Saying Goodbye to our PRSSA Exec Board

by Delaney Padgett 

With the 2023-2024 school year coming to a close, PRSSA would like to acknowledge the senior executive board who has worked so diligently this year to serve and represent our chapter well. We are so proud of the dedication, leadership, commitment and character that they have intentionally carried throughout their roles in PRSSA.

Below are some personal statements from each of the executive board members about what PRSSA means to them, along with their plans after college and advice they have for younger students. We wish each of you the best of luck after graduation and in your future career endeavors!

Morgan Jones – President

“PRSSA has become a cornerstone of personal and professional growth,” Jones said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made and the career preparation I’ve developed throughout my four years in this organization. As I transition to this next phase of my life, I will always take with me the lessons learned and the supportive community created in this organization.”

After graduation, Morgan will join MSL as a fellow in their health practice.  Morgan also said that she is looking forward to the different possibilities for work within the health and social impact sectors.

“Everyone’s path to success looks different and everyone’s definition of success looks different. It can be easy to compare yourself to others around you, but ultimately everyone is figuring out life at their own pace. The right path for you might not be the same as your friends and classmates around you and that’s OK,” she said. “Focus on bettering yourself personally and professionally and you will get a better grasp on what you want from your career and the type of person you want to be to your community.”

Sophie DiFusco – Vice President

“PRSSA has given me a closer community within Grady where I always feel supported and understood,” she said. “I’ve built lovely friendships here that made Grady feel like home.” 

After graduation, Sophie will be working at MP&F in Nashville.

“My advice to younger students is to say yes to every opportunity that you even remotely want so you don’t look back and have any regrets,” DiFusco said.

Eli Banzon – Director of Internal Communications

“PRSSA has shown me all the ways I can use my unique skills and interests to make a positive impact in the professional world,” he said. “These last three years in PRSSA have helped me to grow personally and professionally, and I will definitely miss Tuesday nights in Studio 100.”

After graduation, Eli will stay in UGA’s Double Dawgs program for another year to pursue an M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication with an emphasis in Integrated AdPR.

“Believe in yourself,” Banzon said. “Everyone at UGA is super talented and ambitious, so it’s easy to compare yourself to others. Just know that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be and don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you’re behind.“

Kathryn Penn – Director of Member Relations

“PRSSA has been one of the most influential experiences of my college career,” Penn said. “Being surrounded by so many driven, creative individuals has pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Serving as a committee head and on exec has been so rewarding and I’m so glad I have been able to give back to the club that has inspired and encouraged me in so many ways. Our advisor, Kim, is the most amazing teacher, mentor and friend and we are lucky to have her guidance in steering our organization.” 

After graduation, Kathryn will be working as a consultant with Ketchum.

“My advice to younger students is to take advantage of the resources and opportunities UGA and Grady provide,” she said. “There are so many people who want to help you.”

Mia Bonfiglio – Director of Content

“PRSSA has been so much more than just an extracurricular for me,” Bonfiglio said. “I have made such amazing friends and built a community that I will cherish long after graduation. I’m so thankful for the opportunity PRSSA has given me to strengthen my communication skills and learn so much about the industry.”

After graduation, Mia will move to Chicago to begin her job as an Associate Analyst for United Airlines Marketing and Loyalty team.

“My advice to younger students is to never be afraid to put yourself out there,” she said. “I have seen so many people through PRSSA make amazing connections and build their network leading them to great careers after graduation.”

Sara Lawrence – Public Relations Director

The PRSSA executive board pictured from left to right: Jin Lee, Kathryn Penn, Mia Bonfiglio, Deborah Yoon, Abby Samet, Eli Banzon, Sara Lawrence, Sophie DiFusco and Morgan Jones.

“PRSSA has truly been my family within Grady,” Lawrence said. “I have been a member since freshman year and have grown so much as a student, leader and individual overall through this organization. Being a PRSSA member actually convinced me to change my major to PR my sophomore year and I’m so thankful for PRSSA introducing me to a career path I love.”

After graduation, Sara will be working as a Public Relations Coordinator for Blue Hominy Public Relations in Atlanta.

“My advice for younger students would be to get involved as much as you can outside of your Grady classes,” she said.  “We have such amazing extracurricular opportunities to take advantage of that really prepare you to be a standout candidate for internship and job applications.”

Deborah Yoon – Social Media Director

“To me, PRSSA is a community within and outside the walls of Grady,” Yoon said. “I have been so grateful to have served on the executive board and am so excited to see what happens next year.”

After graduation, Deborah will begin her internship at MullenLowe in New York City.

“A lot of college is worrying about the future and what’s next,” she said. “I have definitely been there, especially in this season of trying to find an offer post-grad. A piece of advice I have is to live in the moment and to not take the time you have for granted!”

Jin Lee – Director of DEI & Outreach

“PRSSA has been the most valuable Grady organization in my time at college,” Lee said. “Beyond the speakers, leadership conferences and networking opportunities, I’ve learned how to lead a team whilst keeping myself accountable for our shared goals. With all of that said, PRSSA means encouragement and excitement for my future as my peers on the executive board have truly become my friends, and I am thrilled to see where all of our post-grad plans take us.”

After graduation, Jin will join the consumer brands team at MSL Chicago.

“My biggest piece of advice for younger students is to be curious,” she said.  “Attend events, ask questions and introduce yourself to everybody — the media industry is small and you never know who you’ll see in the future.”