Smart Talk Series

As we’ve learned this season, milestones don’t just appear. They come after brave actions, years, and sometimes decades of hard work and dedication. In the final episode of Season 10, Melissa interviews Michael Klein, Public Relations Manager at Ferrovial Construction, to discuss the career milestones he made possible by bravely asking for opportunities and taking action to bring them to life. About Michael: Mike Klein is a high-energy people person who began his career in television as a sports producer. Then changed career paths by becoming a public relations manager for one of the largest heavy civil construction companies in the world, Ferrovial Construction, and has found his calling in life. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Topics covered: - The value of making “the ask” - Mike’s career milestone moments - Navigating life-altering career milestones - How to be adaptable in dynamic situations - The importance of community relations - Tips on cultivating a positive mindset Resources mentioned: Jimmy Goldstein Ferrovial Construction Ontario Subway Project "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

A major milestone in your organization is the perfect time to take stock of what you’ve achieved and chart a path for the future. In this episode, Melissa interviews President & CEO of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Joe Nespral and TOSA’s Director of Communications Casey Casseb, to discuss celebrating 50 years of their organization’s important work in organ donation. About Joe: Joseph Nespral, MD, CPTC is the President & CEO of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Joe has been with TOSA since July 1997 and was promoted to CEO in October 2016. Joe has an extensive background in Organ Procurement Organization leadership in operations, restructuring, policy analysis, business development and quality improvement. About Casey: Casey Casseb has been creating and executing creative marketing, media, and events for unique brands for over 20 years. She has experience collaborating with Fortune 500 brands and is a strong advocate for personalized, committed, and exceptional service to all clients, both internal and external. Currently, she serves as the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance’s Director of Communications. Topics covered: - Joe and Casey's career milestone moments - Celebrating TOSA’s 50th anniversary - Organ donation myths and misconceptions - Joe and Casey’s favorite TOSA memories - Insights on communicating sensitive topics Resources mentioned: Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Donate Life Texas TOSA Wall of Heroes "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

Today, Melissa is taking a break from talking to seasoned professionals by sitting down with a future young professional: her daughter, Emilia. Listen as Melissa and Emilia discuss how communication professionals can support and inspire Generation Z and beyond as they work to achieve milestones of their own. About Emilia: Emilia Williamson is a rising junior in high school who has “interned” in public relations and communications since she was a toddler. She is an honor roll student, award-winning theatre performer and cosplayer, aerial dance artist, and tenured Junior Intern at MVW Communications. She aspires to be an American Sign Language Interpreter, actor, and aerial performer who may advance the public relations profession in surprising ways. Topics covered: Emilia’s memorable milestone moment Life as a junior in high school Emilia’s journey to her creative endeavors How to navigate change in a smart way How to build trust and cultivate voice with students Resources mentioned: Pop Madness San Japan Cirque Aria Tips to Inspire Student Voice "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

There are many moments in life, tragic and joyful, that can help create the person and professional you are today. In this episode, Melissa chats with Hussein Al-Baiaty, an author marketing strategist, about the past moments that shape us and the future moments we can manifest with the right mindset. About Hussein: Hussein Al-Baiaty is an author marketing strategist, author, and founder of Rising Authors, a platform that helps nonfiction writers grow their influence, income, and impact through powerful brand-building. As a refugee turned entrepreneur, Hussein combines storytelling, strategic marketing, and design to guide authors in turning their personal stories into thriving businesses. He also hosts The Rising Authors Experience podcast, where he interviews leaders and creators about resilience, purpose, and legacy. Follow Hussein on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - Hussein’s milestone moments - How becoming a father impacted Hussein - Advice for navigating uncertain times - Leveraging milestone moments to enhance your career - Insights on advancing your professional position Resources mentioned: Rising Authors "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

With each milestone you reach, your career and reputation grow. What good can you do with that power? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Claudia Romo Edelman, a global mobilization expert, about how Claudia uses her voice and influence to help positively change the world. About Claudia: Claudia Romo Edelman is a global mobilization expert, catalyst for social change and marketer for social causes. She is a recognized speaker, activist, thought leader, author, and upcoming entrepreneur. Follow Claudia on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - Claudia's milestone moments - What inspired Claudia to elevate the US Latino narrative - Key findings from the 2025 Hispanic Opportunity Toolkit - Claudia’s tips on promoting visibility Resources mentioned: The Hispanic Star Hispanic Sentiment Study LATINAFest 2025 Hispanic Opportunity Toolkit We Are All Human Foundation Hispanic Leadership Summit "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

