PRSA-LA Sunrise Honors 2024
2024-08-02 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
6th ANNUAL SUNRISE HONORS 2024
Friday, August 2nd, 2024
8:00 AM and ending at 10:30 AM
Art Share L.A. in the Arts District 801 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
PRSA-LA is celebrating excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion with our 6th Annual Sunrise Honors on August 2, 2024. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership and influence to advance diversity and inclusivity within their organization or industry. The event is a fireside chat with a moderator where the honorees share their journey and answer questions from the audience.
Attendee registration is now open. Get your tickets and come support our trailblazer nominees.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2024 HONOREES:
GLENN OSAKISenior Advisor to the President, International Communications and MarketingUniversity of Southern California
View bio here.
GWENDOLYN YOUNGPresident & CEO of Young Communications Group
View bio here.
JOSÉ VILLAPresident/Chief Strategy OfficerSensis
View bio here.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SUNRISE HONORS SPONSORS:

We invite you to become a valued supporter as we recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of deserving individuals. By lending your support, you will play a pivotal role in acknowledging the dedication, expertise, and impact of these outstanding professionals.
If you are interested in sponsorship, please click below for sponsorship kit, or contact executive.director@prsala.org or call the office: (626) 313-4343.
CLICK HERE TO BE A SUPPORTER.

Dodgers Night Out
2024-08-21 19:10 - 21:00 | Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
PRSA-LA is excited to announce our highly anticipated Dodgers Night on Wednesday, August 21st, at 7:10 pm PT! This event will raise funds for the PRSA-LA Scholarship Program, supporting outstanding college students pursuing degrees in Public Relations or Communications.

We have secured 75 tickets for this exclusive event, so grab yours before they’re gone! The Dodgers will be hosting the Seattle Mariners.

Dodgers Night Out

Wednesday, August 21st, 7:10 pm PT

Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

REGISTER HERE

By participating in this event, you can enjoy an exhilarating Dodgers game while contributing to the future of PR by supporting deserving students through the PRSA-LA Scholarship Program. These scholarships help recognize and assist exceptional undergraduate and graduate students in pursuing careers in Public Relations or Communications.

Student scholarship winners will be announced in the summer and awarded their scholarships for the fall semester. They will also receive one year of FREE access to all PRSA-LA webinars and events, providing valuable networking opportunities and the chance to learn from seasoned PR professionals.

For more information about the PRSA-LA Scholarship Program and its impact, please visit the Scholarship homepage here.

Join PRSA-LA at Dodgers Night and help us hit a home run for the PRSA-LA Scholarship Program! Your support makes a difference. We’ll follow up with the attendees on where we’ll meet at the game for some fun networking.

Dodgers Night Out Ticket Pricing

Students: $30 each
PRSA-LA Members: $40 each
Non-PRSA-LA Members: $50 each

We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTER HERE

ABW with Food Journalists
2024-09-26 08:30 - 09:30 | CA
At Breakfast With … Food Journalists
Thursday, September 26 • 8:30 am – 9:30 am PT
via Zoom
REGISTER HERE

Join us via Zoom on Thursday, September 26 from 8:30 am – 9:30 am PT for a very special edition of PRSA-LA’s At Breakfast With … featuring top food journalists. Discover the key trends, narratives and PR best practices shaping various forms of food media. You’ll also learn what these high-value contacts are looking for and how to secure maximum coverage.

Register today to gain a competitive advantage for your culinary client
Virtual Cost: $15 for members, $30 non-members, $5 students

Meet our Panelists:

Neil Saavedra, Host, The Fork Report, KFI AM 640
Los Angeles native, Neil Saavedra, is host and producer of The Fork Report, KFI-AM640’s favorite program for foodies featuring chef interviews, recipes, cooking tips and tricks, must eat recommendations and more! Along with the above-mentioned titles, he is also the Assistant Program Director at KFI.

Babette Pepaj, Founder, BakeSpace.com, TECHmunch and BakeBot AI Recipe Assistant
Babette Pepaj launched BakeSpace.com in 2006 as the Web’s first food-themed social network. The platform has introduced many innovations for home cooks and marketers – from branded recipes and DIY digital cookbooks to BakeBot (the first AI kitchen assistant infused with the wisdom and warmth of real home cooks). From 2010 – 2020, Babette produced the TECHmunch Food Blogger Conference held in cities across North America. She also created CupcakeCamp LA, BakeCamp and other major fundraising events.

Amaya Pinto-Hernandez – Acceso Total Executive Producer, Acceso Total Telemundo
Multi-Emmy award-winning producer Amaya Pinto-Fernandez has over 20 years of experience in the television industry. She is currently the executive producer of Telemundo network’s variety show “Acceso Total.” She previously worked at KWHY Channel 22 before joining Telemundo in 2005 as a producer and editor. Her expertise and contributions have been instrumental in the success of “Acceso Total,” leading it to receive six Emmy awards from the Television Academy. Pinto-Fernandez received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Leon in Spain.

Sarah Mosqueda, Food, Art and Culture writer, Times OC
Sarah Mosqueda covers Orange County food, art, and culture for TimesOC, a publication of the Los Angeles Times. She most recently worked as a staff writer in Food for the Los Angeles Times. She also has several years of experience in the restaurant industry, including as general manager of Michelin-rated Irenia Restaurant. Mosqueda earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton.

Meet Our Moderator

Stephen Chavez, Founder LatinoFoodie and ChavezPR
Stephen Chavez is an acclaimed public relations strategist specializing in the food and beverage industry. As President & CEO of ChavezPR, he has offered strategic communication expertise to renowned brands such as Nestlé, Northgate González Market, Alegria Wines, and others. Co-founding LatinoFoodie, a popular Mexican recipe blog, Stephen is a sought-after speaker at prestigious food and social media conferences like TECHMUNCH and Hispanicize, where he shares valuable insights into Latino culinary trends. His leadership extends to roles as President of the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter, member of the Board of Directors for the PRSA National Foundation, Chairman of the Board for the Latino Equality Alliance, and past National and Local President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association. Stephen graduated from the University of La Verne.

REGISTER HERE

PRSA-LA Quality Time with PR Minds
2024-09-27 14:00 - 18:00 | Edelman, 1500 N El Centro Ave,, Los Angeles, 90028, United States
PRSA-LA Quality Time with PR Minds
Friday, September 27th
2:00-6:00 p.m.
at EDELMAN LOS ANGELES
1500 N EL CENTRO AVE.

