PRSA’s Affinity Groups are intended to serve as a convening method for like-minded members to meet (virtually), share ideas, and build networks and relationships.
With this program, PRSA is working to attract, develop and retain diverse members of the organization. The Affinity Groups program also will build awareness and strengthen the organization’s overall approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. PRSA and its partner in program execution believe that the affinity group strategy will facilitate personal member growth, advancement and the overall well-being of PRSA as an organization. Finally, Affinity Groups help reaffirm PRSA’s commitment to DEI to under-represented and BIPOC PR professionals.
The four Affinity Groups are:
- Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander – AANHPI (NEW)
- Black Voices
- Hispanic-Latino
- Seasoned Professionals
Additional groups, yet to be determined, will be added.
About the AANHPI Affinity Group
ADDED IN 2025
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander) Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Binna Kim, the co-founder and CEO of Group Vested, Cheryl Ocampo Forsatz, the Chief Client Officer for Ketchum and Darrel Ng the Vice President, Communications and Marketing at Health Net. The AANHPI Affinity Group aims to enhance inclusivity and representation within PRSA by supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander professionals in public relations and related fields.
This group will foster a sense of community without geographical boundaries and address challenges such as underrepresentation in the industry. The group will promote cultural awareness and advocacy by embracing the term AANHPI and recognizing the unique identities within these communities. Establishing this group reflects PRSA's commitment to diversity and prepares the organization for the evolving demographics of the industry.
About the Black Voices Affinity Group
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Sabrina Browne, Vice President, Corporate, at BCW Global and Thomas Bennett, Vice President, Business Development, at OCHIN.
The goal of the Black Voices Affinity Group is to create an opportunity for African-American and other Black Voices to convene regularly to gain leadership experience, get involved in the community and develop new ideas to help drive PRSA engagement with Black communities.
About the Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Justine Mrsich, M.S., APR, associate director of corporate communications at Kyndryl and Lilly Cortés Wyatt, founder and principal at SociosPR.
The goal of the Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group is to create an opportunity for Latino, Hispanic and other Spanish-speaking communities to convene regularly to gain leadership experience, get involved in the community and develop new ideas to help drive PRSA forward in its engagement with Hispanic-Latino communities.
PRSA Seasoned Professionals Affinity Group (2025–2027)
ADDED IN 2025
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA Seasoned Pros Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Douglas Fenichel, APR, President of Douglas Fenichel Public Relations and Lynn Ellen Perez-Hewitt, APR, Consultant of HCE.
The PRSA Seasoned Professionals Affinity Group supports PR pros aged 50+ with at least ten years of experience—whether active, nearing retirement, or already retired.
Aligned with PRSA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee’s mission to broaden inclusion across dimensions like age and life-stage, the affinity group fosters a welcoming space where seasoned members can share institutional knowledge, mentor emerging professionals, and stay engaged through programming focused on consulting, teaching, pro bono service, and evolving career paths. By addressing ageism and emphasizing the enduring value of experience, the group reinforces equity at all career phases. It ensures PRSA benefits from the wisdom of senior professionals while strengthening intergenerational ties and preserving institutional memory.
FYI
- Affinity Groups are open to all PRSA members at no additional cost.
- To join an affinity group, PRSA members must: be current (with dues paid), be a member in good standing as defined in the PRSA bylaws, and abide by the purpose of the designated affinity group.
- Membership and participation are not limited by race, gender, background, sexual identity, or any other factor.
- Affinity Group meetings will be held virtually, with one scheduled each quarter.
For additional information, contact Jeneen Garcia at Jeneen.Garcia@PRSA.org.
Unleashing the Power of Connection:
PRSA’s New Affinity Groups Introductory Webinar
January 25, 2022 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Learn about the PRSA National D&I Committee’s new Affinity Groups by attending this Diverse Dialogues webinar. The first two groups – Black Voices Affinity Group and Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group – will begin operations in 2022, with others to follow.
Hear a distinguished panel discuss how Affinity Groups will:
- Convene like-minded members to strengthen connections, inspire ideas and build relationships.
- Advance personal member growth, professional advancement and overall well-being.
- Attract new members to PRSA through building awareness of PRSA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
- Develop and retain PR professionals who are also members of under-represented groups including, but not limited to, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous Persons of Color), Hispanic-Latino, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus), Veterans, Disabled, and others.
- Will roll out over a multi-year period, with two groups in 2022: Black Voices and Hispanic-Latino; other groups TBD.
Moderator:
Anita Ford-Saunders, APR, co-chair, PRSA National D&I Committee
Panelists:
Thomas Bennett III, VP Business Development, OCHIN
Sabrina Browne, VP Corporate, BCW Global
Andrea Gils, Marketing Director, JacobsEye Marketing
Jaron Terry, MS, APR, Fellow PRSA, co-chair, PRSA National D&I Committee
Talent is Universal. Opportunity is not.
PRSA Foundation Supports the Aspirations of the Next Generation of Multicultural PR Leaders.
Donate Now