October President’s Message

While I’m somber that my tenure is winding down, I’m recharged that our chapter leadership is committed to finishing out the year strong. Whether you want to enhance your skills, expand your network, or make your mark, we have something in store for you.

Strategies and Tactics: First, I’m ecstatic that our DEI Committee garnered a full-page article in our industry newsletter. This feature is more than just having our name etched in “stone.” This article shows who we are as practitioners, commits to our values, and it is an outcome of our robust DEI plan. This is the type of full-circle moment that any chapter’s strategic plans could only hope for.

Mic Drop: Would you like PRSA to host a meeting without walls? Rotating meetings in Goochland? Evening seminars? Breakfast chats? Grab the “mic” and tell us exactly how you feel in the 2023 membership survey.

Your answers will help us strategically plan programs and offerings based on your needs. In case voicing your opinion isn’t enough, we invite you to take the survey for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards.

Give Back and Help Out:  This year, I charged our board to think outside of the box to offer events and opportunities to connect members in various formats. In answering that call, we have signed up for our second volunteer opportunity. On Tuesday, October 24, I invite you to join us as we work shoulder-to-shoulder at the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center.

Open Your Hearts … and Your Wallets: Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Each year, the Richmond PR Foundation – the nonprofit arm of PRSA Richmond – awards several scholarships to area college students pursuing careers in public relations. Now that we have found our gifts as public relations practitioners, I hope you’ll find it in your wallets to give back to our next wave of professionals. The scholarships will be awarded at our luncheon in November.

Last word: As we continue our journey as a chapter, I couldn’t be prouder to serve as your president. If you have any innovative ideas or suggestions, please contact me at president(at)prsarichmond(dot)org.

With appreciation + everything pumpkin spice,

Taya M. Jarman, APR
PRSA Richmond President