From the President: Empower. Expand. Elevate
In alignment with this year’s theme—Building Bridges, Strengthening the Village—this season has offered both sobering moments of solidarity and inspiring moments of growth.
We begin this month with hearts still heavy from the recent senseless act of violence that rocked our community. As the Capital Chapter, we stand firmly with Florida State University and all those affected. In the wake of tragedy, we checked in with our members to offer support and remind one another that we are not alone. Our strength as a chapter lies not only in what we do, but in how we care for each other. Thank you for showing up for your peers with empathy and compassion.
At the same time, we remain committed to uplifting and celebrating the excellence within our field. In March, we hosted our first-ever Women’s History Month Honoree Celebration, and it was nothing short of magical. We highlighted the women behind the messages that matter—leaders whose influence, resilience, and stories left us all inspired to keep pushing forward.
That momentum continued in April with two exceptional programs that truly elevated the member experience:
Our Golden Image Masterclass: Insider Secrets to Award-Winning PR Campaigns—was a valuable session for anyone preparing entries for this year’s awards cycle. A big thank you to our panel of experts—Kianna Gilley, Lindsay Hudock, APR, CPRC, and Zoe Linafelt,APR—for sharing practical advice and behind-the-scenes tips on crafting standout submissions. Whether you’re a first-time entrant or a seasoned pro, the tools shared during this session are sure to elevate your next entry.
Then we partnered with The Moore Agency to present AI in Focus: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future of Marketing Innovation. Expertly moderated by Terrie Glover Ard, Moore’s President & COO, this dynamic panel featured Jabaree Allen, Dr. Angela Long, and Professor Nadia Banteka—each offering powerful insights on how AI is transforming our industry and how we, as communicators, can stay ahead of the curve.
And we’re not done yet! Mark your calendars for our upcoming Meet the Press: The Media Mixer — From Storytelling to Story Selling. This event will offer a rare look inside the newsroom, with an opportunity to engage directly with members of the media and gain insight into how best to pitch, collaborate, and communicate in today’s media landscape.
As we move into May, I encourage each of you to continue showing up—for your colleagues, for your chapter, and for your own professional growth. Together, we will continue to empower, expand, and elevate not only our individual careers but our collective impact.
With gratitude,
Valencia L. Scott
President, Capital Chapter
Florida Public Relations Association
Empower. Expand. Elevate.