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Diversity drives innovation, which drives business success. Leading brands that want to build relationships in diverse and emerging markets know it begins with recruiting, developing and retaining talent that reflect a diverse marketplace. Consumers want to trust and do business with companies who understand them from different economic, political and cultural perspectives. Finally, many of us agree we need to change who enters our profession and who goes “up” the corporate ladder.
According to the recent paper released by City College of NY PR Track Director Asst. Professor Angela Chitkara, “Diversity and Inclusion” (D&I) is a catch-all phrase often heard in business and policy discussions in the U.S. It is meant to encompass gender, race, ethnicity and, to some, those with disabilities and non-traditional gender or sexual orientation, reflective of our societal values. Though there have been periodic discussions of D&I in the public relations industry, the goal of diversity and inclusion in the industry is far from being realized – or even well defined.
During our luncheon, we will discuss:
- How do you cast a wide net for inclusive conversation while building your communications plan?
- How can we empower our teams to bring more ideas to the table and bring a better understanding of our differences?
- How do we tell those diverse stories for our organization and clients?
Join us for this timely discussion and leave with tools to be the change agent in your organization.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Audrey Ponzio, Founder of APC Collective
As the founder, Audrey works to support and counsel agencies, established brands, nonprofits and start-ups in creating impact strategies to enhance brand positioning, deliver relevant marketing programs, deepen multicultural and total market community engagement helping drive bottom line results. She previously served as Senior VP at Edelman overseeing Multicultural communications programs for clients in consumer, health, corporate and public affairs sectors including: GE, Unilever, Time Warner Cable, Pepsi, Starbucks, Delta, Kraft, American Heart Association, Johnson & Johnson, MD Anderson, Humana +. She counseled global clients on programs to increase diversity and inclusion across enterprise from recruitment/retention, narrative, impact plans to drive evolution of products, processes and business outcomes.
Marsha Burney, Lecturer at Texas State University, Department of Communication Studies, S.H.A.R.E. Pride lead, Diversity Communications
Marsha Burney is a two-time graduate from Texas State University. She is currently a faculty member in the Communication Studies Department at Texas State University. She teaches classes in diversity communication, public speaking, advanced public speaking, small group communication, event planning and fundamentals of human communication. Marsha is also the lead for S.H.A.R.E. Pride, a grant that focuses on LGBTQIAP+ youth (between the ages of 18-24) to help eliminate risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and binge drinking. Marsha grew up in a military family living in places like Germany, South Korea, and various U.S. states in the South. She later moved to New York for a brief time. Through her travels she was able to learn about and appreciate various cultures and loves listening to people's personal stories. Marsha also serves as the Advisor for the COMM Club at Texas State University.
Jackie Nirenberg, Community Involvement Manager at Capital Metro
Jackie Nirenberg is the community involvement manager for Capital Metro and has over 20 years of experience in community engagement. Prior to joining Capital Metro, Jackie was a senior consultant with the public involvement firm Group Solutions, spearheading the community engagement efforts for the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, public works projects for the Austin Water Utility, redistricting efforts for Travis County and transportation projects for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Previously, Jackie served on the faculty of the University of Texas Pan American, where she taught journalism and public relations and was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award for Achievement in Teaching. Jackie has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas and is a graduate of Leadership McAllen. She currently serves on the steering committee for Leadership Austin’s Conversation Corps and on the board of the National Council of Jewish Women.
Lynn Yeldell, Co-Founder of L Style G Style and Director of Digital Strategy, well+done DESIGN
Lynn and her partner, Alisa, co-founded L Style G Style in 2007. She is a New Orleans native, passionate traveler, connector and investor. L Style G Style has told the stories of the Austin LGBT community and straight allies with the purpose to engage and inspire. With a mission to remove stereotypes and be the authoritative forum for profiling lesbian, gay and straight allies in a positive light. To market and promote the entire LGBT community and bring awareness to the straight community that lesbian and gay individuals are no different than any other.
**Online registration will close on Tuesday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. Walk-ins will still be welcome to attend.
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