In public relations, diverse perspectives have a significant influence on how we develop narratives that are seen by the general public. Visualize a group that connects individuals with different backgrounds, habits, and life experiences. This diversity of viewpoints guarantees that the messages we communicate are understood by a wide range of individuals while also representing the diversity of our society. When we talk about cultural competence, we mean that this diverse team understands the different ways people see the world. This understanding is crucial for crafting messages that are not just respectful but also connect with diverse communities. It's like speaking the language of your audience, making sure your message hits home. Now, think about authenticity and trust. People are more likely to believe and connect with messages that come from a diverse group of voices. When we see ourselves in the messages we receive, it builds a sense of trust. Trust is a big deal in communication – it's the foundation of strong relationships between organizations and the people they're talking to. But it's not just about trust; diversity also brings creativity to the table. Different perspectives mean different ways of thinking. This diversity of thought sparks creativity, helping us find innovative solutions to the challenges we face in getting our messages across. In the fast-paced world of public relations, being able to think creatively and adapt to new trends is a huge advantage. Adaptability is key in our field. Things change quickly, and we need to be responsive to what's happening around us. A diverse team is like having a toolkit filled with different skills and experiences. It makes us better at navigating the twists and turns of the ever-changing media landscape. And let's not forget about steering clear of stereotypes and biases. A diverse team is more likely to catch and avoid these pitfalls, making sure our messages are respectful and free from harmful stereotypes. It's about promoting ethical and responsible communication. Understanding our audience is another big plus. A diverse team brings insights into different market segments, making sure our messages are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of various groups. This understanding is crucial, especially in industries where reaching specific demographics is a top priority. In our globalized world, having a global perspective is a must. Companies and brands operate on an international scale, and a diverse team helps us navigate the complexities of talking to people from different cultures. It ensures our messages are culturally sensitive and connect with audiences around the world. In a nutshell, having diverse voices in public relations is a game-changer. From understanding cultures and building trust to being creative and adaptable, diverse teams make our approach to communication more effective. It's not just a smart move strategically; it's also a commitment to communication that's inclusive, ethical, and responsible. As more organizations recognize the value of diverse voices, public relations is evolving into a more dynamic and impactful force in shaping the stories we tell.

I am inspired daily to be involved in my community due to the lack of necessities and resources for low-income students and families. My family faced various hurdles growing up in the New York low-income housing community. These hurdles included having access to a grocery store instead of a convenience store, closing almost all parks, pools, and anything recreational for children, and school equipment in decent condition. Unlike low-income communities, these basic necessities are prioritized and executed promptly. Despite my adolescence, I quickly realized how problematic this was for not only my family but as well as my entire community. And soon enough, I acknowledged that my goals and aspirations would be to create change for kids like me and families that shared the same struggles as mine. As of today, our community faces another major hurdle, and that hurdle is gentrification. Low-income families that depend on affordable housing are paid to move out of their homes so that casinos, unaffordable grocery stores, luxury apartments, etc., can be built. Inflation has also heavily affected all communities. Consequently, no positive change is happening in many communities that experience these hurdles daily. As a High School student, I became passionate about advocacy and community development. My dedication to serving my community had become much more profound than community service hours to graduate. In my freshman year of High School, I began volunteering for summer camps and soup kitchens for the homeless. I also served food and toiletries to victims of domestic violence. Throughout my Junior and Senior years, I decided to carry out my own agenda in giving back to my community. Not only had I founded an LGBTQIA+ advocacy club at my local High School not only to ensure a safe learning environment for our LGBTQIA+ students but as well as educate the remaining student body on the LBGTQIA+ community. My senior class hosted a holiday drive of brand new toiletries for St.Joseph's House homeless shelter. I will acquire my communications degree to create a platform for Businesses and Non-profit organizations to make changes within their communities. In addition to obtaining the necessary skills, I will improve their brand awareness and impact on local or distant communities. This will benefit not only the Businesses but also the communities in search of change. , I will improve their brand awareness and impact on local or distant communities. This will benefit not only the Businesses but also the communities that are not only looking for resources but seeking permanent and positive change. Thank You, Selection Committee, for your consideration.

I am inspired daily to be involved in my community due to the lack of necessities and resources for low-income students and families. My family faced various hurdles growing up in the New York low-income housing community. These hurdles included having access to a grocery store instead of a convenience store, closing almost all parks, pools, and anything recreational for children, and school equipment in decent condition. Unlike low-income communities, these necessities of a community are prioritized and executed promptly. Despite my adolescence, I quickly realized how problematic this was for not only my family but as well as my entire community. And soon enough, I acknowledged my goals and aspirations would be focused on creating change for kids like me and families that shared the same struggles as mine. As of today, our community faces another major hurdle, and that hurdle is gentrification. Low-income families that depend on affordable housing are paid to move out of their homes so that casinos, unaffordable grocery stores, luxury apartments, etc., can be built; furthermore, inflation has also heavily affected all communities. Consequently, there is no positive change happening in many communities that experience these hurdles daily. As a High School student, I became passionate about advocacy and community development. My dedication to serving my community had become much more profound than community service hours to graduate. In my freshman year of High School, I began volunteering for summer camps and soup kitchens for the homeless. I also served food and toiletries to victims of domestic violence. Throughout my Junior and Senior years, I decided to carry out my agenda of giving back to my community. Not only had I founded an LGBTQIA+ advocacy club at my local High School not only to ensure a safe learning environment for our LGBTQIA+ students but as well as educate the remaining student body on the LBGTQIA+ community. My senior class hosted a holiday drive of brand new toiletries for St.Joseph's House homeless shelter. I will acquire my communications degree to create a platform for Businesses and Non-profit organizations that are making changes within their communities. In addition to obtaining the necessary skills, I will improve their brand awareness and impact on local or distant communities. This will benefit not only the Businesses but also the communities that are not only looking for resources but seeking permanent and positive change. Thank You, Selection Committee, for your consideration.