Celebrating milestones as an entrepreneur can be difficult when you're trying to navigate a tough time or just busy serving your clients. In this episode, Melissa sits down with the President of Solo PR Pro, Karen Swim, to discuss how to leverage milestones as a business owner, the enduring spirit of solopreneurs, and how to take care of your well-being while leading the way in public relations. About Karen: Karen Swim, APR, is an accredited public relations professional, speaker, podcaster, author, and champion of independent by choice workers. She is the Founder of Words For Hire, a B2B, Technology and Healthcare PR and Marketing agency and the President of Solo PR Pro, a membership organization for independents and microagencies. In 2024, she also co-founded Data+PR, a collaborative with BlueRun PR that focuses on storytelling through data. Follow Karen on LinkedIn and Instagram Topics covered: - Karen's milestone moments - About the Solo PR Pro community - What inspires Karen to lead her community - Navigating uncertain times as a Solo PR Pro - Leveraging milestone moments - How to stop underestimating yourself Resources mentioned: - Words for Hire -Solo PR Pro "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and the hosts of That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast, Karen Swim and Michelle Kane about Melissa's tips on cultivating a purposeful personal brand.

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Chip Griffin about Melissa's unique journey in public relations and the importance of content creation.

Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and author champion and publishing strategist Hussein Al-Baiaty on the Rising Authors podcast where they discuss how challenging it was for Melissa to "be" the author for her first book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know." And then, what it was like to inspire other Latina leaders to go down that path with her with with her second, "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture." Thanks to Hussein for having Melissa on her show to talk about her journey!