Quality Time with PR Minds 2024 will be held Friday, September 27th from 2-6 p.m. at Edelman Los Angeles. Celebrating its 20th year, the chapter’s annual community service event provides our members the opportunity to share professional skills as a free service to LA-area nonprofits.
All PR pros and LA-based 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to this FREE two-hour session to collaborate with volunteer seasoned PR professionals to learn how to enhance their communications strategies and boost their organization’s outreach. During the event, nonprofits will:

Collaborate with communications professionals and their nonprofit representatives.
Engage in productive brainstorm sessions dedicated to the organization’s specific needs.
Receive expert advice to enhance their organization’s communications strategies.

These productive brainstorm sessions help to address organizations’ specific needs and advance their communications efforts. Expert advice from seasoned pros like you can make all the difference!
Are you interested in volunteering as one of our PR practitioner advisors or do you know of a nonprofit interested in participating? Please fill out the form HERE.

Thank you to our event sponsor!
Thank you to our event host!

The State of PR Technology 2024 by Prowly
2024-10-09 09:00 - 10:00 | CA
The State of PR Technology 2024
Presented by

￼
Wednesday, October 9th at 9 AM PDT
via Zoom
PRSA-LA Members: FREE; Non-PRSA-LA Members: $25 each

REGISTER HERE

Join us for an engaging online conversation on October 9th at 9 AM PDT as Prowly and PRSA-LA present “The State of PR Technology 2024” webinar. This event will provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of PR technology and its future implications. Here’s what you can expect from “The State of PR Technology 2024” webinar:
•Discover how PR pros are using data-driven strategies to drive success
•Learn how industry leaders are proving ROI and measuring their impact
•Get actionable tips for maximizing tight budgets while still delivering powerful outcomes
💡 Meet our esteemed speakers:

🌟 Tonya McKenzie – Founder and CEO of Sand&Shores. Tonya is a highly regarded leadership and communications consultant specializing in helping businesses and entrepreneurs tell their stories, elevate their message, and build a strong reputation in the media and their communities.

🌟 Tamara Sykes – Head of Client Content Strategy at Stacker and Brand Communications Consultant. Tamara Sykes is a Caribbean-born PR pro who shapes brand narratives through impactful content and communications strategies. She utilizes her 10+ years of experience as the Head of Client Content Strategy at Stacker and a Personal Brand Consultant for multi-hyphenate women of color via her brand, Baydian Girl. Apart from developing brand communication strategies, Tamara is active in the fashion industry, engages in art projects, and enjoys spending time with her family.

🌟 Aleksandra Kubicka – PR Evangelist at Prowly. Aleksandra is passionate about sharing knowledge and experience with others. She has been in the public relations and B2B communication industry for 14 years, in various organizations, including local boutique PR agencies, multinational startup teams, and corporate communication departments of global brands.

🌟 Tony Ferguson (host) – Principal of Society House and PRSA-LA Board Member, Tony has led successful PR initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, music giants, TV/film projects, non-profits, and corporate ventures. His ability to build lasting relationships highlights his strong networking skills and client-focused approach.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 9th
Time: 9 AM PDT
Location: Zoom (Details will be sent before the webinar)

🎟️ Ticket Pricing:

– PRSA-LA Members: FREE
– Non-PRSA-LA Members: $25 each

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the state of PR technology and its future implications. Register today to secure your spot for “The State of PR Technology 2024” webinar, and join us on October 9th at 9 AM PDT for an enriching online discussion!

REGISTER HERE

ACCESS THE REPORT HERE

PRSA ICON 2024
2024-10-15 08:00 - 2024-10-17 17:00 | Anaheim Marriott, 700 W Convention Way,, Anaheim, CA, 92802, United States
ICON 2024
Oct. 15-17, 2024
Anaheim Marriott, Calif.
700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Registration and more information HERE.

Exclusive Networking Opportunity with Prowly and PRSA LA
2024-10-17 17:00 - 21:00 | CA
Prowly and PRSA LA Meet up
⏰ Date: Thursday, October 17th | Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM PT
Ethos Society, 3435 Wilshire Blvd Fl 14, Los Angeles
Free Registration, Limited Spots!
REGISTER HERE

Are you a PR professional based in LA? Don’t miss out on this exclusive networking event co-hosted by Prowly and PRSA-LA. This is your chance to meet fellow PR pros, exchange ideas, and hear from industry expert Jennifer Berson, Founder of Jeneration PR and Prowly Ambassador. Jennifer will share practical tips for building strong media relationships that get results. There will also be other surprises during the evening.
What You Can Expect:
· Networking with top PR professionals in Los Angeles
· Keynote presentation from Jennifer Berson on “5 Strategies to Build Stronger and Deeper Media Connections”
· Speed networking sessions to foster new connections
· Drinks, appetizers, and plenty of time to socialize
Meet Our Keynote Speaker:

Jennifer Berson
Founder & President of Jeneration PR, Prowly Ambassador
Jennifer is a former civil litigator turned award-winning PR agency owner. Recognized by Inc. Magazine, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and PR Week, she helps PR pros build successful businesses without sacrificing personal time. Jennifer has empowered thousands of boutique agency owners to scale their businesses, making a powerful impact in the industry.

Register now to join us on October 17th at 5:00 PM PT. Don’t wait – spaces are filling up fast!
REGISTER HERE

PRSA-LA 60th Annual PRism Awards
2024-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Los Angeles, 3643 Wilshire Blvd,, Los AngeleS, 90010, United States
PRSA-LA 2024 PRism Awards Thursday, October 24 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Los Angeles
REGISTER HERE

PRSA-LA’s 60th Annual PRism Awards—the Los Angeles region’s premier awards program recognizing excellence in public relations strategic campaigns, tactical programs, and professional merit will be held on October 24, 2024, 6 – 9 PM at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Los Angeles. We are thrilled to announce this year’s guest host will be Sarah Pilla, an Emmy-award winning reporter and anchor at Spectrum News 1 SoCal focusing on climate, weather, and lifestyle.

Sarah is a graduate of California State University, Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. In 2021, she won an Emmy for Best Environment News Story on her compelling story “Oceana Trash” about plastic pollution impact on marine animals. Sarah can be found weekdays, live on Spectrum News 1’s flagship morning show, Your Morning, covering extreme weather as it happens, climate stories, and Friday lifestyle segments showcasing things to do in SoCal.

