On Tuesday, March 31, PRSSA held a panel on belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion (BEDI) in public relations brought together students and professionals to discuss representation and communication in the industry. Speakers included Sydney Palmer, a PR graduate pursuing journalism at Grady College; Professor Stephen Jiwanmall, or “Prof J.”, a former TV reporter turned PR professor, Bianca Anderson, a digital communications professional in biopharma, and Lizbeth Salbon, a Terry College student and campus leader.
The group highlighted a key gap in PR: while the field is about 81% women, it lacks racial and socioeconomic diversity. Many professionals come from similar educational backgrounds, limiting access to leadership for others. This makes BEDI especially important. Lizbeth emphasized that diverse perspectives drive creativity and help reach wider audiences, while Bianca noted that representation within teams leads to more authentic campaigns. Prof J added that BEDI is often seen as political or threatening, but that resistance reflects a fear of change.
Young professionals speak to PRSSA members about BEDI.
Each speaker shared how their identity shapes their work. Sydney discussed challenging stereotypes in news coverage, especially around issues affecting marginalized communities. Prof J stressed that stories tied to identity should be treated as human stories, not limited to specific months or labels. Bianca recalled advocating for patient representation when DEI language was being removed from company materials. Lizbeth spoke about recent pushback against DEI and how it motivates her to represent her community and challenge stigmas.
A key takeaway was the need for intentionality. Inclusion should be genuine, not performative, and communicators must consider their audience and impact. The panel also emphasized speaking up, though it can be uncomfortable, because it’s necessary for change. Ultimately, strong communication comes from diverse perspectives, thoughtful messaging, and a willingness to advocate for others.
