The Tri-State metro area is home to thousands of Ukrainians and Russians who have built communities across the Northeast. While we continue to watch a humanitarian crisis unfold with the attack and invasion of a sovereign nation, our hearts and thoughts are with the citizens of Ukraine and those in Russia who do not support war. The PRSA Tri-State District Executive Board stands with Ukraine.
As communicators, we will continue to stand up and speak out for truth in information and for integrity and ethical practices in our industry. We want to thank PRSA national for their leadership and guidance in response to Ukraine, recognize the New York City Chapter for sharing resources on how PRSA members can take action and applaud the global statement of support for Ukraine from the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications. We hope that peace will prevail, and conflict resolution will occur to end this war.
Women’s History Month
Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8) recognizing the lives, legacy and learnings from SHEROES in history. In public relations, we celebrate female pioneers and icons who made a lasting impact on the profession such as Ida Tarbell, Betsy Plank, Inez Kaiser, Doris Fleishman, Ida B. Wells, and countless others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up 68% of public relations managers, however most of the leadership positions at major agencies, organizations and in the C-suite are held by men. Today, the gender equality gap in our profession still exists. We must work together to raise awareness and #BreaktheBias in our industry advocating for women in leadership in PR. We have seen progress in recent years, but there is much more work to be done.
I encourage members to recognize and celebrate Women’s History Month in their agencies, with clients, with employees and in your local Chapters. Continue to follow the Tri-State district for news, upcoming events and programming and promotion of our local PRSA Chapter activities. Cheers to springing forward this March!
Sincerely,
Brandi Boatner
PRSA Tri-State District Chair
Manager, Digital & Advocacy Communications, IBM