My Second Coming Out

I haven’t blogged about PR or digital media in quite some time. Why? It could be due to a myriad of reasons from laziness to being busy to well, life, but after sitting down today and thinking about those whys, it dawned on me that I stopped blogging around the same time that I came out as gay. And, honestly, this made me sad.

I have always been an advocate for advancing minorities in the Communications industry, but when I was labeled with an LGBTQ sticker, I questioned what this meant for me professionally. Honestly, I don’t know many professionals who are openly gay therefore I assumed it wasn’t ‘ideal’ in this industry.

The reality of the situation is that I cannot decipher people’s personal opinions about gays. Therefore, I leave it out of general public discourse in social media and/or office talk. If they don’t know, they can’t crucifix me nor can they speak about me behind my back. I’m always wanted to be known for my drive, talent and passion, but in my mind, being gay put a wrench in that.

The sad thing is—I’ve always had mentors, people to steer me in the right direction whenever I was confused about what I wanted to do and what I wanted to learn. When I realized that I was gay – I abandoned the idea that those individuals would still be proud of me.

I know some people will tell me that I shouldn’t really bring this little tidbit about me in the professional arena – I mean, it doesn’t affect what I do, right? The silly thing is…if I did this, I would be a hypocrite because I have always been an advocate for minorities in this industry. I want to help cultivate a welcoming environment for future leaders (regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation) in the industry. The fact is this—if you look at the C-suite of most corporations, it’s riddled with white heterosexual males. Kudos for their success, but I want to do something about that. And, when I do…I want whomever to look at me and know that I’m proud of who I am and that I succeeded...they can too.

So, hello PR world, this is my second coming out—I’m gay and I’m a Communications professional. What do you think about this topic? I am curious to hear your thoughts, so please comment below or e-mail me at Debbie.Ebalobo@gmail.com.

*I am tentatively creating a group for students and professionals in PR/Advertising/Marketing/Digital who identify as LGBTQ. If you or someone you know is interested in helping, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Debbie.Ebalobo@gmail.com.

Hello--The Real World Isn't Easy. (Advice a year later)

So, I began my blog ranting about my job search when I attended a career fair close to a year ago, but I wanted to express how my perception has slowly changed (and it may take a few posts but here is the first).

I am now a senior AND I have 6 internships (gasp!), but more importantly, I am wiser than my rant in my younger years. In my first post, I spoke about being involved because I was in over 4 Asian American organizations, and it seemed like no one cared. Employers wanted concrete job experience instead of leadership experience. I was so flustered when I wrote about it. I thought to myself...what's up with that?

Well, from personal experience, I will say that organizational involvement, whether employers look at it or not, is a major tool for any student. In all my internships, I personally felt as if I did well because I knew how to handle myself.

Why? Because all of my previous experiences in organizations gave me the knowledge to handle pressure . Second, I could get along with ANYONE. I think this is one of the biggest assets I gained. I worked with different people all day. Additionally, getting involved with any organization teaches initiative. I am always looking at what I can do for my organizations and I think this translates to a job. In every job I have ever held, I always looked at what I can do for my client. In my opinion, you can't really teach that in a job setting.

So is that it? Students should join clubs because they will receive personal fulfillment? NO! Believe it or not, with the personal fulfillment, organizational involvement will also help you land an internship.

Once you land that interview, people will start asking about your involvement.Be truthful and you will be remembered.

So is that all I learned in a year?

Honestly, I am still angry at some aspects of the lack of diversity in PR, however I see that internships are key whether you are White, Black, Asian, or Latino. I was only thinking from my perspective, but employers need to be smart about hiring, so they want people with experience.

What is Diversity?

Every single time I am asked this question, I become irritated. I also get very bored rather quickly. Diversity? Are you serious?

I don't know if I am being arrogant, but I don't believe in an entire discussion about this question. It's archaic and a waste of time. It becomes a frilly mess. It becomes "I remember this time when..." Everyone claps. People cry. That is it. The end.

Um, what did that accomplish? Nothing. It is the easy way to discuss diversity--just put people together to talk. See? EASY! So, what should we do instead?

I think we need to put a little more effort into our talks.

