JCRL_Booklet_DigitalVersion - Flipbook - Page 3
In Their Own Words
FPRA reached out to past Joe Curley Rising Leader class members and asked them
to share insights and to describe their leadership path since their nomination. Here is
what they had to say.
Jennifer Trefelner, APR, CPRC, Director of Communications &
Development, Diocese of Palm Beach, Treasure Coast Chapter,
Class of 2012 & 2013
“Being a leader means that you are a role model and mentor. I have
enjoyed being a mentor for numerous FPRA and PRSA members over the
years and supporting them through their professional journey.”
Leadership Path: “Since I was nominated for the Joe Curley Rising Leader Award,
I have had more than 30 professional speaking engagements, published more than
20 professional articles, webinars/Zooms, and podcasts and earned more than 80
professional awards. I have also served on the Public Relations Society of America’s
National APR Committee, am the PRSA State Chair for the APR, and serve as the
PRSA Palm Beach Chapter Board as the APR Co-Chair, plus am the editor of the PRSA
National APR publication. I proudly serve on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities
Palm Beach and volunteer for their Gala Committee. Locally, I am on several non-pro昀椀t
organization boards and am a member of numerous professional associations.”
Julie Hall, APR, Director, Internal Communications, Hilton Grand
Vacations, Orlando Area Chapter
Class of 2015
“To me, leadership is about service — advocating for your team and
helping them grow. A great leader fosters trust, empowers their team to
do their best and gets out of their way so they can shine!”
Leadership Path: “Around the time I was recognized, I had the opportunity to take a
promotion with a different organization, where I led national media relations for over
seven years. Being recognized within FPRA and serving in that role bolstered my
con昀椀dence as a communication professional and counselor. I ultimately went on to
earn my APR accreditation, took on additional leadership responsibilities and earned
further promotions.”
Alisha Katz, MAMC, APR, Communications Director, University of
Florida, College of Health & Human Performance, Gainesville Chapter
Class of 2015
“To me, being an effective leader goes way beyond bringing strategic
thinking skills to the table. More importantly, being a leader means being
there for my team when they need me, being an active listener, leading with empathy
and giving them the freedom to do their best work.”
Leadership Path: “Since being recognized, I have served as Image Awards chair
(twice) and excelled in my career to communications director at the University of
Florida College of Health & Human Performance. I have also obtained my APR and
earned my Master of Arts in Mass Communications!”
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