PRSA States Its Position on DEI for Members
March 2025
PRSA released an open letter on Feb. 10 addressing its commitment to DEI.
“DEI is who we are, and it is core to the values of PRSA,” the letter read in part.
DEI initiatives have faced growing criticism and politicization in recent years, creating public confusion. As a result, many companies and organizations are reevaluating or even scaling back their commitments in response to shifting political and social pressures.
“We want the world to know that we are doubling down on DEI,” said Ray Day, APR, PRSA’s 2025 chair, during the Feb. 10 Member Mondays livestream. “In 2025, we are going to be even more aggressive about DEI. There is a massive communications opportunity to help people understand the value of DEI.”
Read the letter here.
PRSA Announces New Affinity Group for AANHPI Pros
PRSA has announced that the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Affinity Group is now available to members.
The AANHPI Affinity Group aims to enhance inclusivity and representation within PRSA by supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander professionals in public relations and related fields.
According to PRSA, this group will foster a sense of community without geographical boundaries and address challenges such as underrepresentation in the PR and communications profession.
The group will have three co-chairs for the 2025-2027 term: Binna Kim, co-founder and CEO of Group Vested; Cheryl Ocampo Forsatz, chief client officer at Ketchum; and Darrel Ng, vice president of communications and marketing at Health Net.
Board Nominations Coming Soon
PRSA is preparing to announce the application process for the 2026 Board of Directors.
Board members meet and closely collaborate with colleagues at the local, regional and national levels, supporting efforts to champion PRSA and amplifying our value with members. Their duties and responsibilities include fiscal oversight, helping to guide and oversee PRSA’s strategic vision and goals, enhancing membership growth and serving as the face of the organization, among many other projects and programs.
Visit the PRSA website or social media platforms for updates on the Board nomination announcement.
Save the Date for Member Mondays
PRSA and its 2025 chair, Ray Day, APR, launched a new outreach initiative called Member Mondays this year. These open forum conversations facilitate more direct outreach and information sharing.
The second Monday of every month is for both PRSA members and nonmembers. It focuses on a topic of interest to the profession and features advice and data from industry leaders.
On Feb. 10, Day moderated a DEI-focused session featuring John Gerzema of The Harris Poll, who shared new data underscoring that Americans still support diversity and its value to businesses and organizations.
DEI Committee members Kristelle Siarza Moon, MBA, APR, Marsha Pitts-Phillips, APR, and Stephen Chavez also shared information about PRSA resources. Find a recap of this session on PRsay.
The fourth Monday of every month is for PRSA leaders (Chapters, Districts and Sections), focusing on best-practice sharing and progress on PRSA’s Strategic Plan.
Learn more about Member Mondays here.
The 2025 Leadership Assembly Goes Virtual
Mark your calendar! The 2025 Leadership Assembly will be held virtually on Friday, Oct. 3.
Delegate communications will begin soon. If you haven’t already done so, please send the names of your delegates to membership@prsa.org.
Stay tuned for more details.