My name is Imani Wyatt. I'm a twenty-one-year-old college student from Queens, New York, who is passionate about mental health and entrepreneurship; I will be pursuing my Bachelor's in Public Relations. As a young black woman, certain obstacles and adversities became familiar at a young age. They later traveled with me into my adult matriculation. But one above all is understanding the meaning of being a strong black woman in America. According to my mother, being a strong black woman means being independent in every aspect of your life, including your emotions. She heavily preached that the foundations you build must be held together no matter the circumstances and to take care of the people you love. As a child, I admired this ideology and even formed an image of my mother as a superhero. As I grew with age and wisdom, I realized how unhealthy this ideology was. Carrying this ideology with me into adulthood caused me to struggle with my mental health. At the early age of seven, I was diagnosed with depression and PTSD, and later at the age of twenty-one, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Depression. During my treatment, I later learned my mother suffered from the same mental health issues but instead chose to hide behind her preachings to groom me into the" firm" black woman she believed I had the potential to be. What I have learned is that mental health is real. In the black community, there is a massive stigma on mental health and how to cater to your mental health when it becomes poor. The most important lesson I've learned is that suppressing your emotions isn't what makes you a strong woman. A "strong" black woman consists of vulnerability and acknowledgment of her feelings and limitations. This doesn't make her weak or overly emotional, as it is perceived in modern-day society. But it's what makes her a superhero. I will acquire my Bachelor's degree in Public Relations to create a platform for Black Business owners fighting back against the various stigmas of mental health in the Black community. The most heavily campaigned brands on social media are fashion, fitness, travel, beauty, etc. In today's digital world, mental health advocacy consistently falls behind, with a few majorities prioritizing it on their social media. With my degree, I will create a platform for Black businesses whose mission is to battle mental health stigmas through advocacy and community. Thank you, the selection committee, for your consideration.

My name is Imani Wyatt. I'm a twenty-one-year-old college student from Queens, New York, who is passionate about mental health and entrepreneurship; I will be pursuing my Bachelor's in Public Relations. As a young black woman, certain obstacles and adversities became familiar at a young age. They later traveled with me into my adult matriculation. But one above all is understanding the meaning of being a strong black woman in America. According to my mother, being a strong black woman means being independent in every aspect of your life, including your emotions. She heavily preached that the foundations you build must be held together no matter the circumstances and to take care of the people you love. As a child, I admired this ideology and even formed an image of my mother as a superhero. As I grew with age and wisdom, I realized how unhealthy this ideology was. Carrying this ideology with me into adulthood caused me to struggle with my mental health. At the early age of seven, I was diagnosed with depression and PTSD, and later at the age of twenty-one, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Depression. During my treatment, I later learned my mother suffered from the same mental health issues but instead chose to hide behind her preachings to groom me into the" firm" black woman she believed I had the potential to be. What I have learned is that mental health is real. In the black community, there is a massive stigma on mental health and how to cater to your mental health when it becomes poor. The most important lesson I've learned is that suppressing your emotions isn't what makes you a strong woman. A "strong" black woman consists of vulnerability and acknowledgment of her feelings and limitations. This doesn't make her weak or overly emotional, as it is perceived in modern-day society. But it's what makes her a superhero. I will acquire my Bachelor's degree in Public Relations to create a platform for Black Business owners fighting back against the various stigmas of mental health in the Black community. The most heavily campaigned brands on social media are fashion, fitness, travel, beauty, etc. In today's digital world, mental health advocacy consistently falls behind, with a few majorities prioritizing it on their social media. With my degree, I will create a platform for Black businesses whose mission is to battle mental health stigmas through advocacy and community. Thank you, the selection committee, for your consideration.

Covid-19 has had various negative effects on many families, businesses, etc. Above all Covid-19 has had an extremely negative impact on the black community. The Black community has declined economically, socially etc. Living in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the most common cities that demonstrate the decline on black communities since the birth of Covid -19, inspires me every single day to give back to my community. One major everyday struggle that black families not only face in the city of Atlanta as well as all over the world is the lack of resources for families in need. Most assistance requires qualifications that are difficult for families in need to meet due to their unstable living situations and times of need. Not only have I observed these families in need, but I have also been apart of the families that are currently in need during the pandemic. This inspired me and my family to become apart of the solution. And that solution is called Fulfilling Hope int'l. Fulfilling Hope is a non profit organization that was started by myself and my family to be at service to the families in need of the Metro Atlanta area. So far this year we have held four events including a back to school drive, thanksgiving donation drive, and a free basketball summer program for elementary students who cannot afford summer programs. As the year continues Fulfilling Hope will continue to focus on a pending program where young mothers can have access to free child care, food assistance, work and educational opportunities.