. Because of Holland’s passion for social media and nonprofits, it will be awarded to a student showcasing an interest in digital communications and/or a career in not-for-profit organizations.
Applying is easy. If you are a student interested in being considered for the Jonah Holland Memorial Scholarship, you’ll need to answer an additional question on the scholarship form related to your career passions. We’re accepting applications until May 31.
Richmond PRSA chapter members – and the greater Richmond community – if you are interested in supporting our scholarship program, including this new scholarship to honor Hollard, donating to the foundation is simple. You can make an online donation here.
We’re thankful Holland was a part of the PRSA Richmond community. With this latest scholarship, Holland’s legacy will continue to live on and support the next generation of public relations professionals.
