As public relations continues to grow and change through the proliferation of social media, it is important to look at the women who have become an important part of this public relations shift. The most influential women in PR today focus not only on their own business-to-business clients, but they affect the field across the board, opening up new ideas and channels for their colleagues and followers in the future.
For anyone who is looking for mentors in the PR world, take a look at the following list of four women who dominate the field and are helping to take PR to new levels of effectiveness.
Heather West of West Levy Public Relations
Since its inception in 2010, West Levy PR created a secure niche as a small and sharp communications firm. Providing everything from marketing consulting, copywriting and copy editing, and social networking prowess, Heather West continues her reign proving her worth as an industry leader.
Ms. West has been learning the skills necessary to start her firm while wearing various hats and working in different industries, including a private school, non-profit organizations, and as a publicist at USA Networks. When the company started, she brought in the help of hand-picked specialist team members.
Along with her firm, she continues to work with clients serving as leaders in their respective industries. She and her team also focus on green practices and products striving to work with like-minded clients as part of the company’s mission.
In a 2011 interview Ms. West said, “We incorporated exclusive relationships with the best of the best to also include website design, SEO, and professional photographers to make certain our clients receive a full, customized package.” This was part of what they wanted to do as they established to firm.
Deirdre Breakenridge
As a professor and author specializing in public relations, Breakenridge makes herself available for questions on a regular basis. Students and professionals can write and ask any PR-specific questions and can expect to receive a response from the busy academic and author. Among her books on the subject, check out “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations” and PR 2.0.
Using social media to her PR advantage, she also frequently offers tips via tweets on Twitter.
She is also the Chief Executive Officer at Pure Performance Communications, a strategic communications firm that assesses and solves technology and communications problems, creating a plan for clients to build greater awareness, advocacy and customer loyalty. She is a popular speaker at conferences but also hosts communication training workshops and seminars.
Amanda K. Ruisi of AKR Public Relations
There is no doubt most people are fascinated with the celebrity world, and Amanda K. Ruisi is aware of that fact. With a diverse portfolio of clients, which includes AFLAC and 50 Cent, Ruisi has a lot of valuable information to offer anyone interested in PR.
She is the founder and President of AKR Public Relations. She launched her company in 2010 after working for NBC for nearly 10 years. While at NBC she oversaw all talent relations and East Coast entertainment publicity.
When she opened those doors, she was still only 27 years old. The firm specializes in entertainment, celebrity brands, and lifestyle brand marketing by building brands, talent relations, crisis management, media relations, product integration, and event planning and management.
Alison Brod of Alison Brod Public Relations
Brod started her PR firm when she was just 25. At the time, she had been working at PR firms getting her feet wet in the New York City PR scene.
While on the elevator one day she overheard a man discussing a new fragrance line he was starting, and she asked some questions. He told her if she wanted to start a firm, he’d be her first client. She used that, moved forward and continues her forward momentum still specializing in the fashion, beauty, and entertainment sectors of PR.
Working in public relations, brand communications, social media, event marketing, and many other facets of PR, Alison Brod touts a dizzying client list that includes Aeropostale, Godiva Chocolatier, Gibson Guitars, Old Navy, Stetson, Shoshanna, Victoria’s Secret, The Weinstein Company, and many other impressive clients.
