PRSA Northeast Wisconsin Newsletter | June 2026 
President's Corner
Happy Summer, PRSA Northeast Wisconsin!
As the weather warms up, I’ve found myself thinking about one of summer’s simple pleasures: an ice cream sundae.
Much like a great sundae, effective communication is all about bringing the right ingredients together. A strong foundation, a clear message, creativity, strategy and thoughtful execution all work together to create something memorable. Just as no one wants a sundae without ice cream, no organization can thrive without effective communication at its core. And when all the ingredients come together successfully, that's the cherry on top!
Of course, everyone has their own favorite toppings. Some organizations may focus on media relations, while others rely on community engagement, social media, events, internal communications or advocacy. The mix may look different from one organization to the next, but each ingredient plays an important role in the final result.
June is Effective Communications Month, making it a great time to recognize the impact communication has on our organizations and communities. Just as a sundae brings together different flavors and toppings, communication brings together people, ideas and information. It helps build understanding, strengthen relationships and create meaningful connections.
As we move into summer, I encourage you to take time to enjoy the season, stay connected with your audiences and appreciate the many ways communication shows up in your work. And if your summer plans include an ice cream sundae, I’d appreciate an invite! 😊
Meghan Finger
[email protected]
Upcoming Event
Communication for Connection: Strategies that Build Trust Across Audiences will help you understand how your experiences shape your communication. This insightful virtual presentation will feature Dr. Pam Her, an experienced speaker and consultant who has helped organizations across the country build trust, strengthen messaging and connect more authentically with diverse audiences.
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
$25.00 Member | $35.00 Non-Member | $15.00 Student
Register here!
In this engaging one-hour session, Dr. Her will introduce the foundations of cultural competency through the lens of self-awareness because strong communication starts with understanding the perspectives we bring to our work. Attendees will explore how personal lenses influence messaging, storytelling, and audience engagement, while gaining practical tools to help make communications more inclusive and effective.
This session is designed for marketing and communications professionals who want to sharpen their skills, build credibility and foster more meaningful relationships with the communities they serve.
Bookmark This
The Power of APR
June 22, 2026, 12–12:45 p.m. CT
Available to nonmembers for free!
Register here!
Thinking about earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)? Looking for ways to give back as a mentor? There’s never been a better time to engage.
Join 2026 PRSA Chair Heide Harrell, MA, APR, on Monday, June 22, for a special Member Mondays conversation focused on everything APR.
From the value of Accreditation in today’s communications landscape to tips for getting started, this discussion will explore how APR continues to elevate careers, strengthen strategic thinking and build leadership confidence across the profession.
Panelists:
Heather Cavanaugh, APR, vice president, external affairs and corporate communications, Alaska Communications; member, Universal Accreditation Board
Matthew Marcial, CAE, APR, CEO, PRSA
Yolanda K. Stephen, APR, senior manager, public relations, National 4-H Council; chair, Universal Accreditation Board
Member Mondays | PRSA
All About APR!
For Erin Elliott, APR, Account Supervisor / Partner at Hiebing, the nudge to earn her APR began looong before she took the exam in 2019. ✨
"My journey to tacking those three little letters after my name began looong before I took the exam in 2019.
I remember being intrigued by the credential soon after I graduated from UW-Whitewater in 2000 with my public relations degree. I knew I had to get some boots-on-the-ground experience before thinking about it more seriously, but the idea of having a “stamp of approval” – something tangible that indicated I really knew my stuff – was already very appealing. Sure, my diploma proved I passed the classes, but a piece of paper saying I was a bona fide PR pro? Way better.
About 5 years into my career, I felt that nudge again when our chapter APR chair had enough serious candidates to start holding study sessions. I started attending and quickly realized three things: 1) I wasn’t quite ready to take the leap; 2) this process was going to be both fun and challenging when I was ready; and 3) earning my APR was my new career goal.
In 2016, something told me I was ready. I can’t pinpoint it exactly – probably the culmination of my daughter being out of the baby stage, a feeling of steadiness in my career and the fact that my 40th birthday was looming large!
I didn’t know where I wanted to start, so I started everywhere. I joined the chapter APR study group. I ordered (and read!) the recommended texts. I signed up for PRSA’s online study course. And I did it all at the pace that felt right to me – which was verrrry sloooow. I didn’t cram; I almost let it sink in like osmosis for about 3 years. Over time, the online quizzes that left me feeling like a PR fraud at the start of my journey became a breeze.
When I walked into both my panel presentation and my computer-based exam, I was confident I did indeed know my stuff! I’ll never forget how relieved and proud I felt when I learned I passed. About two years later, I was teaching an introductory PR class at UW Oshkosh, certain that I could stand before these young minds and competently introduce them to the profession I loved. And every day, the framed certificate on my office wall joins me for every Teams call – just over my right shoulder. It makes me happy every time I look at it.
Did I achieve this on my own? Oh my goodness, no. I’ll be forever grateful to Jim Streed, APR, and Femi Cole, APR, for their invaluable guidance and mentorship, as well as the many other APRs in our chapter for their support!
That same support and guidance stands ready when YOU are ready to heed your “nudge” and start your own journey to putting those three little letters after your name!"
Is this your nudge?
For more information on kicking off your own accreditation journey, visit our accreditation webpage or reach out to our chapter’s Accreditation Chair, Janet Bonkowski, APR.