First, spend less than 10-15 minutes speaking about the WHAT. We need to look deeper by examining case studies, experiments, and other factual information and draw them into the discussion. We need to be real! Experiences are nice, but once we arm people with facts, that's when things happen. Get with the picture folks. Some people may shake their heads because of individuals from homogenous environments, but they need to stop kidding themselves.

I know people are from small towns, but we need to stop babying them. Those initial 10-15 minute conversations will help out, and the conversation after will empower them. So, be a maverick in the diversity issue. Go past the diversity pow-wows and add something new.

I'm tired of going in circles. Aren't you?

Hello--The Real World Isn't Easy.

I have preached about the importance of diversity in PR, but after a real time internship in the big Apple, my world has been rocked (or shaken) a little bit.

I know that people think that I have a naive notion of diversity existing in the world (not just in PR), but this is what I believed. However, for a brief 2 months, I have been thrown into the depths of business and its heart--money.

I have always heard individuals tell me that diversity exists when clients ask for diverse people, but in all honesty, I thought this was bullocks. I thought that diversity needed to occur from the inside in--as if we needed to be the change. It frustrated me when people didn't see it like I did--success=diversity.

Well, shucks--I may have been too young to grasp what everyone was saying.

In my perfect world, I was encircled by the world of academia (which I love) and learned theories about what makes good PR and I assumed that this was that. I assumed that everyone knew that logic stood in the side of diversity, but academia, in all its glory, isn't real life.

Business is about profit.

I guess I have been dealing with this issue for a rather long time now because if PR was about profit, then my point was mute. So I have been rather silent for a long period of time, but after rethinking, I came up with a new "enlightened" point of view.

It needs to start with teachers. (don't even roll the eyes)

Teachers, like many of my Grady professors, teach me in a way that I am confident in my abilities. They push me to want more than what I have. How does this relate to diversity?

Simple--empower diversity through students. The most succesful people I know are smart. They are smart because of their teachers and the encouragement they felt. Cliched? I know, but there is always truth in a cliche.

I am starting to see increasing numbers of minorities entering PR--now that they are choosing the major, the skills need to follow.

So, what can you do? Mentor, teach, and be a support. It doesn't matter if you are still college (there is still someone that needs help) and it doesn't matter if you are a CEO (you still need to learn from younger people)--be cognizant of your role in the bigger picture.

Business is driven by profit--we can make diversity profitable if we support the professionals below and above us. It isn't a game to get to the top--it's making our industry better by doing something now.

So, students--
1. Find a mentor.

And, proffesionals & teachers--
1. Find a mentee

You can't surf unless someone teaches you. And you won't get better until you teach.



http://diversifiedpr.blogspot.com/

Answer to Diversity

I posed a question last week and the answer is....

The answer is 2.

Well, the answer isn't as easy as a math problem, but there are ways to increase awareness about diversity without overdoing it to the point that you are too overzealous and in return, you aren't accomplishing your goal.
Oh, and before beginning, I want to say that this is my opinion. I want everyone to know that I am no expert nor do I teach diversity topics. I am just a student with personal experiences.

So drumroll please...

Well, the answer lies in communication. Let us face it, when faculty, staff, or other individuals hear the term "diversity", they think that they are going to be corralled into a diversity workshop where they "learn" about diversity. This creates a problem. People hate being told to do something that they don't really feel the need to do. Moreover, the 'workshop' is repeated every year, and it kinda gets old, therefore, look at a different tactic.

One way is through a newsletter. Many companies and organizations have it, but they don't utilize it in terms of diversity. Showcase the diverse people in your organization and not just because they are black or white, but because they are unique (they like to knit or are vegan). As time goes one, you will incorporate ethnicity, nationality, etc. This creates a culture in your organization. How? Everyone becomes part of the term diversity. No one is excluded, but moreover, it engages the whole community to talk about diversity.

The second way is to do pro bono work for organizations that are in need of your help. Poverty-ridden areas often need to most help with PR, but they do not have the money to spend. Helping them in turn helps you because you get employees outside of the corporate bubble. They learn therefore they grow therefore your company grows. Moreover, real diversity experience is the best way to teach diversity. Working with the lower socioeconomic section of your town will open your eyes as well as your perspective.

