Member Spotlight 

MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: Marissa Monroy

CURRENT LIVELIHOOD: I am currently a Public Information Specialist for the City of Austin. Right now, I promote the City’s recycling and sustainability initiatives but in June, I will transition to the Austin Transportation Department where I will focus on the City’s bicycle program and other related transportation projects.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: For as long as I can remember, my mother has been a news junkie. So I spent many mornings poring over the front page with her and many nights curled up next to her watching the evening news. During my senior year in high school, I interned at a television news station. The September 11th attacks occurred my first week on the job. Watching stories of heroism and tragedy unfold over the next year really fueled my personal desire to share the stories of others and become a journalist. Little did I know I’d spend the next nine years doing just that in newsrooms all across the country.

DRAW TO THE COMMUNICATIONS FIELD: After wrapping up my journalism career as a television reporter, anchor and producer, I knew I was ready to transition to public relations. As a public relations professional, I’m able to still do two things I love – write and interact with the public. Every day, I use my writing and communication skills to find creative ways to make others care about issues that are important to the community. It’s both a thrill and a challenge to continue to be able to tell great stories through my role as a public relations professional.

ALMA MATER: After graduating from high school in El Paso, Texas, I traded in my cowboy boots for snow boots and attended the University of Notre Dame - go Irish! After graduating, I headed west to the University of Southern California where I received a Master’s Degree in Journalism.

HOMETOWN: El Paso, Texas will always be home, but over the past ten years I’ve lived in South Bend, Indiana, Los Angeles, California, and Washington D.C.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL: One of my most memorable experiences is covering President Barack Obama’s visit to Fort Bliss Army post where he thanked tens of thousands of soldiers for their service. There’s nothing quite like watching Air Force One touch down, hearing the President of the United States address the men and women who fight for our freedom every day, and hearing what that experience meant to our soldiers.

RECOMMENDED READS: Ok. I’ll admit it – I’m obsessed with The AP Stylebook. I have no less than five editions. Learn it. Love it. Use it. Follow @APStylebook. I promise you will not regret it.

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT AUSTIN AND FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS: Having just moved to Austin last October, I’m still discovering my favorite Austin places – so many fun options in this town! I love finding new places to eat, and when I’m not stuffing my face, you’ll probably find me exploring the bike trails around town or kayaking on Town Lake.