The Public Relations Student Society of America awarded its first diversity grant as part of a goal to promote inclusiveness in the organization on Oct. 12.
"We didn't think people felt like they weren't included. We thought we were being open and inclusive of everybody, but when we started to hear from other people and students, they didn't feel that way,” said Shanetta Pendleton, the faculty adviser of PRSSA. “We wanted to make specific efforts to recruit different members into our organization."
The diversity grant is $65, which covers the membership fee for incoming students of the organization who are part of a minority group.
Applications were open to freshmen and sophomores who were not already part of the organization. Applicants wrote an essay on why diversity is important in public relations.
After reading the applications, the PRSSA executive board decided to award Ida Cage and Mariah Brown the grants.
Ida Cage
"Being one of the first people to receive this grant is an honor. It makes me feel as if I’m important enough to be considered,” said Cage, a sophomore public relations major. “I like to know that others see the potential I have and are willing to help me reach my goals in my career."
Cage is from Chicago and is double minoring in sports marketing and communications and event planning.
“I plan on starting my own public relations firm that works directly with the entertainment industry and those part of it,” Cage said.
Cage said she will use the skills she has learned at Ball State and from PRSSA to promote athletes, artists, musicians and anyone in need of PR services.
Cage is not only involved in PRSSA, but is also a member of the University Programming Board and a current contestant for the 2018 Miss Black and Gold Pageant through the Theta Xi chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Cage is also currently a resident assistant in Shively Hall in LaFollette Complex. As a resident assistant, Cage said she utilizes the networking and community growth skills she practices through her PR major.
“My job challenges me to find new ways to assist my residents in any way possible, meaning I am constantly coming up with ways to build a community amongst my residents,” Cage said. “This is to help them transition into the Ball State community, in order to find and understand their path here on campus and potentially life.”
Mariah Brown
Mariah Brown, a sophomore public relations major from Fort Wayne, said receiving the award is a “phenomenal opportunity” to grow an already “successful organization.”
"I have only been a member since August and I feel like part of the PRSSA family," Brown said. "Not only do you learn so much about public relations, but you have great supporters and mentors in PRSSA to guide you every step of the way."
Brown considers herself a “floater” and aims to join as many organizations as possible on campus. The most recent organization she has joined is Operation Black Out, a Ball State dance club.
“You never know when you might find something new. No matter how grown we all feel or intelligent we may be, there is always something new for us to try, learn and grow in,” Brown said. “I am newly the PR director for the dance group on campus called OBO. I can't wait to really be a part of the group and put my PR skills to use.”
Brown uses many different platforms to connect with a variety of people, including her current job at Jamba Juice and a vlog on YouTube, mariah kiera.
Contact Justice Amick with comments at jramick@bsu.edu.
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