In addition to her current role, Sarah is a regular fill-in news anchor and weather anchor. In 2023, Sarah was the only TV reporter in the nation to join the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on an exclusive Colorado River trip. She travels frequently throughout the year covering various climate stories, including to Lake Tahoe to cover the February 2023 California Department of Water Resources snow survey, and to the TomKat Ranch, run by former presidential candidate Tom Steyer, to cover their work on regenerative agriculture.

In 2022, she hosted two specials: “The Trickle-Down Effect,” an Earth Day special focused on water and drought, and “Saving Our Oceans, A Deep Dive,” a Spectrum News network-wide special for National Oceans Month. Additionally, Sarah was named LA TV Week’s “40 Under 40” in their inaugural class of 2022 and served as the Emcee of the 2022 and 2023 NetZero Conference in Los Angeles.

Sarah is a member of the Television Academy and the SoCal Chapter of WICT Network, both professional groups of women in media, entertainment, and technology. Outside of work, she is an avid reader, loves the beach, traveling, practicing yoga, and exercising at the gym.

STAY TUNED AS WE’LL ANNOUNCE THE 60TH PRISM FINALISTS SOON!

Attendee registration is open now. RSVP TODAY!
REGISTER HERE

PRSA-LA 2024 Holiday Party
2024-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | CA
PRSA-LA Holiday Party
Date: December 3
Time: 6 – 8 PM
Venue: Weber Shandwick Los Angeles, 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (Rooftop)
Presented by PRSA-LA and Weber Shandwick Los Angeles.

Join us as we toast to the PR industry! Bring an unwrapped toy to be entered into a raffle to win exciting prizes. The toys are being donated to Project Angel Food.
Cost: $20 members, $35 non-members, $12 students

REGISTER HERE

ABW with Public Affairs and Community Issues Journalists - EVENT IS POSTPONED
2024-12-12 08:30 - 09:30 | CA
EVENT IS POSTPONED
At Breakfast With … Public Affairs and Community Issues Journalists
This event has been postponed. Stay tuned for the new date!
via Zoom

Join us via Zoom for PRSA-LA’s At Breakfast With … featuring journalists and producers covering public affairs and community issues. Join a robust discussion on how to pitch story angles ranging from education, immigration, climate change, water quality, police and fire services, the unhoused, access to healthcare and more! The panel will be moderated by Rick Garcia, Sr. Strategic Advisor, Media at Lee Andrews Group, previous News Anchor at KCBS-TV and KCOP-TV, and Emmy award-winning Sports Anchor at KTTV.

Virtual Cost: $15 for members, $30 non-members, $5 students

Meet Our Moderator

Rick Garcia, Sr. Strategic Advisor, Media at Lee Andrews Group
Rick is a previous News Anchor at KCBS-TV and KCOP-TV, and Emmy award-winning Sports Anchor at KTTV.

Informational Session: APR Study Course
2025-02-03 17:00 - 18:00 | CA
Resolve to focus on your professional development in 2025. PRSA-LA members are eligible to pursue the APR–accreditation in Public Relations.
It’s an opportunity to build your skills, grow your network and get more involved in chapter activities. You’ll also go in depth with strategic communications and RPIE (research, planning, implementation and evaluation), setting you up to create successful PRism and national PR award entries.
Sign Up for the Virtual APR Info. Session (in partnership with OCPRSA)
Learn more about APR and the APR Study Session (a ten-week virtual course hosted by OCPRSA to help you earn your APR).
Reach out to PRSA-LA APR Chair Justin Glover with all your APR questions.

PRSA Black History Month Virtual Program
2025-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 | CA
PRSA Black History Month Virtual Program
Virtual Event | February 12, 2 – 3 p.m. PT
Hosted by PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group
Register to join the PRSA Black History Month virtual program on Wednesday, February 12 at 2-3pm PT hosted by our PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group co-leads, Thomas Bennett and Sabrina Browne. The “Unlocking the C-Suite: A Panel of Black Communication Leaders” panel will include these powerhouse speakers:

Kimberly Godwin – Fmr. President, ABC News
Torod Neptune – Chief Communications Officer, Medtronic
Helen Shelton – Global Chief Diversity Officer, Finn Partners
Mira Lowe – Dean of the School of Journalism & Communications, Florida A&M University
Bria Bryant – Global Chief Marketing Officer, Assembly Global

Sabrina Browne, Co-Chair of the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group, will moderate the discussion.
Everyone is welcome to attend; link below to register. The panel speakers will dive deep into the essential skills and tactics for advancing your career. In addition to tips on navigating workplace dynamics, advocating for representation in the communications industry, and seizing opportunities for growth.
FREE to Members; $50 Non-member
REGISTER HERE: www.prsa.org/diverse-dialogues

The State of PR: Turning Crisis into Connection
2025-02-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Art Share LA, 801 E 4th Pl,, Los Angeles, CA 90013, CA, United States
REGISTER HERE
Los Angeles has long faced the challenges of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, making crisis preparedness a vital skill for PR professionals. From monitoring the wildfires and climate changes to responding to immediate needs and addressing how to rebuild, public relations professionals today have been working with companies and organizations occupied by the effects of the devastating wildfires. Join the Public Relations Society of America – Los Angeles Chapter for our first event of the year, State of PR: Turning Crisis into Connection on Wednesday, February 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Art Share LA, 801 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013. The engaging program is an essential opportunity for PR professionals to connect, network, and gain valuable insights into preparing clients for the unexpected. Featuring speakers from different sectors, we’ll explore strategies to craft effective crisis communication plans and deliver messages that resonate with diverse communities.
Speakers:

Kerjon Lee, Chief of Strategic Communications, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Leigh Lehman, Director of Communications, GoFundMe
Lakshman Rathnam, Founder & CEO, Worldly
Jason Levin, Senior Vice President & Western Region Lead, U.S. Crisis & Risk, Edelman

Learning Objectives

Understand best practices for crisis communication during natural disasters.
Learn to coordinate messaging with stakeholders, including government and utility partners.
Explore methods to effectively communicate with diverse audiences to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
Develop proactive strategies to help clients build resilience in the face of potential crises.
Network with industry leaders and peers to exchange ideas and foster collaboration.

