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Recap of our PR & Media Mixer: A Celebration of Women in PR

Posted on May. 5, 2023  /  Subscribe 0

Some of metro Detroit’s top public relations and media professionals came together on April 27 to celebrate the women in the industry breaking barriers and shaping narratives in the state and beyond. The evening centered around an impactful conversation with a panel of revered experts. 

Panelists included: 

• Bushra Alawie, Public Relations Director for Justice Richard H. Bernstein, Michigan Supreme Court
• Hilary Golston, Anchor and Reporter for FOX2 Detroit
• Christine Ferretti, Associate Editor for Bridge Detroit

Antonice Strickland of 98Forward, and PRSA Detroit Board Member, moderated the event. 

Alawie, Golston, and Ferretti answered questions on what made them want to pursue PR or journalism, facing and overcoming discrimination, how to support women in the industry, advice for young professionals, and more. While they may have different perspectives and experiences, one thing these women all have in common is that they exude confidence and use their talents to share stories and report with integrity.

Trailblazers leading the way 

Trailblazers often challenge an existing way of doing things to better the world for others. They focus on empowering and inspiring others, as our panelists have. 

Ferretti
She felt the effects of being in a male-dominated industry early in her career and wants the younger generations to have better circumstances. She tries to be a light and a voice for others and wants to give women newer to the field what she did not have. “It isn’t enough to put a woman in a role; make us feel like equals and listen to us,” said Ferretti. “I don’t do my job for me. I do it for the people who need their voices heard.”

Golston
She once felt threatened by seeing the rebel flag on full display while reporting in Alabama after a devastating tornado outbreak. However, she was greeted kindly by everyone, even on perhaps the worst day of their lives, and feels lucky she has not faced discrimination. “It may be hard for women to be assertive and ask pressing questions at times. When a woman is being assertive and trying to get an answer, it is not that she is being a ‘B word,’ but simply doing her job and due diligence,” said Golston. 

Alawie
She believes facing your fears can help build a type of armor and minimizes your risk of being discriminated against. “I’m triple diverse, so I’ve always been very intentional with who I am. I own my own narrative. That gives me peace and bravery in the discomfort of being the only one in the room,” said Alawie.

Advice for aspiring PR and media professionals

The panelists have all faced challenges in their careers, and share the following advice for aspiring PR and media professionals

• Golston: “Be bold, be good in lieu of being nice, know your ethical compass, and stick by it.”
• Ferretti: “Be curious, ask questions, and become comfortable being uncomfortable because that’s how you build experiences. In journalism, you can learn something new every day.”

• • Alawie: “Live your purpose or find your purpose,” but your goals are not your purpose. “If you show up for others, others will show up for you.” 

As a young professional myself, I am thankful for the trailblazers who share their wisdom and expertise. I’d like to give a special thank you to our insightful panelists and attendees. 

Alexandria Truby is a public relations specialist at Infor, the industry cloud company. She is a PRSA Detroit member and serves on the blog committee.

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