PRSA Rochester Connect - May 
Programs and Events
Upcoming PRSA Rochester Programs and Events
Coffee & Conversation: State of DEI in PR
Join colleagues for an engaging discussion over a morning coffee in Layali's private conference room. We'll discuss best practices, case studies, how PR professionals' role in DEI initiatives has changed and evolved, and how we continue to represent diverse communities in our work. Register here.
When: May 22, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Where: Layali Coffee House, 942 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY
2026 PRism Awards Ceremony
Don’t miss our biggest annual event. Get your ticket now and get ready to see the best of our community’s work from this past year. Register here.
When: June 10, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Jackrabbit Club, 40 Anderson Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Communicating with PRide: A Special Pride Month Panel
How can communications and PR professionals meaningfully engage with LGBTQ+ audiences with authenticity, respect, and impact year-round? We invite the community to a panel and cocktail hour at Flora Bar as we celebrate Pride Month and shine a light on how LGBTQ+ visibility persists through challenging times. Stay tuned for details on registration.
When: June 18, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Where: Flora, 190 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY
Event Recaps
Inside The 13WHAM Newsroom: Tour & Q&A
We got some great insights on deepening the relationships between ourselves and our colleagues in local news during this lively conversation and tour. Thank you to the 13WHAM newsroom for hosting us!
PRSA Committee Fair
Thanks to everyone who came out to browse all the great committees we have and to meet current committee members!
Missed the event? You can still get involved! See our list of committees here, and talk to us about what interests you: [email protected].
Diversity Committee
April Celebrated Deaf History, Arab-American Heritage
As home to one of the largest Deaf Communities in the U.S., we are pleased to share resources to inform communicators as they engage with Deaf audiences. Read more about best practices in PRSA Orlando's blog post [prsaorlando.org], "What Communicators Need to Know About Reaching Deaf Audiences," visit the National Technical Institute for the Deaf's Co-op and Careers Center [rit.edu], and explore Deaf culture, advocacy, and history through videos and webinars [nad.org] and archives [jfk.blogs.archives.gov].
In April, we also recognized Arab American Heritage Month, an observance that celebrates Arab Americans' culture, history, and contributions. Explore professional learning resources [ala.org] from the American Library Association, and check out comedian and actor Ramy Youssef's segment with Elmo on Sesame Street [instagram.com].
Awards
Our PRism Awards ceremony is coming up! Get details and register here. Ticket sales close May 27!
What is the APR and why does it matter?
April was APR Month, and if you’ve ever wondered what the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) actually is, you’re not alone.
The APR is a professional credential that demonstrates your knowledge, experience and commitment to ethical, strategic public relations. It’s not about being “perfect” at PR. It’s about showing that you already practice the fundamentals every day — research, planning, execution and evaluation — and that you can think strategically about the work you do.
Here in our chapter, 18 of our 110+ members have earned their APR. They’ll tell you the same thing: the process didn’t change who they are as professionals. It strengthened what they were already doing.
Some pursue the APR to gain a competitive edge. Others want to build confidence, sharpen their strategic thinking, or validate their experience. Many find it reignites their passion for the profession.
If you’ve ever…
📊 led a campaign from idea to evaluation
💬 advised leadership or served as a strategic partner
🚨 managed an issue or navigated a crisis
📈 measured results and used data to inform decisions
…you’re already doing APR-level work.
The credential helps you refine it, articulate it and stand behind it.
Curious if it’s right for you? Explore the resources available on the PRSA and/or Universal Accreditation websites, then reach out to our chapter’s APR/Ethics Chair, Iva Petrosino to start a conversation. You may be closer than you think.
Volunteer Board Members Needed for Dreams from Drake
Dreams from Drake is seeking passionate new board members to help support local children and teens coping with the loss of a sibling or parent. Board members serve a two-year term, join a committee, participate in at least one Healing Circle each year, and assist with fundraising efforts—all as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to helping grieving families heal. If you're interested, please contact Jaime Erskine-Pettit at [email protected] or 585-415-3459, or by visiting Dreams from Drake.
Membership
We’re always open to new members. See five reasons you should become a member, and go here to join.
Get involved with PRSA
None of this happens without our volunteers. Thank you to all our members and committees. If you’d like to connect more deeply with Rochester’s PR community and make an impact on our organization, reach out about getting involved: [email protected].