Tickets: $20 – $60
REGISTER HERE
Meet Our Speakers:
Kerjon Lee, Chief of Strategic Communications, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Kerjon Lee leads strategic communications for LA County Public Works, supporting a $4.4 billion budget and over 4,200 employees across initiatives like climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. With 25 years of experience, he has managed communications for high-profile projects, including Measure W and legal negotiations with the Supreme Court and Water Quality Control Board. A Webster University alumnus, Kerjon is a founding member of the African Artists Association and serves on the Los Angeles County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative steering committee.
Lakshman Rathnam, Founder & CEO, Worldly
Lakshman Rathnam is an innovator and product leader with expertise in human-machine interfaces, acoustics, and audio. He founded Wordly to leverage AI-powered real-time translation to improve accessibility and inclusivity at live meetings, webinars, and events. He previously held leadership roles at Earlens Corporation, Amazon, Apple and HP, driving the development of innovative products. The author of more than 25 patents, Lakshman was named a Trendsetter by Meetings Today magazine for his industry impact.
Jason Levin, Senior Vice President & Western Region Lead, U.S. Crisis & Risk, Edelman
Jason Levin specializes in communications, media, crisis, and issues management, offering strategic counsel to corporate, nonprofit, and government clients. At Edelman, he advises on preparedness, issues management, and live crisis response across industries like healthcare, higher education, and Fortune 500 companies. A native Angeleno and civic volunteer, Jason serves on the board of Jewish World Watch and holds degrees from The George Washington University, with prior leadership roles at Cerrell Associates and in local, state, and federal government.
Leigh Lehman, Director of Communications, GoFundMe
Leigh Lehman currently serves as Communications Director at GoFundMe, the world’s top platform destination to give and receive help, focusing on brand storytelling through the unique voices of their everyday changemakers. Through fundraiser amplification, crisis support and community programming, her efforts are shaping the brand’s narrative in the world.
A previous PRWeek 40 Under 40 recipient, Leigh has delivered results for a wide array of clients and campaigns as a media relations specialist. Her broad brand work has spanned from helping families drink more water for better health with First Lady Michelle Obama, nonprofit Partnership for a Healthier America and Brita to inspiring a national conversation around a breast pumping cultural revolution with the launch of Willow Pump to empowering Americans to love food more, waste it less and help save our environment with GLAD.
Leigh earned her Master’s in Strategic Public Relations from University of Southern California Annenberg and Bachelor’s from University of San Francisco in English Literature. Her more than 15 years of expertise in media strategy development and relations, corporate communications and program advancement has garnered top-tier coverage in outlets like TODAY, PEOPLE, TIME, the Wall Street Journal, and more, contributing to business growth for both Fortune 500 companies and startups. A third-generation Angeleno, when she’s not engaging with reporters, you can find her enjoying the city’s diverse culinary scene, rooting on the Lakers, and trying her hand at the latest home-reno project.

REGISTER HERE

PRSA Western District Conference
2025-02-24 18:00 - 2025-02-26 13:30 | Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Hollywood Dr,, Universal City, CA, 91608, United States
Get ready to bask in the limelight like a true Hollywood star at the upcoming Western District Conference hosted by PRSA-LA! Join us from February 24-26, 2025, at the iconic Sheraton Universal Hotel, adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood and in close proximity to the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more!
This conference is your chance to step into the world of PR, as we provide you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to help you become a true PR superstar.
Get ready for an unforgettable conference experience, where you’ll have a chance to make new connections and rekindle old ones.
REGISTER HERE

Be a Sponsor and Support the 2025 Western District Conference!
The PRSA Western District Conference is a dynamic opportunity to position your company to the thousands of successful communication professionals working in Western District to whom we promote the conference. These influencers are highly connected; respected for their ability to spot trends and manage change; and hold extensive media, consumer and stakeholder relationships. More than half of conference‐goers are senior‐or mid‐level professionals and their employer base is well‐rounded, including private companies, agencies, consulting firms, government, non‐profit and universities.
DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP PACKET HERE

For more information, visit PRSA Western District website.

PRSA-LA's At Breakfast With...Public Affairs and Community Issues Journalists
2025-03-06 08:30 - 09:30 | CA
PRSA-LA’s At Breakfast With…
Public Affairs and Community Issues Journalists

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 AM
REGISTER HERE
PRSA-LA will host a series of ABW programs for 2025. These ABW programs will be both virtual and in-person.
Join us for our first ABW program of the year via Zoom, At Breakfast With…Public Affairs and Community Issues Journalists on Thursday, March 6 (8:30 am – 9:30 am PT) featuring journalists and producers covering public affairs and community issues.

SPEAKERS:
Hal Eisner, reporter of KTTV 11, Host of Fox 11 News IN DEPTH and the Fox 11 podcast “What the Hal?,” and
Rafael Sigler, Producer and Host of KTNQ’s radio program “Pa’Variar”
Jaqueline Hurtado, Multimedia Journalist/Reporter for Spectrum News
The panel will be moderated by Rick Garcia, Senior Strategic Advisor, Media at Lee Andrews Group, previous Emmy award-winning News Anchor at KCBS-TV and KCOP-TV, and Sports Anchor at KTTV.
While elections may be over, issues of government and community affairs are still at the forefront for many PR professionals and your clients. Join a robust discussion with political and community reporters and producers discussing how to pitch story angles ranging from issues such as education, immigration, climate change, water quality, police and fire services, the unhoused, access to healthcare and more! What matters to these reporters?
How can your clients garner coverage in the congested Southern California media market and create public affairs pitches that resonate? Join us to learn more.

REGISTER HERE

Look out for these upcoming ABWs. More details TBA.
May – In person event at Amazon Video – Entertainment – brunch/lunch event
July – Virtual or In Person event (topic TBC) – morning event
September – In person event – Technology – evening event
December – In person event if it doesn’t happen in July (Climate) – morning event

PRSA-LA: PRSSA/Emerging Professionals Spring Sips Mixer
2025-03-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Brews Brothers, 3000 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA, 91505, United States
PRSA-LA’s PRSSA/Emerging Professionals committee will be hosting a Spring Sips Mixer at Brews Brothers, 3000 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91505) from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Generously sponsored by Allison Worldwide, this event is free to attend and open to all those 18 and over, so bring a friend and network with local emerging professionals and other PRSSA and PRSA members alike looking to build a strong community! This is the first of many networking mixers and events the committee is planning for the year, and we’d love to have you there! Enjoy a complimentary drink (either a non-alcoholic beverage or select beer) and appetizers as part of our mixer!
Be sure to RSVP!
Please forward this along to colleagues, fellow chapter members, and others you feel would be interested! We hope to see you there!