The third thing is hiring. Be truthful. Look at your company. Is there a lack of diversity? If so. look at recruitment in Historically Black Colleges or talking to the multicultural office at a university to have the opportunity to speak about your company. There are talented minority students as well, they just need to be found.

These three tips are not a panacea to the diversity problem in a company, but they are some tips that I have witnessed to work. Try them out-I bet you will see a difference soon.

On a side note, does diversity cost money?

I'm Back! (with a new question)

So, as all of you might have noticed, I have been on a hiatus of sorts (like I can even deny it, right?), however this mini-vacation was a sort of evaluation on what we need to discuss.

The past few posts have been about diversity as a separate issue from everything else. Let's face it, I have ostracized it, but in all honesty, it is an issue that is dealt with separately all too often, however I want to discuss diversity as a subject that is inter-related with other aspects of PR. I want to pose this question to you- can we have a discussion about PR and diversity in a larger scope or do we need to separate the issue all together?

I really want answers. Why? Well, I want to discuss this because of the economic situation. The less corporations and agencies have in the budget, the less they are willing to spend on 'diversity' related aspects of the company. Diversity, sadly, is at the bottom of the priorities of management. So what? Well, I want to think of ways to integrate the discussion, but I want to hear from you. What do you think? Are diversity-talks doomed to abstract ideas that we go over once or can we incorporate it in the culture of a company?

I'll post my thoughts next week.

Diversity in PR; Us vs. Institutionalization

I preach diversity, but I often get the question...Debbie, what if I am not diverse? Or worse, most people are afraid of me and the things I create ( i.e. the diversity committee), because they think that I am part of a minority club that they are not invited to.

To qualm the fears of those individuals, I wanted to address the issue. In the end, I am tired of being a PR anomaly--a crusader for diversity in the industry. I hate the glaring eyes that think diversity is a joke subject.

So, what do I want? Instead, I want willing allies to help make PR better instead of merely "letting" me do my "thang".

So, let us begin with the question--Debbie, what if I am not diverse?

First, I have to say...Ouch! Why? Having that "I am not diverse" mentality as a PR person is suicide. If you are a good PR professional, you have to understand that you have something to offer (um... a.k.a. something unique?!) If you are a PR person without any kind of "diversity", your career will stop at an early stage; therefore, please stop that thought.

But, what is diversity? Do you think it is race? Is it African-American, Asian, Latino, blah blah blah? Yes? Well, diversity is far more than race. Socio-economics, religion, etc. The world is a diverse place, and race is only one component.

So, the first step is to stop thinking about diversity as you vs. them. That's how we halt progress.

It's us vs. institutionalization (social theory to denote the process of making something (for example particular values and norms, or modes of behavior) become embedded within an organization, social system, or society as an established norm within that system.*) In the case of PR, we have created a narrow point of view. The norm is to look at a client and a campaign from the eyes of a white female. Granted, this is not always true, but most often, it is. And though, we try to look from another point of view, it is embedded within us to look from one singular viewpoint--our own; therefore, we have to challenge that norms that confine the growth of our industry.

Then, comes the next question...Debbie, how can we fight institutionalization?

Well, the answer to this question is not so cut and dry. I do have a few suggestions, but I want to hear from you before I say my piece. What do you think we can do? Or, is it a subject that we cannot fight? Think from a student's perspective, a teacher's perspective, and then a professionals point of view. If you disagree, then go on, comment. I want ALL sides. I can handle the criticism.

I will post my thoughts in a week, but till then, what do YOU think?


(*institutionalization definition taken from wikipedia.com)

Public Relations Diversity a Bad Idea?

I was searching the web for diversity related PR blogs, and one blog post caught my attention. I ALWAYS want to hear the other side--this post talks about diversity as it relates to public relations, but this PR professional believes it is a "false idol". It's interesting. Take a look, and tell me what you think.

http://barnettmarcom.blogspot.com/2006/10/diversity-in-public-relations-great.html

Why do you think diversity matters?

I have preached about my beliefs about diversity and PR, but I want to hear what other professionals, students and professors think. Is it THAT imperative or am I making a big deal about an issue that is present in all industries? 