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Irasema Romero and Lorraine Pulido. About Irasema: Irasema Romero is a seasoned internal communication advisor and leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience supporting leaders through transformative organizational changes. She currently leads internal communications at Gong, an AI-powered revenue intelligence platform, and has a leadership coaching practice, Ollin Growth, focused on supporting early-career leaders. Throughout her career, Irasema has worked with C-suite executives during key moments of growth, including major mergers and acquisitions, and has a track record of successfully navigating high-impact communication initiatives across companies like AT&T and Ancestry. Connect with Irasema on Linkedin. About Lorraine: Dr. Lorena “Lorraine” Pulido, Ph.D. became the communications director for the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) in August 2024. She has thirty years of experience in the communications industry, previously serving as communications manager for VIA Metropolitan Transit and public relations manager for the City of San Antonio. She was elected the first female and first Latina chairperson to lead the Brooks Development Authority Board of Directors and as a trustee for Alamo Colleges District for District 4 in San Antonio, Texas. She is an award-winning PR professional and adjunct professor at Texas A&M University- San Antonio and has taught hundreds of students in her twenty- four years of teaching at various colleges. Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Rachel Benavidez and Lilly Cortés Wyatt. About Rachel: Rachel Benavidez is a former journalist turned public relations and marketing professional who brings more than 25 years of experience to her role as Vice President of Communications and Strategy for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio. The local PRSA Chapter named her PR Professional of the Year in 2023 and in 2024 elected her President, to lead in 2025. She's a Rio Grande Valley native who has lived in San Antonio since 2008, with roles as editor in chief at San Antonio Magazine and City Editor at the San Antonio Express-News. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Follow Rachel on Facebook Follow Rachel on Instagram About Lilly: Lilly is the founder of SociosPR, an integrated communications firm known for its expertise in multicultural strategies and cultural competence. Drawing from her journalism background, Lilly leads a team with over a century of combined experience delivering tailored, human-centered communication solutions. With a commitment to diversity in thought and approach, Lilly offers insights that are intersectional, socially conscious, and environmentally aware, empowering clients to connect authentically with diverse audiences. Connect with Lilly on LinkedIn Follow SociosPR on LinkedIn Follow SociosPR on Instagram Follow SociosPR on Facebook Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Brenda Duran and Anais Biera Miracle. About Brenda: Brenda Duran is a seasoned media and communications specialist with over a decade of impactful service in Los Angeles County. Currently the Director of External Affairs for the LA County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department, she has excelled in expanding social media presence, launching successful multimedia campaigns, and crafting strategic messaging for key public programs. With a journalism degree from USC's Annenberg School, Brenda's career spans government communications and print media, showcasing her expertise in driving outreach and innovation across diverse platforms. Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn. Check out Brenda's website. About Anais: Anais Biera Miracle has 20 years of experience in communications, with expertise in litigation public relations, crisis communications, and nonprofit leadership. Anais is the Chief Communications Officer for one of the largest, Latino-led nonprofit organizations in the United States. Anais lives in Austin with her husband and daughter. Connect with Anais on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Jill Casey Pintor and Marisol Vindiola. About Jill: Jill is a PR and communications professional with experience spanning more than two decades across several industries including television, nonprofits, entertainment and finance. She currently works as a financial content writer at StreetCred PR. Jill holds a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Arizona and has served three terms as ethics chair on the PRSA Southern AZ Chapter Board of Directors. Jill is an Arizona native, raised in the border town of Douglas, and she resides in Tucson. Connect with Jill on LinkedIn. About Marisol: Marisol Vindiola is a Senior Business Development Manager in the multicultural space at Orange 142. She is passionate about public relations, relationship-building, marketing, tourism, and promotion of her heritage and culture. Her superpowers include being bilingual, binational, and bicultural—proud Latina. Connect with Marisol on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon. Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Jeannette E. Garcia and Paola Vargas-Strassner. About Jeannette: Jeannette is the Director of Communications at a San Antonio systems-change nonprofit organization, UP Partnership. In the past, Jeannette was a reporter with the San Antonio Business Journal. She has more than a decade of communications, public relations, and marketing experience, having led these types of efforts for places like the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department. She has a bachelor’s degree in public relations with concentrations in Latino Media Studies and Business Foundations from the University of Texas at Austin. Connect with Jeannette on LinkedIn About Paola: Paola Vargas-Strassner, MPS, APR is a Strategic Communications and Public Affairs professional currently serving the Maryland State. She is a well-traveled, seasoned bilingual communications professional who specializes in the areas of public affairs, strategic planning, and digital media. Connect with Paola on LinkedIn View Paola's portfolio Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Melissa Monroe and Olga Mayoral Wilson. About Melissa: Melissa Monroe, MA, APR has worked as a journalist for over 15 years and transitioned into PR in 2008. She works in the Marketing & Strategic Communications team at Northwest Vista College and stays busy in her community and with her family. Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn About Olga: Olga Mayoral Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA sees herself as a service leader providing service where it may be mostly needed. She was born in Puerto Rico, a beautiful Island in the Caribbean which nurtured her to be whom she is today. She is the youngest of three girls and has always loved reading and learning about cultures, their people and customs. Through travel, education and being exposed to so many experiences and locations, her thirst for knowledge, teaching and mentoring is somewhat quenched. Connect with Olga on LinkedIn Follow Olga on X Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Carmen Boon and Amelia Taurel Folkes. About Carmen: Carmen Boon, M.A. serves as the Vice President for Public Affairs at Food Bank For New York City, amassing decades of experience in crafting strategic communication strategies and spearheading social impact and advocacy initiatives. As a first-generation immigrant from Venezuela and a Fulbright scholar, Carmen has contributed to various New York City government agencies, tackling outreach challenges and managing crisis communications that provide critical services to millions. Her efforts in social impact communications within the nonprofit and public sectors have garnered her and her teams numerous recognizitions, including the Shorty Impact and PR Week Purpose Awards. Carmen is an alumna of both The New School in New York City and Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas. Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn About Amelia: Amelia Taurel Folkes, MPS, APR is an accredited PR professional and strategic communicator with a vision and passion for helping brands position themselves for growth. She has more than 18 years of experience in public relations and thought leadership supporting a variety of clients in the fields of technology, government, B2C and B2B, financial services, and non-profit sectors. Connect with Amelia on LinkedIn Follow Amelia on Blue Sky Topics covered: - How the authors got in Public Relations - What inspired them to share their story - A preview of each author's story - Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career - Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

Season premiere! For the first episode of season nine, Melissa reads the introduction from her new anthology, "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture." Topics covered: - What inspired Melissa to go on this new book journey - The introduction of "Latinas in Public Relations” Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