PRophet Predict What’s Possible: Beyond the Buzz on Influencer Marketing
2025-04-22 09:00 - 10:00 | CA
PRophet Predict What’s Possible: Beyond the Buzz on Influencer Marketing.
Tuesday, April 22 • 9 a.m. PST / 12 p.m. EST
Via Zoom
REGISTER HERE
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Western District will host its first virtual webinar in collaboration with PRophet, “PRophet Predicts What’s Possible: Beyond the Buzz on Influencer Marketing.” Public relations and marketing leaders will unveil exclusive new research exploring why some influencers outperform others—even when metrics are identical. The webinar will examine what really moves the needle in sales and conversions, and how marketers can harness these insights for 2025 and beyond.
Over the last decade, digital marketing has undergone a fundamental transformation. Brands no longer control the conversation— creators do. Consumers now trust peer recommendations more than traditional advertisements, making creator-led marketing an essential strategy for brand growth and engagement. To better understand this evolving landscape, we will use this session to discuss our latest research on the power of Influencer marketing in with brands and agencies: findings, emerging trends, and strategies that will shape the future of creator marketing in 2025 and beyond.
Featured Speakers:

Limor Cohen – VP of Global Partnerships, LEADERS by PRophet
Limor Cohen is a dynamic marketing consultant with deep expertise in monetizing the influencer ecosystem. She is the founder of LCB Consulting and former executive at Komodo and Lightricks. Based in Tel Aviv, Limor holds an MBA from Reichman University.
Eran Nizri – CEO & Founder, LEADERS & IMAI by PRophet
A visionary entrepreneur and digital marketing pioneer, Eran Nizri is best known for founding and leading LEADERS into a globally recognized award-winning influencer marketing agency, and Influencer Marketing AI by PRophet. LEADERS was recently acquired by Stagwell Inc.

This session will reveal groundbreaking research that debunks common assumptions about influencer marketing. Key finding: influencers who post 10+ stories per day dramatically outperform peers, regardless of follower count or engagement rate—echoing the power of frequency in traditional media. Learn how this “repetition effect” can revolutionize company and brand creator-led campaigns.
REGISTER HERE

Event sponsored by:

PRSA Western District is comprised of 11 chapters in five western states: Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, southern California, and southern Nevada. PRophet is a cutting-edge platform for managing and optimizing influencer marketing campaigns.

PRSA - Ask the APR Expert
2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
Ask the APR Expert
April 30, 2025 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)

Interested in becoming an APR, but don’t know where to start? Grab a virtual seat and let us help you on your journey to #PowerUpYourPRofessionalLife!
This informal session will help you:

Identify APR eligibility
Navigate the APR process
Learn more about the benefits of becoming APR
Decide on the right time to start the process
And much more!

Presenters:

Monica Lester, APR
Aurora Meyer, APR
Tara Lynn Smith, APR
Stephanie Sonnenfeld Stinn, APR
Jennifer Trefelner, APR

REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT HERE

AAPI Heritage Month Networking Mixer
2025-05-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Thunderbolt, 1263 W Temple St,, Los Angeles, 90026, United States
AAPI HERITAGE MONTH NETWORKING MIXER
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 • 6:00 – 9:00 PM PDT
Thunderbolt • 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
REGISTER HERE
Join PRSA-LA and AAJA-LA on Wednesday, May 14, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a special AAPI Heritage Month celebration at Thunderbolt, a nationally acclaimed cocktail bar in the heart of Historic Filipinotown (1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026).
Connect with LA’s vibrant community of communications and journalism professionals and hear inspiring stories from AAPI voices shaping the future of media, PR, and storytelling. We’ll reflect on how identity, culture, and representation are transforming today’s communications landscape.
Thunderbolt is known for its Southern-inspired hospitality and creative cocktails. It was recently ranked #8 on North America’s 50 Best Bars, #64 globally, and named Best Bar in the West USA for 2024.
Enjoy a complimentary drink ticket, good for any cocktail on Thunderbolt’s menu—including favorites like the Jackfruit Thunderbolt, P-Town Boxing Club, and Lychee Daiquiri (which can be made as a mocktail or with alcohol)—plus tasty appetizers.
You must be on the RSVP list to get your free drink ticket.
Members (PRSA-LA, AAJA-LA): $25; Non-members: $35; Students: $15
A huge thank you to our event sponsors for their support:

REGISTER HERE

At Breakfast With...Entertainment Journalists and Producers
2025-06-11 08:30 - 09:30 | CA
At Breakfast With…Entertainment Journalists and Producers
Wednesday, June 11 • 8:30 – 9:30 AM PT
Via ZOOM
Presented by:

REGISTER HERE
Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, June 11 at 8:30 – 9:30 AM PT for a dynamic edition of PRSA-LA’s At Breakfast With… spotlighting entertainment journalists and producers based in Los Angeles.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, entertainment coverage is expanding beyond red carpets and premieres to include deeper narratives around culture, identity, social impact, and brand values. This timely conversation will explore how publicists can navigate today’s competitive media environment and craft compelling entertainment pitches that break through.
Hear directly from top entertainment reporters and producers on what grabs their attention, how they prefer to be pitched, and the types of stories they’re seeking now. Whether you’re promoting talent, projects, or campaigns with a purpose, this panel will offer actionable insights into securing coverage and building meaningful media relationships in Hollywood’s ever-shifting ecosystem.
Meet the speakers:

Katie Atkinson, Executive Digital Director, West Coast, Billboard
Jennifer Aguillon, Sr. Talent Booker, Access Hollywood, NBC Universal
Amy Sugarman, VP Public Relations and Talent, and Executive Producer, iHeartMedia
Liz Calvario, Editor and Reporter, Today.com
Katie Atkinson
Katie Atkinson is Billboard’s Executive Digital Director, West Coast and has worked for Billboard.com as an editor in the Los Angeles office since 2014. In addition to leading fan-facing coverage and breaking news on the website, Katie also co-hosts and co-produces Billboard’s Pop Shop podcast, a weekly discussion about the latest pop news and chart moves. Katie previously worked as a digital editor at Entertainment Weekly, where she co-hosted the Editor’s Hour show on SiriusXM’s EW Live. Before that, she was deputy managing editor at MTV News and an intern-turned-copy editor at The Detroit News after earning her journalism degree from Michigan State University.
Jennifer Aguillon
Jennifer Aguillon is a two-time Emmy winning producer with over 20 years of news experience in the national and local LA markets. She is currently a Senior Talent Booker for NBC’s Emmy Nominated Entertainment News Show “Access Hollywood” and daytime talk show, “Access Daily”. She is a first generation Mexican-American. She has produced for “Extra”, “California Live ”and news shows on KCBS and KTLA. She is creator and co-host of the podcast “Latina Life With Jen and Milena”. She is a member of the Television Academy, the Academy of Country Music, the USC Latino Alumni Association and the California Chicano News Media Association. A long-time supporter of the Jenesse Center and a volunteer at Project Angel Food, she is a proud native Angeleno.
Amy Sugarman
Amy Sugarman is a talent executive/executive producer at iHeartMedia. Upon becoming the fourth generation in her family to graduate from UC Berkeley (and as a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority), Ms. Sugarman began her career at KTVU Fox Channel 2 in the Bay Area, launching a 25-year (and counting) career in the entertainment industry. She has long been affiliated with celebrity stalwarts such as Mario Lopez and Ryan Seacrest, with whom she has worked for more than two decades. In addition to producing television and radio, Ms. Sugarman has produced many of iHeartMedia’s successful podcasts, helping to position the company as the #1 podcast publisher in the world. She has served as co-host of pop culture podcasts for iconic TV shows such as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “The Gilmore Girls,” and created and produced the podcast “Scrubbing In,” which has won the People’s Choice Award twice. Ms. Sugarman credits her successful career to her time at Berkeley.
Liz Calvario
Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based editor and reporter for TODAY.com, writing and editing entertainment, pop culture and trending news. You can also catch her covering events, including the Oscars, Latin Grammys, Emmy and more for TODAY.com. A Cal State Long Beach graduate, she has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for a decade. She began her digital journalism career at Variety Latino. Her work has been published in IndieWire, Deadline and Entertainment Tonight. As a Mexican American, she makes it her mission to spotlight Latin talent.

Don’t miss this must-attend event for PR professionals looking to stay ahead in the entertainment space.
Members: $15; Non-members: $30; Students: $5

REGISTER HERE

PRSA: The Entrepreneurial AI Edge: A Shift Framework for PR Success
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
REGISTER HERE

Transform the way you approach public relations with practical AI strategies that boost productivity, creativity and impact. Whether you’re running a solo consultancy or leading an agency, this PRSA Learning Webinar will show you how forward-thinking PR pros are using AI to stay competitive, save time and scale their results — all while keeping the human touch that drives exceptional storytelling.
What You’ll Learn:

Streamline and Simplify: Discover how AI can take care of repetitive tasks, giving you more time for the work that matters most.
Creative Amplification: Learn how AI tools can elevate your storytelling and content creation to captivate audiences in innovative ways.
Personalized Solutions: Explore AI solutions that enhance client experiences, build stronger relationships and support reputation management.
The Shift Framework: Get a proven road map for integrating AI into your PR operations to drive growth, innovation and long-term success.

This webinar gives you a clear, actionable framework to incorporate AI into your workflows — without overhauling everything or compromising what makes your work unique. Walk away with practical insights and a road map to transform your PR practice.
Elevate your strategy, stay ahead of the curve and discover what’s next for entrepreneurial PR professionals.

Presenter:
Andrea Gils Monzón
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.

Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE

PRSA: The ADA and Your Content: How To Be Compliant
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
REGISTER HERE
This PRSA Learning Webinar is designed for communications pros, PR experts and content creators eager to master accessibility in digital content. We’ll cover the basics of digital accessibility — what it is, why it matters and how it goes beyond just compliance to foster inclusivity in your messaging.
Through practical tips and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to apply accessibility best practices to everything from social media posts to corporate websites. We’ll also touch on the legal side of things, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring you understand both your obligations and the opportunities that come with accessible content.
You’ll walk away with a toolkit of resources, from automated checkers to screen readers, and the know-how to create digital narratives that resonate with all audiences including those with disabilities. By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make your communications truly inclusive.
By the end of this webinar, participants will:

Understand the core principles of digital accessibility and their significance in crafting inclusive communication strategies.
Learn how to apply accessibility best practices across various digital platforms including websites, social media and multimedia content.
Gain knowledge of the legal requirements surrounding digital accessibility including the ADA and WCAG guidelines, and how to ensure compliance.
Develop the skills to create compelling, accessible narratives that resonate with all audiences including people with disabilities.

Presenter:
Matisse Hamel-Nelis, ADS, CPACC

Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE

2025 SPORTS PR SUMMIT hosted by the L.A. Clippers
2025-06-24 09:30 - 18:00 | INTUIT DOME, 3930 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90303, United States
2025 SPORTS PR SUMMIT
hosted by the L.A. Clippers
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
INTUIT DOME | LOS ANGELES
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

The Premier Gathering for Sports PR & Communications Leaders
PRSA members are invited to attend the 2025 Sports PR Summit, June 24, in Los Angeles at the NFL West Coast Headquarters and the brand-new Intuit Dome, home of the LA Clippers. This one-day, behind-the-scenes experience brings together top voices in sports, media, entertainment and communications, featuring sessions and exclusive panels. Space is limited to just 100 total attendees and spots are filling fast.

This exclusive gathering of senior PR and digital media executives from across sports features unfiltered conversations that give attendees unparalleled access to the most influential voices in sports — League commissioners, team owners, professional athletes, and award-winning journalists.
Through high-impact discussions, best-practice sharing, and elite networking, attendees gain insider insights into navigating today’s evolving PR and media landscape, crisis communications, athlete branding, and digital strategy.

