Member Highlight: Meet Charlotte Waters, M.A.
Meet the talented professionals who make up the FPRA Capital Chapter! In our member highlight series, we’re shining a spotlight on members’ unique skills, career journeys, and the expertise they bring to our community.
Purpose in Practice: How Charlotte Waters Uses Storytelling to Advance Civil Justice
Current Role: Director of Communications, Legal Services of North Florida
FPRA Member Since: 2025
Charlotte Waters is a Tallahassee-based communications leader with more than 20 years of experience elevating nonprofit missions through clear, compelling storytelling. As Director of Communications at Legal Services of North Florida, she leads strategic communications, public relations, branding, and content development in support of expanding access to civil legal services across North Florida.
We asked Charlotte how she stays inspired and connected in the communications field.
Why FPRA?
under the FPRA administration, and I am excited to see how I can learn from veteran and new PR, marketing, or communications professionals who are joining this organization. I love how quickly the group and leadership welcome new members in, facilitating networking and encouraging engagement. It’s why I joined, and I appreciate the extra push!”
What are your go-to resources for staying current in the industry?
“I do love a good podcast or book on time management and efficacy. One of my favorites is Cal Newport, who wrote “Deep Work.” It’s such a great look at how we have let our skill of focus atrophy, and it takes practice and discipline to get it back. The most interesting concept is that Cal believes creativity is best pursued in discipline and structured time. A mind-blowing concept to which I’ve started to adapt.”
What advice would you give to someone starting in communications?
“No two paths are the same, and how I got here will not necessarily be how you will! However, taking the opportunity to sit with mentors or people who inspire you is not only a great way to make connections, but to learn from those who have made mistakes and taken great leaps. It may also show you avenues you never even thought of, and will use the skills you have an interest in within the communications field.
Fun Facts
- First job: Working at a UPS Store with a very analog cash register — and learning professionalism, problem-solving, and patience during holiday shipping season
- Favorite way to unwind: Decaf tea, a good audiobook, and cuddling with my puppies
- Go-to pump-up music: Late ’90s and early 2000s one-hit wonders or karaoke mixes (true millennial style)
More About Charlotte
Born in Central Florida and raised in Tallahassee, Charlotte brings deep community roots and a diverse professional background spanning copywriting, design, media relations, and project management. Her work focuses on translating complex legal and policy issues into accessible messaging for clients, community partners, funders, and the public.
At Legal Services of North Florida, Charlotte represents the organization through media interviews, public forums, and community events centered on civil justice and nonprofit impact. Her leadership has been recognized with the Golden A.C.E. Award from the Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals, and through her participation in the Knight Creative Community Institute, where she contributed to the creation of Tallahassee’s iconic TLH public art sculpture.
She has also completed Voices for Civil Justice, a national media training program focused on strengthening public narratives around civil legal aid and access to justice.