This season, we've learned that cultural strategy is essential, but approaches can feel hollow and performative without collaboration and authentic engagement with the cultures being recognized. In this season finale, Melissa speaks with Charlene Ostbloom, the founder of Bloom Communications and Angela Gonzalez, the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium. They dig into bridging cultures between business and Native communities, the missteps around Cherokee Barbie, and the incorporation of Native Land Acknowledgements. About Charlene: Charlene Ostbloom, founder of Bloom Communications, is dedicated to bridging cultures between businesses and Alaska Native communities. With decades of experience and deep roots in Nulato (noo-LA-Toh), Alaska, she offers Corporate Culture Camps, training, coaching and facilitation services. Charlene is also developing Native Women RISE, an innovative program that will celebrate the unique professional journeys of Indigenous women. About Angela: Angela Gonzalez is Koyukon Athabascan originally from Huslia, Alaska, and lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a communications professional, writer, and bead artist living in Anchorage, Alaska. She is currently the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium. Visit Bloom Communications' website. Connect with Charlene on LinkedIn. Read Angela's blog, Athabascan Woman. Follow Angela on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Topics covered: - Learning from Mattel's missteps from the Cherokee Barbie - Creating representation with Fish Camp Barbie - Native Land Acknowledgements - How Native Land Acknowledgements can be problematic - How to increase respect for Native cultural expressions and practices Resources mentioned: - World Eskimo-Indian Olympics - "Mattel Missteps With Cherokee Barbie" - "Barbie releases Juan Gabriel-inspired doll to honor the Mexican icon's legacy" - "Viral ‘Fish Camp Barbie’ celebrates Alaska Native heritage" - First Alaskans Institute - "The Love/Hate Dilemma of Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments: A Call for Authenticity" - PRSA Counselor's Academy - Athabascan Woman Blog - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" - MVW Communications

Creating a cultural strategy is not enough. Effectively implementing your strategy is the first step to enacting real change. Listen as Melissa talks with Ben Finzel and LaTricia Harper Woods, APR of The Change Agencies about activating cultural strategy in today's society. About Ben: Ben Finzel is president of RENEWPR, a Washington, DC-based public relations firm. Ben and his team of seven independent PR professionals provide advice, counsel and outreach on strategy, messaging, media and partnerships to clients tackling energy, environmental and equity issues and opportunities. Ben is one of two founders of The Change Agencies, the national network of inclusive PR firms focused on changing the way business and organizations communicate across cultures. About LaTricia: LaTricia Woods is an award-winning, accredited public relations professional with more than 29 years of industry experience. She is the Founder and CEO of Mahogany Xan Communications, where she leads a talented team of professionals and serves a national client portfolio. She is also the founding principal of The Change Agencies. Follow The Change Agencies on Facebook. Follow The Change Agencies on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - The current state of cultural competence in comms - Key drivers for the creation of The Change Agencies' cultural strategy - Embodying the cultural nuances of different target audiences - Implementing cultural strategy in today's political climate - Avoiding cultural appropriation - Staying ahead of cultural trends and adapting strategies Resources mentioned: - The Change Agencies - “Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know” - MVW Communications

Sometimes the audiences that are the easiest to reach are not the ones that you need to hear from. In today's episode, Melissa sits with Jessica Broome Ph.D., the founder of Southpaw Insights about what inclusive insights are and how they can benefit every communicator. About Jessica: Dr. Jessica Broome is a survey methodologist and insights professional. She founded Southpaw Insights in 2008 to conduct meaningful, human-centered research that helps organizations make smart decisions and connect with audiences. Southpaw does qualitative and quantitative research to help clients understand what people think, feel, and do. Email Jessica at jessica@southpawinsights.com Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn. Follow Southpaw Insights on LinkedIn. Topics covered: - The importance of inclusive insights - Findings from niche audiences - Challenges when communicating with hard-to-reach audiences - The future of inclusive insights - Findings from studies on women and self-promotion - How communicators can utilize inclusive insights Resources mentioned: - Southpaw Insights - “Barriers to Accessing Swim Lessons and Water Safety Information for American Indian and Alaska Native Persons” - “Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know” - MVW Communications