I want to see what YOU think so that I can update this blog to answer the questions and concerns that everyday PR people have. The content (i.e research, blogs, Web sites) for diversity and PR is lacking, therefore I am calling on you to help me gauge why diversity is or isn't important in relation to the PR industry? 

Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate! This is a place for OPEN conversation. Here are some questions to ponder (but don't limit yourself to the questions asked):

1. Why has it taken so long to address diversity in PR? 

2. Though diversity niche fields exists, they are constantly coming and going--what does this signify about diversity and PR ?

3. DO you think diversity in relation to race is being emphasized too much--should diversity in experience be more relevant?

4. Men are often found in small numbers when looking at the entire PR field, but what about women in executive roles?

5. Do colleges emphasize the importance of diversity in relation to communication? Should they emphasize it more?

So, with that being said, what do you think?

The Power of Social Media

Before I begin this post, I want to say my disclaimer. I love social media, but I believe that it is not a panacea for diversity or any other problem in the industry. It is merely a tactic that we, as practitioners, teachers, and students, use to communicate more efficiently and to a wider audience.

So, with that disclaimer--I think social media is a new-wave superpower. To some, referring to social media as a superpower is over-the-top and somewhat geeky, but in my experience, social media has empowered me in so many different ways. 

But, why should you believe me? I have a biased view on the topic of social media...right?

Knowing that audiences, like you, are more skeptical than ever, I wanted to walk MY walk to demonstrate why social media is breaking ground. How do I do that? Well, with a couple of examples from my own social media experiment--my blog. When I found out about social media, I chose to combat the evil of homogeneity in the industry of PR. Okay, so that was nerdy, but nonetheless, it is MY cause. 

So first, a little history. I started a blog entitled "Diversified PR" this semester.

Why? I love public relations. I love diversity, and wa-la!

That was the general premise, however by writing about my passion, I found others who share my zeal for diversity. Whoopee you say?

Well, whoopee indeed because the is where the true power of social media is found. I have networked with a public relation's researcher in Oklahoma to the former diversity chair in PRSA to a PR practitioner in China. I am a testament to what social media can achieve.

It can cross borders, but moreover, it can create communication between diverse individuals. And not just in terms of ethnicity, but much more--these individuals bring diversity of experience to the table.

Moreover, social media allows much needed dialogue to occur between generations. I am an undergraduate student. To some, I am not very influential, and though it is sad. it is how things are, but when I start to get backing from professors and industry leaders, I become a powerful voice. I must say--I feel quite empowered.

It is true that I don't have a new invisibility power or new telekinetic powers, yet I am still better because of this blog. I communicate my concerns, frustrations, and more, to individuals around the world. I am practicing PR through the web. My blog allows me to participate in two-way communication. I help shape my industry. Though it is small, I am still part of the change.

To me, diversity is an issue. I could not deny it. I could not ignore it. So, instead of fighting it, I acknowledged the facts, and I wrote about it.

"Diversified PR" is one blog, but it has already started a conversation between student, practitioners, and industry leaders. Hopefully, it will begin to generate action. The fact that I can become a catalyst to change is the beauty of social media, and thought I have spoken about the relevance of new and social media in diversity before, and I have preached about the opportunity in these tactics to companies, college, and agencies, it is not until I immersed myself in it that I began to believe. 

In the end, I want people to know that social media is a powerful tactic, and though it won't save the world, it is still changing it. What will you do with this new power? Spiderman's uncle said it best, "With great power comes great responsibility." I used mine to address diversity, what hero will you be?

UGAConnect Conference; Diversity and Social Media

I learned so much at UGAConnect, but one thing that I found interesting is a word that kept being thrown around at the conference- community.

I want to elaborate on this because, in my opinion, diversity is integral in community.

Social Media is ALL about community, and though, diversity wasn't directly being targeted at the conference, I saw huge potential in terms of multiculturalism and pr, within the conversations that were occurring between professionals, educators, and students. 

One aspect is the idea of a conversation.

A two-way dialogue is important when anything is being broadcasted within the social media sphere; this becomes an asset to our cause!  This characteristic of new media allows minorities to be part of the conversation. 

Look at this blog; aren't you reading? I was allowed to speak though a blog, which is a form of social media.

Common Sense? 

Well, yes, but no real efforts have occurred with social media in terms of connecting minorities with the field of public relations.

