PRSA

PRSA

National Capital Chapter

December President’s Letter

Checking in. How are you? Last night’s Holiday Party & Hall of Fame Reception was the perfect reflection of what makes PRSA NCC so special: community, celebration, and heart. Whether you were in the room with us or cheering from afar, thank you for being part of a year that reminded us why connection matters.

Congratulations again to all those recognized at the Holiday Party & Hall of Fame Reception for their achievements, contributions and service to our community, including the new Board of Directors, APR recipients, Chapter Leadership Award recipients and our newest inductees — Dr. Sheila Brooks and Shonali Burke — to the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame. You are inspiring, and I’m honored to be in community with you.

Final Thoughts

  • Year of Showing Up: 2025 was a year that wasn’t easy—but we showed up. It’s been a year of both challenges and change. From job transitions and industry uncertainty to personal and professional burnout, I know many in our community have been carrying a lot. And yet, through it all, you kept showing up—for each other, for your colleagues, and for this chapter. Whether at a member coffee meet-up, Checking In virtual office hours, networking event, professional development event, ICON or just through a message of support to a fellow member—you reminded us all of the power of professional community.
  • Year of Connection and Community: This year, PRSA NCC delivered a vibrant calendar of 37 events designed to meet you where you are—professionally, geographically, and personally. From skill-building sessions to career support to casual coffee conversations, your membership fueled it all. Whether you attended one event or 15, your presence made this a year of connection and momentum. We’re excited to build on this in 2026!
  • [New] Year of Leadership: In January, Dr. Tricia Hernandez will step into her role as PRSA NCC President, joined by President-Elect Jennifer Strohm, MA, APR, and an exceptional 2026 Board of Directors and Committee leadership teams. You’ll hear more from them soon about their vision for 2026—and I hope you’ll continue to show up for them the way you showed up for me. Our chapter is in strong, thoughtful hands.
  • Year of Gratitude: It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as your 2025 Chapter President. I’m grateful to every member, potential member, board member, committee chair, volunteer, speaker, partner and sponsor who contributed to this year’s growth, resilience, and impact. Together, we hosted ICON 2025 in our own backyard, welcomed new members and students, supported one another through hardship, and demonstrated leadership grounded in empathy and support.

What I’ve learned this year is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space and community for people to thrive. Thank you for allowing me the space and community to lead PRSA NCC this year with authenticity, gratitude, and empathy.

While my journey as 2025 President ends on December 31, I’m not going far. I’ll continue serving on the board as Immediate Past President in 2026—and I’ll always be cheering for this chapter and every communicator who calls it home.

Wishing you peace, rest, and connection as we close out the year and start a new one.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Crystal