PRSay Houston

Welcome Laura Pennino, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Laura shares about Authenticity and Integrity in the PR Profession.Graduate of LSU Manship School of Mass Communications; over 40 years of journalism and PR experience. Worked at Edelman in a variety of senior PR consulting roles from 1989 to 1998 and at Fleishman-Hillard from 1998 to 1999 as a senior consultant to FH teams and clients before starting Pennino and Partners in September 1998. Won a Houston Better Business Bureau Award of Excellence in 2022 in the PR/Marketing category. Supporter of non profit organizations that benefit children and animals. Actively involved in fostering and adopting dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.Connect with Laura at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penninoandpartners/Text or giver her a call: (713)-419-1776Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations. 

Welcome Vannessa Wade, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Vannessa shares about Understanding Messaging and Your Role In It.Vannessa Wade is the founder and CEO of Connect The Dots PR. Often called an “idea oven” and “branding magnet,” she has been featured in magazines such as Black Enterprise and Fast Company. From working on legislative campaigns, to supporting UNICEF, Wade has been able to help brands position themselves in newsworthy and culturally relevant ways. Her contacts span the gamut across the media and influencer landscape.Wade is as driven about public service as she is about public relations. She volunteers her time and expertise to various civic organizations including Kids Meals and The Sickle Cell Marc Thomas Foundation. She serves as Diversity Chair for PRSA Houston, Executive Director of ColorComm Houston and has spoken at The Texas Conference for Women and presented at NABJ. In 2015, she created a branding series aimed at helping college students learn how to brand themselves. Wade is a graduate of the University of Houston.Connect with Vannessa at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vannessawadeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vannessawadeLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Bridgett Holden, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.On this episode, Bridgett shares about The Journey Through PR and Advice for Upcoming Members.Bridgett studied Broadcast Journalism at Texas Woman's University (TWU). Her clientele ranges from Fasion, Beauty, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, and Nonprofits. She is a military child and was raised overseas in Kaiserslautern, Germany- Bridgett used to speak German and French. She absolutely loves what she does.Connect with Bridgett:IG: @shebridgesmediaincTwitter: @shebridges_prFB: SHE Bridges PR LinkedIn: SHE Bridges PRLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Tala Kseibi, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.On this episode, Tala shares about Encouraging Young Adults To Purse Careers in PR.As a Public Relations Manager at Love Advertising, Tala is driven by a passion for effective communication and strategic brand management. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, focusing on Public Relations from The University of Texas at San Antonio, Tala refined her skills in media relations and successfully crafted and executed communication strategies, securing coverage in various online and broadcast local and trade publications.Currently, Tala proudly serves as one of the 2024 PRSA Houston Board Directors and will be leading the New Young Professionals Committee. Her leadership journey includes being the President of the PRSSA at UTSA and a board member of the PRSA San Antonio, where she revitalized the chapter within a semester and raised substantial funds. Committed to inclusive initiatives, her background reflects a dedication to community engagement and diverse perspectives.Connect with Tala at:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tala-kseibi-04727a172Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Hailey Bui and Melissa Kinsella, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.On this episode, Hailey & Melissa share about Marketing & Communications in Energy with CAMS.Hailey Bui is a Marketing & Communications Specialist currently serving as a key member of the CAMS Marketing & Communications team. With over 5+ years of a robust professional background, Hailey is the driving force behind orchestrating the development and design of sophisticated corporate communications campaigns. Her primary objectives include elevating brand awareness and providing strategic support to the marketing and sales teams. In her current role at CAMS, Hailey formulates messaging strategies and leads the execution of targeted marketing campaigns aimed at educating external stakeholders about CAMS and its comprehensive range of services. Prior to joining CAMS, Hailey had extensive experience working with reputable B2C and B2B marketing agencies, where she managed diverse portfolios for clients across industries. Hailey's academic background includes a B.A. in Advertising and an M.A. in Mass Communications, with a specialized focus on social media behavior research.Melissa Kinsella is the Director of Corporate Marketing Communications & Administration at CAMS. She leads the organization's communications team and develops strategic internal and external communication strategies to ensure brand identity and the company's objectives. Since joining CAMS in 2019, Melissa has directed highly effective marketing and branding campaigns utilizing the company's multi-faceted media channels. As a result of her creative approaches, CAMS received constant recognition and traffic to its digital assets, elevating the company's position as a first-in-class steward for infrastructure asset owners. With over 22 years of experience, she manages business operations and support, marketing, and communications, client relations, event management, and organizational development. Prior to CAMS, she held related positions at American Midstream, Egon Zehnder, and Valerus Field Solutions. Under Melissa's leadership, CAMS was recently named one of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science and Event Management degree from Indiana University.Connect with Hailey at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngocbuihailey/Connect with Melissa at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahauger/Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at

