Member Spotlight

MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: Melissa Ayala

CURRENT LIVELIHOOD: I am currently a Communications Specialist for Capital Metro, the regional transportation provider that offers Central Texans a mix of sustainable bus, train, paratransit and vanpool options. On a daily basis, I help manage our social media accounts and do media relations. I help coordinate our Spanish media relations, too, as we work to provide targeted information to an ever-growing demographic in Austin’s population.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: My favorite teacher from elementary school has always reminded me of Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus. She loved scuba diving and skydiving and cared so much for our third grade classroom, which made me want to become a teacher when I grew up. Alas, I ended up pursuing a different career, but still managed to eventually cross skydiving off my bucket list a few years ago.

DRAW TO THE COMMUNICATIONS FIELD: Since high school, I’ve loved writing. I became captivated with journalism as a high school reporter and editor. Through college, I continued reporting, covering a mix of beats from healthcare to the Texas Legislature. I have always loved telling people’s stories. Eventually, I experimented more with social media related to journalism, which led me to pursuing a career more heavily focused in social media. My work now includes a variety on a daily basis including both social media and media relations.

ALMA MATER: I attended the University of Texas at Austin for a Bachelor of Journalism and Minor in Spanish. Hook ‘Em!

HOMETOWN: I’m originally from Dallas, but Austin has always felt like home. During college, I lived in Santander, Spain over a summer during a study abroad course—I’ve always wanted to go back!

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL: Working in PR can definitely keep you on your toes. From midnight crises to everyday work with media, there’s always something new going on. But, my favorite project for three years now has been Capital Metro’s annual food drive, Stuff the Bus. Every year, we park a bus and ask the community to help us literally fill it completely with food items during a weekend in December to help feed hungry Central Texans in need. It always brings a smile to my face to see neighbors come out and take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle to give back.

RECOMMENDED READS: At heart, I’ll always be a journalism junkie. I love reading content by the Texas Tribune and Texas Monthly. NPR also has some great, creative programs that go beyond straight news reporting, like Snap Judgment, that offers captivating storytelling to inspire your next writing project.

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT AUSTIN AND FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS: I love running or biking Town Lake. The Walnut Creek Trail is also one of my favorites since it feels tucked away in the busyness of Austin. During the summer/fall, there’s so much to do in town with Barton Springs, Blues on the Green and the Zilker Hillside Theater. The Long Center’s Sound & Cinema also never disappoints with its series of movie classics.