A Letter from the President: Welcome to an Exciting Year Ahead with PRSA Detroit
Posted on Jan. 22, 2026 / Subscribe 0
Hello PRSA Detroit Community,
I am incredibly honored, energized, and grateful to welcome you into a new year as the 2026 President of PRSA Detroit. Stepping into this role is both a full-circle and deeply meaningful moment for me — one I do not take lightly.
PRSA Detroit has played an important role in my professional journey, and to now serve this chapter, in the city that raised me, alongside such an accomplished and passionate community of communicators is truly special.
A Little About My Journey
My path to public relations was not traditional — and that’s part of why this role matters so much to me.
I started as a journalism kid, driven by storytelling and curiosity, and found my way into PR by learning, asking questions, and sometimes figuring things out as I went. Along the way, I’ve been honored to serve in leadership roles including President of the Black Public Relations Society of Washington, D.C. (BPRS DC) and as a Board Member for PRSA’s National Capital Chapter.
After returning home to Michigan, I joined PRSA Detroit — and I still remember attending my first Annual Meeting and realizing I didn’t see much representation that reflected Detroit. Instead of walking away, I asked how I could get involved. That moment changed everything.
Serving on this board has been both rewarding and challenging — balancing career, leadership responsibilities, and life itself requires intention, grace, and understanding. That experience has shaped how I plan to lead: with empathy, transparency, and a deep respect for the fact that we are all doing our best.
Why This Year Matters
This year is especially meaningful — not just personally, but historically and know my role and the representation it has is both a privilege and a responsibility. My commitment is to ensure PRSA Detroit continues to be a place where opportunity, access, representation, and belonging are not just values — but lived experiences for our members. No gatekeeping. No barriers. Just community, growth, and shared success.
Our Strategic Priorities for the Year Ahead
As we look to 2026, our focus is clear and exciting. Together with our outstanding Board, we are prioritizing:
1. Membership Growth & Engagement Creating meaningful ways for members to connect, learn, and feel truly part of this chapter — whether you’re a student, new professional, or seasoned leader.
2. Innovative Revenue & Sustainability Exploring creative, thoughtful ways to strengthen our resources so we can continue investing in high-quality programming and member experiences.
3. Positioning PRSA Detroit as a Premier Chapter Nationwide And most importantly — 2026 is a year of Detroit. We are coming back to our roots. Programs, events, and experiences will be hosted throughout the city, celebrating Detroit’s talent, culture, and creativity as well as ensuring we amplify the amazing this we’re doing. So of course, doing more public relations for our amazing public relations organization.
Check out our article in the Michigan Chronicle in case you missed it: https://michiganchronicle.com/prsa-detroit-elects-new-2026-leadership-names-antonice-strickland-president/.
What’s Coming — and Why You’ll Want to Be Part of It
We have so much in store for this year, including exclusive member-only experiences designed to elevate connection and collaboration:
- ·Membership Town Halls (dates coming soon!): These will be open, transparent conversations where members can share feedback, ideas, and help shape the future of the chapter.
- Creative Happy Hours: A new series designed to help you connect, collaborate, and elevate alongside like-minded PR, media, marketing, and creative professionals. We are all storytellers — and we deserve spaces that are safe, collaborative, and FUN.
There’s much more coming, and I can’t wait to share details in the weeks ahead.
If you know someone who is not currently a PRSA member and would benefit from this community — please share. We’re building something special, and there is space at the table.
Be sure to follow PRSA Detroit on social media at PRSADetroit on all platforms, and keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss upcoming announcements, events, and opportunities through this newsletter.
Want to Get Involved? We’d Love You to Join Us
PRSA Detroit thrives because of engaged members who volunteer their time and expertise. If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to connect. Current committee opportunities include:
- APR (Accreditation) – mentoring members pursuing APR and participating in panels
- Annual Meeting – planning and executing our premiere November event
- Awards – promoting and evaluating applications and coordinating selection
- Blog – writing posts and sourcing subject matter experts
- Diversity – planning DEIB-rooted programming and partnerships
- Ethics – supporting events rooted in ethical PR foundations
- Internship – managing and promoting internship opportunities
- Membership – engaging current members and recruiting new ones
- New Professionals – supporting early-career communicators
- Programs – planning professional development and networking events
- Scholarship & Student Services – fundraising and awarding scholarships
- Senior Council – providing expertise and mentorship
- Social Media and Communications – developing content across platforms and media relations for signature chapter events
- Website – updating and monitoring web content and events
No matter your experience level, there is a place for you here.
Looking Ahead
This is going to be a fun, meaningful, and impactful year. I — along with our incredible Board — am so excited to connect with you, learn from you, and build alongside you.
Thank you for being part of PRSA Detroit. Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity. And thank you for helping us make 2026 a year rooted in Detroit, driven by purpose, and fueled by community.
With gratitude and excitement,
Antonice Strickland
President, PRSA Detroit
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