To commit to bringing diversity and inclusion initiatives to the field of public relations, Temple’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter is leading student organizations by becoming the first pre-professional student organization to join the Diversity Action Alliance.
The Diversity Action Alliance is working to bring together leaders of public relations organizations around the world to achieve the critically essential goal of improving under-represented groups as measured by recruitment, retention and representation in management. By joining the Diversity Action Alliance, Temple PRSSA is supporting, learning and growing another initiative to ensure no student feels alienated or underrepresented.
Temple University’s student body is diverse and Temple PRSSA stands by its chapter exemplifying this. As Chapter President, I am supporting our chapter and pledging to continuously support diversity and inclusion so in the future, we will be able to achieve meaningful and tangible results in diversity.
I find it so important to recognize the lack of diversity represented in our academic and professional spaces. My goal this year is to continue creating a safe space where our students feel welcomed and respected at each of our events. I am so incredibly proud to be leading the chapter towards these initiatives while also working alongside an Executive Board just as passionate about D&I as I am.
Alumni Haniya Shariff was the chapter’s first Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Today, she is the Public Relations Student Society of America’s (PRSSA) National Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, implementing new initiatives nationwide.
As a part of Temple PRSSA’s renewed commitment to diversity and inclusion, the chapter is implementing a diversity and inclusion committee in the Spring of 2021. We want to encourage our members to participate and continue shaping the future of our chapter at Temple.
Our chapter is committing to adopting best practices, championing the cause and to tracking diversity. I cannot wait to see what the Diversity Action Alliance allows us to do outside of the classroom alongside our industry partners.
This blog post was written by Mackenzi Hockensmith, Temple PRSSA Chapter President