Welcome Becky Best, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Becky shares about The Many Paths A Career in PR Can Take You.Becky Best, APR has nearly 30 years of professional experience in communications. She began her career working at boutique PR agencies before transitioning to destination marketing and then spending 20 years in leadership positions in corporate social responsibility at financial services companies.During this time, she served on nearly a dozen nonprofit boards in Michigan and Texas, earning several awards for her efforts and igniting a passion for nonprofit work. After Hurricane Harvey highlighted the region’s significant numbers of homeless pets, she pivoted once more to use her grant-making and community relations skills to help improve the quality of life for pets and people. Today, she is the director of the Gulf Coast Animal Welfare Alliance and has been appointed by the Houston City Council to serve on the advisory board for the city’s BARC animal shelter.Becky earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration on public relations from Stephen F. Austin University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Davenport University in Michigan, and her Accreditation in Public Relations. She has served on the board of directors for Houston PRSA and is a current APR Committee co-chair. Connect with Becky at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyebest Website: https://gulfcoastanimalwelfarealliance.orgLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Jordan Hunter Rice, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Jordan shares about Strategic Comms in the Political Sector.Jordan Hunter Rice, a policy analyst and strategic communications expert, leads teams in developing actionable strategies and guides clients through the ever-evolving political and economic environment. A former White House Press Secretary and congressional staffer, she is plugged into the policy world and 24-hour news cycle to ensure her clients are ahead of what’s to come.While on Capitol Hill, she created and executed communications campaigns and strategies for a wide range of policy arenas and supported efforts on the House Armed Services Committee. After her stint on the Hill, Rice served as press secretary at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she delivered on communications strategies supporting over 90 science and technology streams and played an integral role in the COVID-19 international science response.She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors of Science in Political Communications and worked in the Texas State Capitol throughout her time in Austin.Connect with Jordan at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-hunter-rice/Instagram: @jordan.like.mikeFacebook: Jordan Hunter RiceLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Kaan Camuz and Anh Gilmore, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Kaan and Anh share about Connecting and Informing The Community For The Betterment Of Our Youth.Kaan Camuz is an educator with nearly 25 years of experience... He studied Electrical Engineering and Education at University of Houston, Sam Houston State University and at University of Texas and proceeded to help establish and work at Harmony Public Schools, where he has found his true passion of connecting communities through informing and educating people. He currently serves as the Chief Public Relations Officer of this great statewide public charter school system and helps spread the wonderful stories of successful young generations to find more community resources and support for thousands of students together with his enthusiastic colleagues.Connect with Kaan at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaancamuz/Anh Gilmore is a School Public Relations Specialist who is dedicated to fostering effective communication and building positive connections within the community. With 12 years of experience in educational communications, she plays an important role in strengthening relationships between schools, parents, students and the broader community. Seeing students and staff thriving and benefiting from shared resources is her motivation and drive.Connect with Anh at:Twitter: @AnhGilmoreHTXLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Zondra Victor-Johnson, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Zondra shares about The Communications Role for Non-Profits and Small Businesses.Zondra is a Communications Specialist residing in Houston, TX. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Production from the University of Houston and a Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University. Zondra has ten years of experience writing about arts, culture, and several other topics. She also has experience in video production, audio production, and social media management.Connect with Zondra at:Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter: @freshmediablogYouTube: www.youtube.com/@freshmedia713Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Joanne Miceli-Bogash, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Joanne shares about Development of Fundraising Techniques Utilizing Full- and Part-time Catholic Priests.Joanne has a 20+ year marketing background, Director of Client Services at Sky Marketing Ltd (sampling program through travel industry); PR for Broward Partnership for the Homeless in Ft. Lauderdale; PR for Broward Meals on Wheels, Pantry of Broward, several South Florida athlete-led n/p and on-going for Note in the Pocket, a NC charity which raises awareness of clothing insecurity among school-aged children; PR for Broward Public Library Foundation; Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Long Island and Fort Lauderdale, Houston Rodeo volunteer. She is Mom to Aryne, mother-in-law to JT, and proud grandma of Blair (2.5 years old) with