Innovate with Valuegraphics
PRSA Columns, Public Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson PRSA Columns, Public Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson

Innovate with Valuegraphics

What seems to be a thread running throughout DE&I’s history is much like conversations I see happening across mediums about Latino, Black, Asian, LGBTQIA, and other marginalized groups. Again and again, we’re trying to determine the “right” terms to use to identify people and talk about differences. Perhaps we should think a bit more creatively. 

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How to Decide Between Hispanic and Latino Terms
PRSA Columns, Public Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson PRSA Columns, Public Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson

How to Decide Between Hispanic and Latino Terms

Besides being Hispanic myself, I have researched and worked with the culture since the beginning of my career. In San Antonio, Texas, where my firm is located, more than 64 percent of the local population is categorized as “Hispanic or Latino.” However, the business world often still regards these residents as a specialty market. Even in public relations, many practitioners separate general-market media outlets from Spanish-language media.

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Help Tell Latino Stories
PRSA Columns, Public Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson PRSA Columns, Public Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson

Help Tell Latino Stories

Think back to your American history class days. Which races were reflected in the textbook? The hard truth is that they probably weren’t Hispanic. Latinos are not even categorized as a race by the U.S. government. We’re an ethnic version of white. Is there a more symbolic way to explain how the Latino story is missing its rightful place in American stories? 

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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?

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Making Connections with Hispanic Influencers
PRSA Columns, Public Relations, Business Tips, Media Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson PRSA Columns, Public Relations, Business Tips, Media Relations Melissa Vela-Williamson

Making Connections with Hispanic Influencers

How do you connect with the Hispanic market? That’s a top question for organizations because Hispanics accounted for 52 percent of the U.S. population growth in the last decade and have an economic buying power of $1.5 trillion. Hispanic consumers are tight-knit networks — we are wired for referral based, word-of-mouth marketing. A primary trust factor is whether a family member or friend has referred us to an organization, product or service.

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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. 

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