On February 21, weeks of planning came to fruition as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) "Elevating Voices in PR: Black History Month" event took place. This virtually hosted event featured two guest speakers and the biggest turnout of attendees since PRSSA's October event, a different Elevating Voices focused on Disability in the Communication and Marketing Field.

Sabrina Browne '16

Guests Sabrina Browne ’16 and Tiffany Knighten ’15 are both alumnae of Seton Hall’s Public Relations program, having taken part in PRSSA themselves during their time at the University. Browne is now vice president of BCW, a prominent public relations agency, where she serves on several organizational boards including that of PRSA-NY. Knighten has recently launched her own PR firm, Brand Curators, a “creative communications company specializing in branding, content production, and creative storytelling for social impact.”

A mix of undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty were invited to listen to Browne and Knighten speak about their experiences in the field, including their unique perspectives as black women. They offered advice for those interested in being an ally to the black community. "Speak up when you see something," was advice agreed upon by both speakers. "Mentioning it in passing after it occurs will only go so far, and we notice when people stand up for us and others."

Tiffany Knighten '15

PRSSA is a part of the College of Communication and the Arts and provides a way for Seton Hall students to connect with others who share an interest in public relations and communication. Each semester, this organization hosts events like Elevating Voices as well as workshops for resume writing and LinkedIn profile building.

"For me, PRSSA has been a really good way to make friends and get more involved with the PR program," said Prunier. "I enjoy collaborating with the other e-board members on events and then interacting with the members who attend them. I've learned a lot at the different events that we organize to compliment what I learn in my classes and being on the e-board has helped my leadership skills a lot."

This event, Prunier further explained, would not have been possible without the willingness of the speakers and the enthusiastic involvement of the entire PRSSA e-board. Colin Elliott (Vice President), Kaitie D'Addezio (Secretary), Serena Davis (Media Director), and Cristina Sabia (Litore Agency Director) all had a big hand in making this event come to life, as did faculty advisors Kathryn Lancioni and McKenna Schray, Ph.D.

Categories: Arts and Culture