Identity & Career: Connecting An Arts & Sciences x Maxwell Alumni Panel to Public Relations
This month, I attended an event hosted by Syracuse University's Arts & Sciences and Maxwell schools that featured five alumni panelists who focus on identity, diversity and inclusion in their work. Although this panel was held outside of the Newhouse school, I was able to connect each panelist's insights to what I have learned in my public relations courses. Identity plays a strong role in public relations as we strive to represent brands that share our personal values.
Image Credit: www.instagram.com/artsciencessu
The first thing that was asked of the panelists was to explain how they can be completely themselves at work. Madeleine DiGristina, Senior Manager of Diversity & Inclusion at SRC, Inc., said that we should feel a sense of belonging at work while feeling different and respected for our uniqueness. As public relations practitioners, it is crucial that we examine our organization's culture and ensure that it is inclusive to all. Building a strong brand requires employees that feel welcomed and accepted.
It was interesting to learn how the Arts & Sciences school provides students with a diverse background of courses. Dr. Gezzer Ortega, Co-Founder of the Latino Surgical Society, discussed how taking a variety of classes has helped him throughout his career of being a surgeon. He mentioned how he benefited from his WRT 205 course because he "learned so much about effectively communicating." I learned that writing is a key component of his job today which is testament to communication being essential across every industry.
The panel's discussion about diversity and inclusion reflected what I have learned about their role in public relations. Karen Davis, Former Director of Career Services at SU, was asked what type of structure students should seek in terms of an organization's commitment to DEI. With experience in both Career Services and the corporate environment, Karen gave the panel some helpful advice. She said to look for people like yourself in the organization. If you don't see yourself, you may not feel supported and included while working there.
Dr. Gezzer Ortega discussed the importance of having an outward facing company website with a DEI statement. A company with a DEI statement is doing their best and demonstrating that they are supportive. He mentioned companies like Ben & Jerry's and how we all know where they stand on diversity and inclusion. Gezzer said we should not fear being the first person or organization to make a statement about DEI, which I think is great public relations advice. To be successful in public relations, we need to speak up and make a long-lasting commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture for our brand.
Judge Teneka Frost, Schenectady, New York's First Black City Court Judge, left the panel with one final piece of advice. She said, "Make sure your voice is heard. If you see something that touches you, make sure you say it." I believe that as public relations practitioners, we need to stay true to our personal values and be vocal about what we believe in. We need to give a voice to ourselves, to our employees and to our brand as a whole.