Respect Educational Diversity
Public Relations, PRSA Columns, Advocacy Melissa Vela-Williamson Public Relations, PRSA Columns, Advocacy Melissa Vela-Williamson

Respect Educational Diversity

When is the last time you thought about the education level of your stakeholders? As PR professionals, we may think more about visual indicators of diversity than how people differ in ways we can’t see. The level of education people have can affect all aspects of their life. Have you considered tailoring your PR strategies in relation to educational diversity?

Read More
National Museum Elevates Latino Contributions
PRSA Columns, Public Relations, Advocacy Melissa Vela-Williamson PRSA Columns, Public Relations, Advocacy Melissa Vela-Williamson

National Museum Elevates Latino Contributions

My family and I recently explored the first iteration of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C. As the Smithsonian works to secure a stand-alone museum site, the Museum of the American Latino has been integrated into the National Museum of American History through the construction of the Molina Family Latino Gallery. 

Read More
Challenging Anti-DEI Legislation: Insights from a Certified Diversity Professional
Advocacy Melissa Vela-Williamson Advocacy Melissa Vela-Williamson

Challenging Anti-DEI Legislation: Insights from a Certified Diversity Professional

You’ve probably heard that Texas and other states, like Florida and Oklahoma, are banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public higher education. Much of the public has shared upset since DEI efforts had been recommitted to in recent years. As a Certified Diversity Professional and holder of a CompassionateUSA Certification, I try to consider what role the PR professional and communicators can have in situations like this.

Read More
Census Says: Hispanic Heritage Month is a Must

Census Says: Hispanic Heritage Month is a Must

Hispanic Heritage Month helps remind us of the rich traditions, leaders and shared values that make the Hispanic/Latino culture so significant. And that significance is rising -- the Latino population represented some big statistical shifts recently in the latest U.S. Census. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and lasts through October 15. There’s a lot to commemorate during this short time. No matter your market area, encouraging your organization or client to embrace this month makes good fiscal sense now.

Read More
Four Steps for Practicing Social Responsibility

Four Steps for Practicing Social Responsibility

If you are unfamiliar with “Corporate Social Responsibility'' or CSR, you may not realize you are taking part in it when you participate in your organization's United Way campaign, recycle items in the office, or donate in a company’s food drive.

Read More
Women Must Support Women
Advice, Business Tips, Getting Ahead, Leadership, Advocacy, Women Melissa Vela-Williamson Advice, Business Tips, Getting Ahead, Leadership, Advocacy, Women Melissa Vela-Williamson

Women Must Support Women

Women’s History Month is an ideal time to examine our progression as women and the gaps we still need closed. For example, we may not be able to overcome the female wage gap in our lifetime, but changing our mindset could help us grow our finances and stature in the workplace.

Read More