As we come to the end of 2022, I want to reflect on another incredible year for the PRSA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. More than two years after we entered a global pandemic unsure of what that would look like, we're finally starting to readjust to what's become a “new normal.” While we were able to resume hosting in-person events, we still have remained cognizant of the needs of the chapter, which means striking a balance between the convenience of virtual events and not adding to the Zoom fatigue. 

All of these efforts would not have been possible without the commitment from our board of directors and committee members. It has been an honor to work alongside this group and I am continually amazed at the ingenuity, expertise, creativity, and passion this group brings to the chapter and the public relations community as a whole. I am thrilled to hand over the presidency to Katina Tinka Bush, APR (who had organized some of our most successful events over the course of the year including The Foggies), knowing her leadership will provide PRSA-SF members the opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed in their public relations careers.  

It has been an honor to serve as your 2022 President and as I look back on the year, I’m reminded of the following highlights:

• The return to in-person events with a Night of Self-Care(er), Kick-Off to Summer Happy Hour, The Foggies Awards, and our Holiday Party with AMA. We were also able to gather the board in person for a summer retreat to kick off the second half of the year.
• Continued our Chapter’s commitment to Diversity & Inclusion. Once again, we celebrated Women’s History Month by announcing our PR Woman of the Year, recognizing Dr. Zifei Fay Chen, assistant professor in the Communication Studies Department at the University of San Francisco (USF). We also hosted an 'IN'clusion panel to recognize PRSA's DEI Month.
• Held our 4th Annual Foggies Award Ceremony and celebrated 75 years of PRSA-SF. This was an amazing opportunity to honor the San Francisco Bay Area’s best public relations and communications programs and the professionals who brought them to life. Read the full list of winners here.
• Attended ICON in Dallas, Texas. After two years of cancellations, it was an honor to attend ICON on behalf of our chapter along with my president-elect, Tinka. Not only was it exciting to meet the leaders from PRSA chapters across the country during Assembly but it was so refreshing to attend some engaging and inspiring keynotes and sessions in person.
• Set the stage to launch a new Mentorship program in 2023. In collaboration with BAARC, AMA SF, and SF Big we've been able to forge a partnership that will enable us to restart a more robust and collaborative program for those looking for mentors and mentees. 
• Partnered with AMA-SF to host our annual Jingle, Mix and Mingle Holiday Party. It was great to be back at Hawthorn (where I attended my first PRSA-SF/ AMA Holiday Party - and first PRSA-SF event - in 2019!) Check out our photo album here. (Photo Credit: Paul Sakuma Photography)

If you’re not a PRSA member yet, I urge you to consider joining in the new year. Here's the link to learn more about the PRSA membership benefits. And be sure to sign up for our newsletter - The Golden Gate Insider - to stay up-to-date on the latest events, job opportunities, resources, and more. 

On behalf of the PRSA-San Francisco Bay Area board, I want to say thank you to our members, future members, students, sponsors, and the whole PR community in the Bay Area (and beyond) for a memorable year. 

May everyone have a joyful and relaxing holiday season as we make way for a fresh and bright New Year. 

Thank you, and happy holidays!

 

Best,

Harper Schmidt

2022 PRSA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter President