As a community-driven organization focused on connecting and supporting communications professionals in Silicon Valley, it is the Chapter’s goal to continually invest in a diverse ecosystem of professionals. Today, we are proud to announce that the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has expanded our scholarship program and awarded a record of five Bay Area students with $2,000 each to support their education and future in communications. This brings the total number of scholarships awarded to 24 with a value of $35,000 since the program began in 2020.

This record number of scholarships was made possible by both the inaugural sponsors of the scholarship fund managed by the PRSA Foundation and – in large part – by the sponsors and attendees at last year’s Media Predicts, from which 100% of the proceeds from the event were donated to the Scholarship.

Now in its fifth year, the Chapter’s Diversity and Multicultural Scholarship Program aims to support and empower the next generation of diverse communicators in the public relations industry. Let’s meet the students and hear from them on why they entered the field of communications!

“I look forward to building a career in public relations that sends me around the globe – collaborating with international brand campaigns, amplifying the voices of diverse audiences, and inspiring the importance of cross-cultural collaboration.”
– Alexis Colendich, San Jose State University‍

“My experience as a mentee within the Filipino Googler Network’s Kapwa Mentorship Program made me realize just how important visibility and diversity are within industries like public relations, and how much it matters to see people who look like you leading the way. Trust is easier to build when audiences feel understood and represented authentically.”
– Caitlin Manuel, University of San Francisco

“Inclusive communication strategies not only strengthen trust with organizations but also create real and meaningful connections with various communities. I want to carry that with me as I head into my career in PR by amplifying voices that often go unheard – making sure the stories we tell are truly resonating within our communities."
– Ignacio Ramirez, San Jose State University

“Diversity isn't just about avoiding mistakes and missteps in our communications, rather it's about ideas that wouldn't have emerged without it. It brings variety in voices, values, cultures, and lived experiences. When it comes to the people behind our PR programs, it’s important to explore perspectives that encourage an everlasting relationship with many communities.”
– Elizabeth Rosales, Dominican University of California

“Social media has gifted me the power to amplify voices like mine while supporting various communities around the world. I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this scholarship, as it empowers me to continue building a career focused on this mission.”
‍ – Diana Suvorova, University of California, Berkeley

“By awarding scholarships to these talented students, the Silicon Valley Chapter of PRSA is investing in each of their futures, and in the future of the communications field itself,” said Jeannie Entin, Chapter President. “Each scholarship is recognition of the value of diverse voices and perspectives in our industry. I look forward to celebrating Alexis, Caitlin, Diana, Elizabeth, and Ignacio at this year’s Media Predicts event, where I hope we will generate even more funds to support next year’s program.”

The Silicon Valley Chapter of PRSA will be hosting the annual Media Predicts event the evening of Tuesday, December 9. Stay tuned here for updates on speaking, sponsorships, and ticket sales for the event.

To learn more about the scholarship and PRSA’s commitment to DE&I, visit here.

Make sure to follow the Silicon Valley Chapter of PRSA on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

About the Silicon Valley Chapter of PRSA

The Silicon Valley Chapter of PRSA is a community-driven organization focused on connecting and supporting communications professionals looking to cultivate their best careers. A regional chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, the Silicon Valley Chapter of PRSA is part of a national network of more than 20,000 communication professionals focused on connecting and supporting individuals at all stages of their careers. The Chapter’s mission focuses on DE&I, mentorship, and networking. Membership is open year-round. To join, visit this link.

The photos are the property of their respective owners, the students in each of them.

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Contact:

Alannah McDermott

alannahjmcdermott@gmail.com