a baby boy expected next month. Joanne believes we are all our brother's keeper, we have an obligation to alleviate suffering in the world. Connect with Joanne at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.micelibogashTwitter: https://twitter.com/jmbogashLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Tamara Washington, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Tamara shares about Branding - Getting Everything Together Before Presenting Yourself to The Public/MediaTamara Washington is the Founder and Executive Consultant of Boom Media and Image Consulting and Boom Effect Entertainment and Sports (BEES). The native Texan and University of Houston graduate spent nearly 10 years in the news business, with 7 years at KPRC-Local 2 (NBC Houston local affiliate) as Assignments Manager/Internship Coordinator, Assignments Editor for NBC Network and as Assistant News Director/Content Manager at KVOA (NBC in Tucson, AZ).Tamara has been featured on Fox, NBC and CNN as a Public Relations expert regarding various hot topics in sports to corporation down falls. As a Publicist and a Manager, she currently represents NFL and NBA professional athletes, executives, actors, television and radio personalities, corporations and brands. Tamara is a member of NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) and PRSA. When Tamara is not working she is spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.Connect with Tamara at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-washington-bb6b1726/Instagram: www.instagram.com/boomtamara Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoomTamaraLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Anne Hedrich, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Anne shares about Communicating in the Roaring 20's.Anne Hedrich is an award-winning communicator with more than 20 years of communications experience, spanning strategic communications, internal communications, employee engagement, key messaging, public disclosure, issues and reputation management, crisis communications, channel strategy and brand communications. Anne recently made the switch from the energy industry to the defense industry where she holds the role of Sr. Director, Employee Engagement and Internal Communications for Elbit Systems of America. She is also president-elect of IABC Houston.Connect with Anne at:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annehedrichLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Samantha Humphrey, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Samantha shares about Building Communities.Samantha Humphrey is the 31-year-old Director of Economic Development and Grant Management for Chambers County, Texas. She is responsible for managing $40 million in state and federal grants for the County, promoting economic and community development and serving as the County's Public Information Officer. In her spare time, Samantha donates her skills to a variety of nonprofit and community development endeavors, including the Texas GATORFEST, H-GAC Local Development Corporation, Anahuac Youth Sports Organization Basketball Board of Directors and the Double Bayou Civic Club. She is an elected Trustee of the Anahuac Independent School District Board of Trustees. She has spoken to statewide audiences about grant management and was honored, along with her amazing staff, as the 2021 Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce Persons of the Year.Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from The University of Texas at Austin in 2013 and is currently working toward her Master of Public Administration at Lamar University. She is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer and Construction Purchaser.She has been married to her husband, Justin, for eight years and together they share three children: seven-year-old Wylie, four-year-old Hank and one-year-old Max.Connect with Samantha at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/.../samantha-humphrey-pced.../Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Kristyn Hunt Cathey, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Kristyn shares about Taking the Leap: Transitioning from a Team of One to a Team of Many.Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR is the Director of Communications for Goose Creek CISD. Before coming to the district, she served for 12 years as the Media/Communications Specialist for Port Arthur Independent School District, where she served in a one-person role. She began her professional career in 2004 as a lecturer of Communications at Lamar University, where she remains as an adjunct. In addition to her jobs, she serves on various committees throughout her community and beyond, including Houston PRSA, Houston Metropolitan Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Texas School Public Relations Association, and the National School Public Relations Association. She is currently the Houston-Beaumont Area Vice-President for TSPRA and earned the coveted Accreditation of Public Relations in 2022. She was honored to serve as part of the inaugural class of the Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 and the National School Public Relations Association 35 Under 35; both in 2014. Connect with Kristyn at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/.../kristyn-hunt-cathey-apr.../Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHCathey/Twitter: @Kristyn1203Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Lee Vela, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Lee shares about Public Affairs.Lee Vela is VP of Public Affairs of Clear Channel Outdoor. He has had 50 years in the public relations/public affairs industry working in agencies, governmental agencies, and corporate.Connect with Lee at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.vela.54Twitter: @LeeVela123Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Jonathan Diamond, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Jonathan shares about Media Relations.Jonathan Diamond is the business editor at the Houston Chronicle.Before returning to Houston in 2022, Jonathan worked as the West Coast Editor of CoStar News in Los Angeles. He was also previously editor of the Los Angeles Business Journal, leading it in 2016 to 16 national and regional journalism awards.Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a master’s in public policy from UCLA.Connect with Jonathan at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-diamond-7016228Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdiamondLALearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Kacey Wilkins, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Kacey co-presents with consultant, Alexis Vargas, about the campaign: Powered For Good, Powered On For All Texans.Mrs. Kacey Wilkins serves as the Manager of Communications and Marketing for HARC. Throughout her career, Mrs. Wilkins has always had a passion for strategic thinking and creative communication. With over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has managed many projects, from strategic planning to event planning, fundraising initiatives, and communication campaigns. Mrs. Wilkins helps organizations from across a broad spectrum create effective messaging to increase their impact.Before joining HARC, she managed outreach and programs as Director for the Urban Land Institute in Colorado. Most recently, she worked in community outreach and education for The Woodlands township’s Environmental Services Department and provided marketing services for Meals on Wheels.Mrs. Wilkins graduated from the University of Colorado, Denver with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, with an emphasis in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Texas A&M University, and recently obtained a Certification in Digital Marketing from Rice University. Mrs. Wilkins is a member of the American Planning Association (APA), the Diversity Action Alliance, the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She currently serves on the board of the Bayou Land Conservancy and coaches basketball and soccer for the YMCA of Greater Houston.Connect with Kacey at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaceylwilkins/Alexis Vargas (Consultant):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latinxpublicist/Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Tiffany Marascio, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Tiffany shares about How To Start In PR, No Matter Your Age Or Where You Are In Your Career.Tiffany was born and raised in the Greater Houston area where she lives with her husband and three kids. She holds a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in studio art. She is an active part of her community and enjoys sharing with residents and visitors everything that North Houston has to offer.Connect with Tiffany at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanymarascio/,Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanymarascio1/,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanymarascio/,Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmarascioLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.

Welcome Philip Immenschuh, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Philip shares about New, Emerging Things Happening in Public Relations.Philip is a recent Marketing graduate from The University of Oklahoma with experience in annual giving and a passion for entrepreneurship. As a member of the university foundation's annual giving team, Philip has developed strong communication and organizational skills. His background in marketing and drive to succeed have fueled his desire to start his own business. Along with a group of friends, he co-founded a document editing software startup where he has gained experience in product development and market analysis. Looking to leverage his skills and experience to make a positive impact in a dynamic and challenging work environment.Connect with Philip at:Instagram: @philipimmenschuhLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-immenschuh-6a82981b5Lawma is a Document Revision software currently being developed to solve workflow inefficiencies. Lawma LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawma-one/The developers are Anthony, Marc, and Justin, and Philip leads PR efforts and customer acquisition.Anthony:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-immenschuhInstagram: @anthony.immenschuhMarc:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-hanna-913551192Instagram @mhanna112Justin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-santos-a36ab4191Instagram @stinsanLearn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations

Welcome Milka Horst, to PRSay – the podcast of the Houston PRSA Chapter.In this episode, Milka shares about Storytelling & Communications.Milka was born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico. She left the island to continue her education in Spanish Language Broadcasting at Florida International University in Miami. Milka's journalism career started in 2001 in Washington DC as an intern covering the 9/11 attacks with Telemundo Network. Later on, she joined the Telemundo Network team again, this time in Miami, as an Associate Producer. After leaving Miami, she joined Univision Online national team as the Online Editor for Univision 45 in Houston. Motherhood shifted her priorities, and pivoted her career to education and taught advanced Spanish at the high school level for 11 years. Wanting to return to communications, but not journalism, Milka pivoted again into Marketing, specifically as a freelance social media strategist for small businesses. She fell in love with creativity, design, and digital storytelling again. Milka joined her current team at The Spears Group, a medium-sized communications firm based in New Orleans, as a PR Specialist. She has been able to serve government agencies (local and statewide), large non-profit organizations and foundations, private companies in the banking fields, and at music and food festivals produced by her team. Connect with Milka at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkagizele/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milka-gizele/Learn more about the PRSA Houston Chapter, our events and opportunities at www.prsahouston.org.PRSay is brought to you by Veronica V. Sopher, Public Relations.