February President’s Letter

I want to begin by recognizing Black History Month, a time to honor the leadership, contributions, and enduring impact of Black communicators and community builders throughout the DMV area and beyond.

At a recent event, an NCC member shared that they were disappointed to not see a message from our chapter marking the observance. I appreciated their candor. It was an important reminder that our values as a diverse community should be visible and deeply held.

Our intention has always been to include this acknowledgment, as well as future cultural observances in my monthly newsletter, released at the end of the month, and to ensure our recognition reflects thoughtfulness and care. Moving forward, the newsletter will go out at the beginning of each month.

Our commitment to uplifting and celebrating Black voices and the varied voices across our NCC community is ongoing. It’s not confined to a single post or moment. We remain focused on showing up in meaningful, consistent ways that reflect who we are and what we stand for.

I love hearing from our members, please never hesitate to share your comments, thoughts, ideas, and anything else with me. I’m here for you.

This month also carries a note of reflection as we recognize the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, whose advocacy and voice helped shape national conversations about equity, representation, and justice. His legacy reminds us of the power of communication to mobilize, connect, and create meaningful change, with meaningful ties and work here in D.C.

PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group is hosting virtual panel on February 24 at 5:00 P.M. ET, featuring next generation Black communicators redefining leadership across PR, media, brand, and nonprofit spaces. It’s free for PRSA members!

January had been an energizing start for our chapter at The ONE Party which brought together a vibrant mix of members and new faces, and the atmosphere was electric. It was great to meet so many attendees, reconnect with members and colleagues, and watch conversations spark across the room. The vibe and energy captured exactly what makes this community special, open, welcoming, and deeply invested in one another’s professional growth.

We carried that momentum into February at our recent coffee meet-up at Kramers (Photo of me before everyone arrived at Kramers), where more than 30 professionals joined us. The conversations were thoughtful, practical, and spirited. There was never a quiet moment, which is a testament to the curiosity and generosity of this group. From career shifts to emerging communication trends, members and non-members showed up ready to share insights and build connections that extend beyond a day.

Events like these reinforce the strength of our chapter: we are at our best when we show up for one another, exchange ideas, and create spaces where communication professionals feel both challenged and supported. I’m grateful to everyone who attended, introduced themselves to someone new, and contributed to the momentum we’re building together in 2026.

We also want to ensure every event and initiative answers a question: how does this help you grow? Whether that’s learning a new tool, gaining a new contact, finding a collaborator, or feeling more connected to the profession, our goal is for your membership to consistently deliver practical, career-relevant returns, not just attendance, but advancement.

Best,

Patricia (Trisha) Hernandez

President, PRSA National Capital Chapter