PRSA Phoenix’s History of Notable Contributions by Women

Posted on Mar. 7, 2022  /  History  /  Subscribe 0

Written by Cynthia Weaver, DEI Liaison for PRSA Phoenix

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise 68-percent of the Public Relations workforce.

Since the Arizona Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America was formed in 1961, women have been actively involved in advancing the PR profession in Phoenix. Below are notable chapter accomplishments:

• 1972 - First district chairman from Phoenix – “Bee” Pine, APR, an educator, developed an Associate of Arts degree in public relations at Phoenix College.
• 1989 - Barbara Van Fleet, APR, serves as chairwoman-elect for the South Pacific District.
• 1998 - Debra Stevens, APR, serves as district chairwoman for the Western District.
• 2015 - Paula Pedene becomes the sixth Arizonian to be elected to the PRSA College of Fellows.
• 2017 - Michelle Olson, APR joins the PRSA National Board
• 2020 - Abbie Fink serves as President of the Board of PRSA Western District
• 2020 - Heather Vana, APR and Cynthia Weaver become first PRSA Phoenix Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Liaisons
• 2021 - Michelle Olson, APR, serves as President of the Board of PRSA
• 2021 - Diane Smith awarded first ever PRSA Phoenix Board Service Award

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, PRSA Phoenix members can learn more about contributions and challenges faced by women in the PR industry by attending the following events:

March 24 – National PRSA Webinar

Diverse Dialogues: Bringing Your Multicultural Voice as a PR Leader | PRSA

March 25 – PRSA Phoenix Panel Discussion

Workforce Challenges with PR Leaders

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