For a limited time, PRSA members can register now with a discounted promo code, PRSAVIP, for $499!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

PRSA Western District: How to Engage Diverse Audiences During Challenging Times
2025-06-25 09:00 - 10:30 | CA
PRSA Western District Virtual Program
How to Engage Diverse Audiences During Challenging Times
Jun 25, 2025 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
REGISTER HERE
We are excited to bring you one of the most popular sessions at the 2025 Western District Conference as a free virtual program for our members.
In an era of rapid cultural evolution and shifting political landscapes, PR professionals must adapt their strategies to effectively connect with diverse audiences. The current climate, marked by recent ICE raids and immigration protests, highlights the urgency of this challenge. This virtual program will explore how PR strategies are evolving to meet the demands of today’s volatile world. Speakers will share real-life case studies on building cultural authenticity and competence, and discuss how to navigate DEI initiatives in an environment where such efforts are increasingly under scrutiny.
Featured Speakers:
•Adam Robles | Senior Vice President, FENTON
•Suzie Bao | VP/Group Director, IWGROUP, Inc.
•Marina Filipelli | CEO, Orci Advertising
Moderator:
• Stephen Chavez | CEO, ChavezPR, PRSA-LA’s Immediate Past President
This is your chance to hear from senior marketing executives who are on the frontlines of guiding organizations how to reach diverse audiences.
Register today and be part of the conversation on building more inclusive, authentic, and resilient PR strategies for the future.
REGISTER HERE

PRSA: Five Ways To Tell Better Stories
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
REGISTER HERE

Could you do a better job of engaging readers through storytelling?
In this webinar, master the art of the storyteller — that’s a job that AI can’t do!
You’ll learn how to:

Find great stories inside and outside your organization.
Ask the question in an interview that will help subject matter experts share a story.
Write a great story, as easy as 1-2-3-4.

Presenter:
Ann Wylie

Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE

PRism Entries Submission Ends
2025-07-25 00:00 - 23:59 | CA
PRism Entries Applications will be accepted until midnight today.
SUBMIT HERE

Unidos: PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group Kickoff Event
2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00 | CA
Be part of history as we launch the PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group — an inclusive, dynamic space dedicated to empowering Hispanic-Latino communications professionals nationwide.
Join us Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 3 PM PT, for our inaugural virtual mixer, where you’ll connect with industry peers, share your voice, and help shape the future of our community within PRSA. This gathering kicks-off a regular series of networking sessions, but we’re aiming for more than that: it’s a celebration of identity, shared values, and collective ambition.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in communications, this event offers a unique opportunity to become a founding participant, build lasting connections, and contribute your perspective to the foundation of our Affinity Group. It’s a great opportunity to connect with industry peers, share your voice, and be a founding member of this impactful community.
Let’s launch something impactful — together. Use and follow #PRSAHispanicLatino to be part of the conversation before, during, and after the event.
TICKETS:
PRSA Member: FREE
Non-Member $15.00

REGISTER HERE

PRSA-LA Sunrise Honors
2025-08-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Los Angeles River Center & Gardens, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, 570 West Avenue 26, #100, Los Angeles, CA, 90065, United States
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE 7TH ANNUAL SUNRISE HONORS. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN THE CELEBRATION OF OUR ESTEEMED HONOREES!
August 14 • 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens • 570 W Ave 26, Los Angeles, CA 90065

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR PRESS COVERAGE PUBLISHED BY HISPANICAD.COM

This year marks the seventh year of PRSA-LA’s Sunrise Honors. The event will be held on August 14, 6:00 – 9:00 PM at the beautiful Los Angeles River Center and Gardens.
Sunrise Honors recognizes trailblazers and pioneers in the public relations and marketing world who have opened doors to increase the diversity and inclusion of underrepresented populations into the field of Communications. Through their perseverance and tenacity, we learn how to continue the important work to make the PR industry more inclusive and embracing of diverse perspectives.
The Sunrise Honors is PRSA-LA’s way of celebrating the longtime work of these champions.

Program:

6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Program Starts
9:00 p.m. Program Ends
We are thrilled to celebrate PR leaders who have risen to the top of their careers through innovation, commitment, and a determination to break down barriers to make our industry more inclusive and diverse.
This year’s honorees include:

Christopher Cathcart, CEO & Founder, OneDiaspora Group | LINKEDIN
Laarni Rosca Dacanay, Senior Comms Leader, Entertainment & Media | LINKEDIN
Francisco Oaxaca, Chief, Communications and Community Relations, L.A. Care Health Plan | LINKEDIN
Monica Trasandes, Senior Director of Spanish-Language & Latinx Media & Representation, GLAAD | LINKEDIN

HONOREE BIO
Christopher Cathcart, CEO & Founder, OneDiaspora Group

Christopher D. Cathcart is a seasoned branding and public relations strategist with more than 37 years of experience helping individuals, organizations, and brands tell their stories with clarity and purpose. His distinguished career includes roles with major media powerhouses such as CNN, Motown Records, and Warner Bros. Television. In 1995, he founded OneDiaspora Group, a communications consulting firm that has served a diverse range of clients across entertainment, business, and public service sectors.
A proud graduate of Howard University, Cathcart is also an author, college professor, public speaker, and passionate advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Among his most meaningful projects is HBCU Experience – The Book, a celebrated collection of essays he co-edited that honors the vibrant legacy of Black college life.
Cathcart has served as an adjunct lecturer at California State University, Northridge, for more than nine years, where he teaches public relations and journalism courses to a diverse student body. He is also a part-time instructor for Syracuse University and the UCLA Extension program. In addition, he spent a decade as a faculty member at Columbia College Hollywood, a leading film and television school in the Los Angeles area, where he taught marketing and public relations.
Throughout his career, Cathcart has had the privilege of working with iconic artists including Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Jill Scott, and Queen Latifah. He has trained more than 60 public figures in effective media communication and has delivered keynote addresses and workshops for organizations such as Verizon, Ross Stores, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Roblox, and dozens of colleges and universities, including USC, UCLA, Howard University, and numerous HBCUs across the country.
Cathcart is deeply committed to mentorship, volunteerism, and community uplift. He is the author of The Lost Art of Giving Back, a powerful guide to finding personal fulfillment through service. He has spent decades supporting youth and social causes, including long-standing work around HIV/AIDS awareness through the Black AIDS Institute, and the creation of Ledge, a lifestyle magazine for Black college students.
Whether speaking on branding, leadership, or the power of service, Christopher D. Cathcart remains dedicated to a singular mission: to inspire others to lead boldly, serve with purpose, and communicate with impact.

