August President’s Letter
It’s already August!
July was great; we hosted an Early Career Happy Hour, where more than 60 communicators came together to connect, build relationships, and meet others who share their passion for our profession. A special thank you to our University Relations Committee and Membership Committee for helping make this event possible. The turnout was a wonderful reminder that our members are looking for meaningful opportunities to connect with one another, learn from each other, and build community.
I was reminded of the importance of connection and reflection during my recent trip to Italy. Italy was amazing, as always; this was my ninth trip to Italy and my fourth time visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Seven years ago, I took my first solo trip to Italy. I was sitting on the balcony of my hotel in Ravello, overlooking the sea, and for the first time in my life, I simply sat there and did nothing (well, I did have a glass of wine), and I was content.
I think about that moment often. Not because everyone needs to travel to Italy, but because sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to stop and recognize how far we’ve come.
As communicators and professionals, we are constantly moving toward the next deadline, the next project, the next challenge, and the next goal. I hope that somewhere in the midst of all of that, you have had or will make time to pause and reflect on your accomplishments, the challenges you have overcome, and the impact you are making. And I hope you can take a moment to simply be content with how far you’ve come.
Connecting Our Members with Leaders Who Influence
This month, I am also excited to announce a new partnership between PRSA-NCC and Chief Influencer, a leadership series from Social Driver in partnership with The George Washington University College of Professional Studies.
The partnership will connect PRSA-NCC members with conversations and lessons from leaders across industries and sectors. Anthony Shop, co-founder of Social Driver, is an incredible communicator and leader here in Washington, D.C., and I couldn’t think of a better partnership for our chapter.
Through this partnership, PRSA-NCC members will have opportunities to engage with leaders who have built trust, influenced others, navigated complex challenges, and made a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. The series features executives, public officials, nonprofit and association leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, communicators, and other changemakers.
Our first opportunity is designed specifically for senior leaders in the nonprofit and association community.
On Tuesday, August 18, Social Driver, PNC Bank, and Leadership Connect are hosting an invite-only breakfast panel at PNC Place focused on building influence and driving impact. This is the kind of conversation that brings together seasoned leaders who are navigating real visibility, influence, and leadership challenges.
PRSA-NCC is proud to be a partner in this event, and we have a limited number of seats available for our members.
Panelists include:
- Bryan Myers, President & CEO, [solidcore]; Strategic Advisory Council Member, Health & Fitness Association
- Rudo Soto, Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council
- Additional panelist to be announced
Event Details
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
8:30–11:00 a.m. ET
PNC Place – 12th Floor, Riggs North & South
800 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Looking Ahead
August also means back to school, and as an educator, there is something I have always loved about this time of year. There is a sense of new beginnings, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn.
Our Professional Development Committee has a great lineup planned for the second half of the year, including a great ethics event and our upcoming fall Jump Start series. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and continue growing as communicators.
As always, thank you for being part of PRSA-NCC. Whether you attend an event, volunteer on a committee, connect with another member, or simply read this newsletter each month, you are part of what makes this chapter strong.
We would also love to get to know you better. Do you have a story, career moment, or local PR perspective you’d be open to sharing? We’re launching a Member Spotlight series to feature PRSA NCC members, their work, and the perspectives shaping our local communications community.
Nominate yourself or another member for a future spotlight. https://prsancc.org/prsa-ncc-membership-spotlight-submission-form/
I hope this month gives you an opportunity to pause, appreciate how far you’ve come, and recognize the impact you are already making.
With gratitude,
Trisha Hernandez
President, PRSA National Capital Chapter