WMPRSA - West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

Meet Cindy Droog, APR!???? Over a 30-year career, she has worked as a journalist, editor, public relations director for a professional hockey team, entrepreneur, PR agency vice president, and corporate marketing and PR executive. Cindy has spent the past 19 years at a multibillion-dollar, multinational company where she has had the opportunity to lead strategic communications, employee communications, executive communications, global and U.S. reputation-building, public relations, crisis management and more.? When asked about how she hopes to impact the WMPRSA chapter, she says, "I hope to use creativity, passion for our profession, and strategic direction to ensure WMPRSA leaves a positive imprint on people’s careers and lives. I hope to help our membership grow in diversity, and for all members to be and feel essential in helping the organizations in our community face the challenges of the future."?

Thank you to GVPRSSA for hosting an inspiring evening of connection and conversation! WMPRSA members had the opportunity to join Grand Valley State University students for a roundtable-style networking event focused on career readiness—covering topics like resumes, interviews, job searching, and negotiation tips. We’re always excited to support and engage with the next generation of public relations professionals. Your curiosity, energy, and drive remind us why the future of our industry is so bright! ?? #WMPRSA #GVPRSSA #PublicRelations #Networking #Mentorship #FuturePRPros #WestMichiganPR

Today’s the day! Day of Giving is here, and now’s your chance to support the next generation of PR pros! GVPRSSA plays a vital role in preparing students for successful careers, and your donations help fund agency tours, conferences, and professional development opportunities. Donate $30 or more and score a pair of GVSU socks to show your Laker pride! ???? Let’s make an impact together! #DayOfGiving #SupportFuturePRPros #LakerEffect

Why We Give: GrandPR x GVSU Day of Giving ?? At GrandPR, giving goes beyond just learning public relations—we invest in shaping innovators to prepare for their current and future career successes. We asked our team members directly why they chose to give their time to our student-run firm: ?? PRofessional: We give to become more than just students. GrandPR transforms us into confident, capable PRofessionals, ready to take on the industry. ?? PRepare: Through real-world client work, we PRepare for future careers with hands-on experience that textbooks can’t teach. ?? PRactical: GrandPR offers PRactical skills that bridge the gap between classroom concepts and industry realities. ?? PRoject: Every campaign, strategy, and deliverable is more than just a PRoject—it’s an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and excel. Join us in giving back. Support the next generation of PR leaders by visiting https://lnkd.in/g7YB5V-D and making a gift to GrandPR today. Every contribution will help continue to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed! #GVSUDayOfGiving #GrandPR #GVPRSSA #AdPR #StudentRunFirm #PublicRelations #WhyWeGive #AnchorUp #LakerEffect

Spring’ into the conversation by joining us for the next Morning Meet-Up on April 3 at 8:30 AM! Open to all WMPRSA members and anyone interested in talking PR and communication. Register for free today at?tinyurl.com/MorningMeetUp8.

Show your commitment to West Michigan’s communications community by sponsoring the annual PRoof Awards. Sponsorship Levels: Platinum | Gold | Silver | Refreshment All sponsorships include event tickets. Email [email protected] for full sponsorship details and benefits. #WMPRSA #ProofAwards #PRAwards #CommunicationsExcellence #PRIndustry #SponsorPR #WestMichiganPR #SupportPRTalent

Meet Rebekah Banasik! Rebekah is a graduate of Grand Valley State University's Advertising & Public Relations program. She serves on the board and contributes to both the Communications and DEIA Committees. As a Communications Specialist in Corewell Health's Office of Medical Education, she helps support medical residents and fellows as they train for their future careers as physicians. Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys spending time outdoors, playing Harry Styles' discography on repeat, reading for hours on end, and trying new Grand Rapids restaurants. Her advice for those new to the PR industry? "Soak up all the opportunities and knowledge you can! Ask other PR pros to get coffee, attend industry events, find a mentor, or connect with employers at your dream company. Saying yes to professional experiences and putting yourself out there in ways that may seem scary is how you start to build a network and find your footing in PR."

Meet the Media is back! Join us on April 22 at the MSU College of Human Medicine Secchia Center in Grand Rapids. This event gives you the chance to meet one-on-one with local reports, editors and producers to pitch story ideas and learn important media insights. You'll also hear top pitching tips directly from our media guests! Register by April 18. Space is limited, secure your spot now! https://lnkd.in/g9rkYvzS ? #WMPRSA #MeetTheMedia #MediaRelations

Here's a list of networking groups in West Michigan: Association of Corporate Growth EaRN Grand Rapids GROW- Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women Grand Rapids Junior Chamber Muskegon Young Black Professionals WMPRSA - West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America Attending networking events is a great way to build connections, meet new friends, and connect with employers. Find additional networking groups on our website: https://lnkd.in/gECtR-Tj

A great night with even better company! ?? Last night, WMPRSA’s Getting Started Cohort came together at The Commons for drinks, networking, and real conversations about navigating the early years of a PR career. It’s always inspiring to connect with fellow professionals who are learning and growing together! Missed this one? Stay tuned for more opportunities to join the conversation. #WMPRSA #PRCohorts #GettingStarted