EMPOWERING THE FUTURE OF PR: PRSA COLORADO'S STUDENT FUNDRAISER FOR PRSSA ICON
By Lily Beechinor-Collins, Lead Fundraiser CU PRSSA
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. The public relations field is no exception. Recognizing this shift, PRSA Colorado is proud to support an ambitious student-led fundraiser to send 11 future PR professionals to PRSSA ICON 2024 in Anaheim this October. You can support this effort by donating here.
The University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University PRSSA chapters have joined forces under the theme "The Future of PR: How AI will Impact PR's Future Professionals." This initiative demonstrates these students' dedication to their craft and proactive approach to preparing for an AI-empowered workplace.
Why This Matters
Recent research by Professor Dawn Doty, CU PRSSA’s faculty adviser, on "Transforming Public Relations Education During The AI Revolution" highlights that AI creates new PR opportunities rather than eliminating jobs. Industry leaders increasingly emphasize AI proficiency as a crucial skill for future PR professionals. By attending PRSSA ICON, these students will gain invaluable insights into how AI is reshaping the PR landscape and how they can leverage these technologies in their future careers.
The ICON Experience
PRSSA ICON is more than just a conference; it's a career-defining experience. Last year's event featured networking opportunities with influential figures such as the PR manager for global media relations at Amazon, the social media manager at Lyft, and a former senior vice president of corporate communications at the NFL. "Attending ICON allowed me to learn from professionals in the industry," said Samantha Meldner, student president of CU PRSSA. "It also allowed me to expand my network and gain new perspectives I can’t get in the classroom." ICON 2024 promises an equally impressive lineup, allowing our Colorado students to engage with and learn from seasoned executives with decades of experience.
Help Make Our Dream a Reality
The students aim to raise $23,000 to cover attendance costs, including conference registration, airfare, and lodging. Your contribution, no matter the size, is an investment in the future of PR. By supporting this fundraiser, you're not just helping students attend a conference but empowering the next generation of PR professionals to shape the industry's future.
As future professionals, we understand the importance of staying on top of industry trends. Let's come together to support these ambitious students. Your donation will provide them networking opportunities, industry insights, and a platform to engage with PR leaders.
Together, we can ensure that Colorado continues to produce top-tier PR talent ready to tackle the challenges of an AI-driven future.
CSU Future Public Relations Professionals
Ashley Jones-Sykes, PRSSA chapter president, brings leadership and social media campaign experience. Karina Flores contributes multimedia skills from her work with RamVision and is PRSSA treasurer. Ella Howe excels in outreach and marketing for the Presidential Leadership Program.
CU Boulder Future Public Relations Professionals
Lily Beechinor-Collins manages social media for the CU Women's Basketball team managers and Chester Works Inc.
Jeremiah Park has valuable PR experience as an intern at JKD & Company in Lakewood. Miguel Tanner combines his business and sports media focus with his role as a Retail Specialist at the University of Colorado Bookstore. Sam Meldner brings internship experience from JKD & Company and will represent CU's PR program in the upcoming PRSSA Bateman Competition.
IG: @boulderprssa, @csu.prssa LinkedIn: @CUBoulderPRSSA