Laarni Rosca Dacanay, Senior Comms Leader, Entertainment & Media

Laarni Rosca Dacanay is an award-winning communications leader with 20 years of experience in media and entertainment, driven by purpose and powered by inclusion. A trusted advisor to senior leadership, she champions inclusion as a catalyst for workplace culture and business growth.
Committed to representation at every level — from interns to the C-suite, above and below the line, in front of and behind the camera, and in newsrooms — Laarni is a fierce advocate for representation in media.
She currently serves as External Communications Consultant for Creator Television, the first creator-led streaming network and content studio dedicated to bringing the authenticity and energy of social media storytelling to TV, with a mission to increase representation in television by showcasing creator-led programming that better reflects today’s diverse world.
Previously, Laarni made history as the first Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Programs & Outreach for ABC’s long-running hit television franchise “The Bachelor,” produced by Warner Bros. Television.
Laarni has held roles and consulted with major media companies including Warner Bros. TV, Comcast, TIME Magazine, NBCUniversal, Focus Features, and NBC. Among her industry firsts: she was the first Asian American to Co-Chair the Television Academy’s Diversity Committee, and the first Asian American to earn PRSA’s prestigious “Distinguished Service Award,” and she won six consecutive PRSA National Diversity Awards. She’s also a founding member of NBCUniversal’s Asian Pacific American Employee Resource Group.
A dedicated community leader, she serves on multiple boards and committees, including Chair of the PBS SoCal Community Advisory Board; Advisory Board Member, National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) LA Chapter; FilAm Arts Advisory Board; and the PRSA National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She also co-produces the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience at Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, TIFF, and Hawai‘i International Film Festivals — amplifying underrepresented voices in film and TV.
A proud alumna of Cal State Fullerton, Laarni co-founded the university’s Communications Alumni Chapter and now advises the CSUF Board of Directors through its Titan Pride Marketing & Communications Committee. She also completed UCLA’s Entertainment Publicity professional certification program.
Born and raised in Ohio and now based in Southern California, Laarni is the daughter of immigrants and she continues to uplift stories that reflect the world we live in. Follow her on X (fkaTwitter) @laarnid1.

Francisco Oaxaca, Chief, Communications and Community Relations, L.A. Care Health Plan
Francisco joined L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country with 2.7 million members, in 2014 as Director of Communications. In 2016, he was promoted to Senior Director of Communications and Community Relations and in 2020 was promoted to Chief, Communications and Community Relations. In this role he reports to the Chief of Staff, is a member of the CEO’s Executive Leadership Team and serves on the organization’s Equity Council Steering Committee. He oversees a staff of over 150 responsible for the organization’s internal and external communications, provider communications, community relations and sponsorships programs, community outreach and engagement including oversight of 9 consumer advisory committees, a 16-member volunteer Health Promoters Program, and a network of 14 community resource centers. He also oversees all health plan public facing websites and social media channels, media relations, video production and photography services and crisis communications. He will complete by mid-2025 an effort to expand the health plan’s community resource center network across Los Angeles County to 14 in a first of its kind 10-year, over $300 million partnership between L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. Prior to joining L.A. Care, he served as Director of Public Affairs at First 5 L.A., an independent Los Angeles County commission that is the leading funder of programs for families with young children in California.
Francisco earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Redlands and is a certified notary public. He also serves on the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Financing Authority board and on the board of Project Angel Food.

Monica Trasandes, Senior Director of Spanish-Language & Latinx Media & Representation, GLAAD

Monica Trasandes is the Senior Director of Spanish-Language & Latinx Media & Representation at GLAAD. Born in Uruguay and raised in San Diego, she studied International Relations at U.C. Santa Barbara and Writing at Emerson College. Monica has worked as a newspaper reporter and a magazine editor. She has published a novel (“Broken Like This”), short stories and essays and has written and produced several plays. Monica is proud to co-parent her wonderful 12-year-old daughter.
Monica was invited by the U.S. State Department to train embassy employees in Chile, activists in Guatemala and advocates participating in the U.S. International Visitors Council through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. She has been invited to give talks to journalism and communications students about LGBTQ issues at Stanford, USC, and Northwestern, among others. In 2023, she was part of the GLAAD delegation that traveled to the Vatican to meet privately with Pope Francis.
Her essays have been published in The Huffington Post (Latino Voices and Voces in Spanish); NBC Latino; Advocate.com, cnn.com and Writer’s Digest. Honors include: Telemundo’s “Mujeres Imparables” campaign; Recognitions from the Latino Equality Alliance, the California State Legislature and the city of West Hollywood. Profiles include: “Two Latinas Making a Difference” on nbc.com, Latina Magazine and Hispanic Executive magazine.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SUNRISE HONORS SPONSORS.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT PHOTOS

PRSA-LA Speed Pitch Mixer
2025-08-20 17:30 - 20:00 | ASU California Center, 1111 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA, 90015, United States
Join us for a fun and fast-paced evening where local journalists and PR pros connect, share, and spark stories, all while supporting the next generation of communicators.
PRSA-LA Speed Pitch Mixer
Speed dating meets story pitching. You won’t want to miss it!
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: ASU California Center, 1111 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90015
REGISTER HERE
Speed Pitch Mixer: Connect with local journalist and pitch your story ideas
Want to get your story in front of the media? The Speed Pitch Mixer is your chance to meet face-to-face with local journalists, share your best story ideas, and build lasting media connections.
How it works:
You’ll rotate through a series of short focused meetings with journalists. Each interaction is designed to give you a meaningful opportunity to pitch, ask questions, and learn what makes a story stand out.
When the bell rings, you’ll move on to the next journalist, so come prepared and make every second count!
Confirmed Media Guests:
Gustavo Arellano, Columnist, Los Angeles Times
Jacqueline García, Senior Reporter, CALÓ News
Marques Harper, Deputy Editor, Features, Los Angeles Times
Cora Jackson-Fossett, Managing Editor, Los Angeles Sentinel
Claudia Uballez, Associate Producer, Acceso Total, Telemundo
Erick Galindo, Contributing Editor, LAist
Kristen Muller, Executive Editor, Los Angeles Local News Initiative
Gisselle Palomera, Editor-in-Chief, Los Angeles Blade, CALO News
Mario Perea, Correspondent, Hoy Día, Telemundo
Why attend?
Pitch your ideas directly to journalists
Learn what editors and reporters are looking for
Build relationships that lead to stronger media coverage
Expand your PR network in a single evening
Whether you’re seeking coverage or growing media connections, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Connect in-person with local journalists in a fun and engaging format.
Limited spots are available. Grab your ticket today!
REGISTER HERE
Media Guests Bios:

PRSA: Five Ways To Simplify Messages
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 | CA
REGISTER HERE

Would your piece be twice as good if it were half as long? Research says, yes.
Learn how to make every piece you write easier to read and understand in this webinar. You’ll learn how to:

Use a cool, free tool to measure, monitor and manage readability.
Hit the right target for the length of your messages, paragraphs, sentences and words.
Use simple tricks and techniques for hitting those targets.

Presenter:
Ann Wylie

Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE
