ExpiredDEI Dialogues: Black Voices

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are imperatives for the Public Relations Society of America – National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC). We have a Board approved diversity commitment, added DEI goals and metrics to our organization’s strategic plan and challenged board members and committee members to find ways to address potential bias in their various processes.

As we continue along our DEI journey, it’s important we continue to amplify and engage diverse voices of PR professionals in the D.C. market. As a result, the DEI and Membership Committees have partnered to launch a DEI Voices series. In these moderated sessions, we’ll explore career journeys of diverse PR professionals in the National Capital region and discuss ways to further advance diversity, equity and inclusion in our Chapter and our profession.

Kenita B. Matthews, senior advisor for external affairs and strategic planning, Office of Head Start in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will share her career journey as a senior advisor, PR professional, lessons learned along the way and her perspective on ways to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in our Chapter and profession. Moderated by Rakeem Mosey, attendees will have an opportunity to discuss with Kenita ways to create more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces within PR.

This free event will be limited to 30 participants to ensure active participation and that each voice is heard. Participants must be PRSA NCC members.

About the Speakers

In 2021, Kenita B. Matthews, APR joined the Biden Administration to serve as Senior Advisor for External Affairs & Strategic Planning to the Office of Head Start (OHS) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this role she serves as a trusted advisor, thought partner, and liaison in supporting the strategic work of promoting universal school readiness for young learners. She also became an adjunct professor for the VCU Robertson School of Media and Culture in 2020 to lead instruction on Crisis Communications.

Kenita earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media – Broadcast Journalism from Hampton University and holds a master’s degree in Public Relations from Norfolk State University. She has been an active member of PRSA over the last several years, having previously served on the board for the Hampton Roads chapter and recently as President-Elect of the PRSA Mid-Atlantic District.

She is currently the Treasurer for the PRSA Richmond board and has previously served as First Vice President of Professional Development, Director-at-Large, as well as a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee. Her other service includes past president of the Maryland/Virginia chapter (CHESPRA) for the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), member of the NSPRA Equity Taskforce, and Vice President of the board for the Virginia Government Communicators (VGC). As an accredited public relations practitioner (APR) with over 20 years of experience, she has presented at local, regional, and national conferences.

Rakeem Mosey, APR currently serves as the communications lead for The Bowen Group. Prior to joining Bowen, Rakeem worked at the Virginia Department of Health providing strategic communications for the Office of Family Health Services, supporting a multitude of health initiatives for the Commonwealth of Virginia. For over a decade, his career has given him the opportunity to lend his experience to important cause-driven organizations and issues. In addition to his current role, he serves as an adjunct professor in the mass communications department at Virginia Union University.

In 2007, he earned his master’s degree from VCU Robertson School of Media and Culture. He has been an active member of the Public Relations Society of America since 2016 and is an active member of the Toastmasters International. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering at the food bank and the local animal shelter.

The Chapter’s Diverse Dialogues series strives to help create community, understanding and inclusion amongst its diverse members. PR professionals from all identity communities are welcome to attend and contribute to the dialogue.