June President’s Letter

The official start of summer is here. In past years, this season may have meant a welcome slowdown—a chance to reset, take vacations, and return with fresh energy. But for many in our PRSA NCC community, this summer won’t feel the same. With job transitions, industry shifts, and professional uncertainty impacting so many, summer now comes with big questions: What’s next? How do I stay connected? Where do I grow from here?

We see you. And we’re here for you—with opportunities to connect, sharpen your skills, and support each other through the journey throughout the summer months. Take advantage of our on-demand professional development sessions. Or start working on your APR by watching the Spring APR Jump Start now on demand.

What Else You Need to Know This Month:

• Brunch, Anyone?: We’re trying something new this month – brunch! We’re hosting our first Saturday networking brunch on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar in Arlington, Va. near Court House Metro. Our hope is that this event will provide a relaxed networking opportunity for both members and non-members who may not be available to participate in networking events during the workweek. Whether you’re a long-time member or brand new to the chapter, this is your chance to meet people face-to-face, share ideas, and build community—with coffee or tea in one hand and a mimosa in the other. I’ll be there. Join me! Advance registration is required.
•  ICON Agenda Released: If you’ve been waiting to see what’s in store at this year’s ICON in DC before registering, your wait is over! The PRSA ICON 2025 conference agenda is live, and we’re thrilled to see several of our PRSA NCC members featured as speakers—sharing insights, elevating local voices, and putting NCC talent front and center. ICON is the largest gathering of communications professionals in the country—and this year we’re thrilled that it’s happening right here in Washington, DC from October 28–30. That means more visibility, more access, and more chances for our NCC community to learn, connect, and lead. Check out the ICON agenda and register today to cheer on our fellow chapter members in October.
• More PRSA Conferences in DC in October: PRSA Sections—Health Academy and Association/Nonprofit Section—will be holding their own annual conferences in DC before ICON begins. If those fields align with your work, this is a great time to join a Professional Interest Section and deepen your expertise. You can register to attend Health Academy now. Stay tuned for registration information about the Association/Nonprofit Section Conference.
• Be an NCC Sponsor: A big thank you to our current NCC sponsors, whose generosity helps power everything we do. You’ve seen their names featured in every email we send—and their partnership helps bring our NCC programming, events, and resources to life. We’re always looking to welcome new sponsors who want to grow with us. As the largest PRSA chapter in the country, NCC offers expanded visibility to a diverse network of communicators across sectors. Sponsorship isn’t just financial. We also welcome in-kind contributions—from event space and products to services that enhance our members’ experience. Interested in partnering? Let’s talk: info@prsancc.org. 
•  Crystal’s Non-PRSA Resources of the Month: In a heated news cycle, these two free resources can help you keep your messaging and story angles sharp, balanced, and grounded. The Flip Side is a daily newsletter summarizing how the different policy perspectives are framing top news stories. It’s a quick, trusted way to understand opposing perspectives—helpful for public affairs, advocacy, and crisis communicators. A Starting Point is a civic engagement platform created by actor Chris Evans and filmmaker Mark Kassen that features short videos from elected officials and experts from both sides of the aisle that explain issues without spin. It’s perfect for communicators who need accessible, credible background on policy topics. Together, these are powerful tools to help you cut through the noise and craft smarter, more inclusive messaging.

As Pride Month continues, I want to recognize and celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues and members whose voices, stories, and leadership strengthen our profession and our chapter. At PRSA NCC, we are committed to fostering a community where all communicators feel seen, valued, and supported—not just in June, but every single day. Thank you for being you, and for being a vital part of our community.

Be well, keep in touch, and thank you for being an essential part of PRSA NCC. Onward!

Crystal Borde

President, PRSA National Capital Chapter