PRSSA and Finn Partners Launch Mentorship Program; PRSA and PRPRA Expand Membership Agreement

PRSSA has joined with Finn Partners to create a dedicated mentorship program for PRSSA members from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). 

The program addresses the lack of diversity in the PR profession by pairing 50 students of diverse backgrounds with professional mentors who can provide valuable guidance as they launch into their careers. 

Participating students will also have the opportunity to apply for future internship opportunities, which can be difficult to find and secure in the profession. Open to college juniors and seniors, this partnership will allow students to learn more about opportunities in communications, including life on the agency side. 

PRSA and PRPRA Expand Membership Agreement

PRSA has partnered with the Puerto Rico Public Relations Association (PRPRA) to provide mutually beneficial professional development, educational and career opportunities for members of each respective organization.

Benefits available to PRPRA members through the agreement include a discounted annual membership to PRSA as well as access to all PRSA programming. PRPRA will also provide access to its professional development and other program offerings to PRSA members.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the highly respected PRPRA,” said PRSA CEO Linda Thomas Brooks. “This strategic partnership underscores the value of PRSA membership and ensures that as the role of communications professionals continues to rapidly evolve and extend past our borders, we will continue to be the leading organization for gaining knowledge, experience and insights.”

PRPRA President Karen Garnik, APR, was elected an International Delegate-at-Large at PRSA’s 2020 Leadership Assembly. This marks the first time a Puerto Rico representative serves alongside other national and international colleagues in advancing industry priorities on behalf of all PRSA members. 

PRSSA Adds 2 New Chapters

The University of San Francisco and Vanguard University will establish PRSSA Chapters at their institutions. The pair of California colleges marks 26 schools affiliated with PRSSA in the state and join nearly 375 PRSSA Chapters worldwide.

“California has a strong roster of PRSSA Chapters across the state and we’re excited to grow our presence there,” said Jeneen Garcia, senior vice president, programs, at PRSA. 

The University of San Francisco Chapter will be supported by the PRSA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter while PRSA’s Orange County Chapter will do the same for Vanguard University, helping foster student and professional connections by providing speakers, networking opportunities and career mentoring. 

In Memoriam: Diane Gage Lofgren, APR, Fellow PRSA

Diane Gage Lofgren, APR, Fellow PRSA, a longtime communications executive and PRSA member who served on the Board of Directors, passed away on Jan. 22. She was 67. 

Lofgren was a member of the College of Fellows Class of 2009 and sat on the Board of Directors with former College of Fellows Chair Geri Evans, APR, Fellow PRSA.

“Diane was one of the most gentle and beautiful ladies I have ever met,” said Evans. “She was quiet but, when she spoke, everyone listened as she had such great wisdom and experience to offer.”

A graduate of San Diego State University, Lofgren opened her own firm in 1983 and held numerous communications positions in health-care companies, including Sharp HealthCare, Catholic Health Initiatives and Kaiser Permanente.

Lofgren retired in 2017 as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Sharp Healthcare and divided her time between San Diego and West Virginia. She is survived by her husband Matt and two children, Kevin and Amanda.