Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committment Statement

My experiences living and working in different regions of the United States and with people belonging to various communities have shown me that a primary function of the public relations profession is creating a diverse and inclusive world for all people. I have performed my best in spaces where representation, messaging and two-way conversation are each granted the necessary space to bring ideas to the surface and include contributions from all people. 

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Due to my professional and educational experiences, I hold an unwavering belief that diversity, equity and inclusion in PR encompass all of the following: race, gender, ethnicity, education, age, religion, sexual orientation, income, physical disability, neurodivergence, personality, occupation, professional experience, and experience in different industries. I firmly believe people–and organizations–are most effective when they are equally strong listeners as they are strong speakers. 

 

I take pride in being part of community-based settings and building meaningful relationships with people around me. This includes my previous volunteer role for my undergraduate university’s literacy outreach program reaching children in rural towns across South Carolina, my freelance work supporting Special Olympics athletes who have intellectual disabilities, and my personal membership of an adult stuttering support group alongside people of various ages and professions.

 

As a person who stutters, I believe the written word is an invaluable form of communication, and I take pride in strengthening my writing and storytelling skills. Working with people of diverse backgrounds and interests ranging from my upbringing in New Jersey to my current professional experiences has granted me a tremendous sense of empathy and instilled my desire to collaborate with people who inspire me and who I can constantly learn from.