Mission Statement
To serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities and to serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.
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2011-2012 Executive Board
Chapter President: Emily Diab
Hometown(s): Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Bakersfield, Calif.Birthday: November 12
Class standing: Senior, Double major in Public Relations and Communication Studies
Chapter goals: As UA Chapter President, I hope to enhance the opportunities for current and potential members. Each individual member should benefit from all of what PRSSA has to offer, and I will strive to make this available to each of my fellow students. Meetings, workshops, professional speakers and career development are just a few exciting things that PRSSA 2011-2012 has to offer!
Graduation plans: I plan to enter the Master's Program in PR immediately after graduation. While I am studying to receive my MA, I would like to work as a PR specialist in nonprofit PR.
Fun fact: I grew up in Tuscaloosa, but lived in California for 7 years before returning to Sweet Home Alabama!
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Ghandi
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." -- Jack Kerouac
Vice President: DaBrielle Goodwin
Birthplace: Columbia, South CarolinaHometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Birthday: March 31
Class Standing: Junior, Public Relations major, Criminal Justice minor
Chapter goals: As the UA Chapter Vice President I plan on linking students with professionals in the public relations field, giving them the chance to network and gain more knowledge, obtaining a more prosperous public relations career.
Graduation plans: After graduation I plan on attending Law School, hopefully at The University of Texas. Upon receiving my law degree I plan to pursue a career in lobbying.
Fun fact: I have played lacrosse for 6 years, 2 of which were at the university.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." -- Albert Einstein
Director of Public Relations: Alexandra Reichenbach
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.Birthday: October 6
Class Standing: Junior, Public Relations major, General Business minor
Chapter goals: As public relations director, I plan to inform members as well as non-members of important meetings and announcements concerning the PRSSA. It is my job to promote this organization in a very timely manner and through many different outlets. Aside from publicizing information by distributing fliers and posting information on the PRSSA bulletin board, I also wish to gain attention through media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. Overall, it is my job to make sure all members have easy access to important information at all times.
Graduation plans: I plan to move back to the North and work in a large city, preferably either Washington D.C. or New York City. I also hope to eventually return to school and obtain my Master’s degree.
Fun fact: I have an identical sister who also attends the University of Alabama!
Secretary: Megan Reichenbach
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.Birthday: October 6
Class Standing: Junior, Public Relations major, General Business minor
Chapter goals: As secretary I will remain extremely organized and timely with updating all members on meeting details, speaker topics and internship opportunities. I think it is key to remain open to any questions from all members of PRSSA. Building these relationships is key in the Public Relations business environment, so I hope to promote consist relationships with all board members and members of the team as a whole. I hope to keep all members aware of all opportunities so they can gain from the benefits of the society and succeed to the best of their capability.
Graduation plans: Directly after graduation, I plan on moving back to Great Falls, Va., in hopes of interning at a PR firm in either the D.C. area or New York City. I am open to the idea of getting a Master’s degree, but right now I am most concerned with getting experience in the business world.
Fun fact: There are two sets of twins in my family! I have an identical twin sister and we have 15-year-old identical step brothers.
“You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough.” -- Joe E. Lewis
Capstone Agency President: Mariah Fairweather
Birthplace: Tampa, Fla.Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Birthday: August 13
Class Standing: Junior, Public Relations, Psychology minor
Chapter goals: As director of The Capstone Agency, my goal is to organize the agency so the agency can apply and receive National Accreditation through PRSSA. After The Capstone Agency receives National Accreditation, I want to increase the number of members and clients.
Graduation plans: After graduation I plan on pursuing a job in Public Relations. I would love to get a job in Tampa, but I am also open to new places!
Fun fact: I'm a Charter Class member of The Alpha Phi Sorority at The University of Alabama.
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
Director of Web-Based Communications: Joel Punausuia
Birthplace: Tallahassee, Fla.Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
Birthday: July 18
Class Standing: Senior, Public Relations major, Psychology minor
Chapter goals: My main goal I have for our chapter is to keep all PRSSA members at the University of Alabama informed via the website and the various flyers I make for every meeting and event.
Graduation plans: After I graduate I plan on moving to California and attending graduate school for my Master's degree. I would really love to work in entertainment PR, preferrably for a record company.
Fun fact: I have a pet tarantula.
"When you succeed, the jeers will turn into cheers. Those who laughed at you will laugh with you. And your last laugh will be the biggest laugh of all." -- Al Neuharth