The possibilities are endless; professionals, educators, and students who are all invested in elevating the industry to a higher level by increasing the importance of diversity in the field.

One outcome: the ability to connect minority professionals to minority students and recent graduates . These individuals will become vital in a student's success.

I know that my passion for  diversity has been fueled by two of my mentors, Kim L. Hunter and Bill Imada. They are always willing to help me with anything that I want to pursue in terms of diversity and communications. I have been lucky in finding mentors, but social media will make this easier to accomplish for other students. 

I can only imagine fueling the passions of other students for diversity through facebook discussions? or through twitter? or creating a LinkedIn social sphere? 

Moreover, PRSA could get involved! They could promote their multicultural scholarship. They could provide a connection to companies who are looking for diversity with students who are diverse.

This is just one aspect of social media that could help our cause, but what are your thoughts?

Is social media an asset or an obstacle? 

UGA Connect: Why do I care?

So, today...is UGAConnect and I am one of the few lucky students who will be attending the event, but what does this have to do with diversity?

Hmmmmm, well...first if you do not know about UGAConnect, let me give you a short background blip about this conference:

UGAConnect is a Public Relations & Social Media conference for professionals, educators & students that is held at the University of Georgia. This year it is sponsored by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and Porter Novelli. 

Hmmmm, so what does this have to do with diversity in public relations? 

Well, I am WAY pumped...because of my reason for attending.

As you may know, diversity in communications is my passion and I believe that social media is allowing greater multiculturalism in the dialogue of communications—I want to utilize social networking to reach minorities so that they can help the industry in growing. 

Moreover, I want to be effective in the space. The bottom line is that social media allows me to reach diverse people and in turn I can empower them to make a difference.

Deep right?

Well, it just common sense. Technology allows me to reach you. It allows you to reach me. The opportunity to educate about ANYTHING is limitless. Social media is changing how we interact--this conference is going to be a BIG deal to me and for many others out there.

I will update you on how it goes...

Diversity Comittee

Approximately, 2 hours ago (6:30 pm), UGA PRSSA had its first meeting!

WOOT WOOT!

It went off with out a hitch, but in the meeting, the NEW diversity initiative was announced! I was so proud! I think I cried a little.

Anyway, I am heading the diversity committee this year, and I am so excited to get started in promoting diversity in public relations. I feel UBER passionate about multicultural PR so this was a culmination of everything the executive board, Dr. Jones, and I have brainstormed!

I didn't see the entire list of people interested in the diversity initiative, but I saw MILLIONS of people signing up...so WOOT WOOT again!

If you are a UGA PRSSA member, and would like to get more information, please do NOT hesitate to email me at Debbielobo@gmail.com. I heart emails!

Some of the ideas that we may be implementing this year are the following:

1. Workshop for minority organization's on campus about PR and what their organization can do to promote themselves.

2. Minority Scholarships for PRSSA dues.

3. Attend the GSPA conference and speak about diversity and public relations in Grady.

4. SO MUCH MORE!

UGA PRSSA MEETING

UGA PRSSA will have it's first meeting this year at Sanford hall Wed. 6:30 pm and guess who is talking about the new diversity committee?

Hmmmm...if you said me, well...your SO SMART!

I will trying to recruit me in my efforts to increase diversity in PR as well as to spread the wonderful name of PRSSA to multicultural organizations at UGA.

How can you get involved?

hmmm...well, come to the meeting!
Listen to me along with a handful of other great people and if anything peeks your interest, then contact me.

I can't wait to get everyone excited about diversity and PR!

Public Relations Society of America Strives for Diversity

http://www.prsany.org/index.php?s=diversity

I searched in GOOGLE for diversity and PR today and found a website for the PRSA NY chapter. The site includes research about the diversity in PR and what is being done about it. Its quite interesting and a breath of fresh air, for me, to know that PRSA is aware of the problem in relation to diversity.

Here is a quote from the site:

"The findings revealed significant dissatisfaction with the PR profession's commitment to diversity, perceived pervasive discrimination, and widespread concern that multicultural practitioners are relegated to a slow professional track."
~Diversity in Public Relations - A Call to Action

Why diversity and public relations?

Why did I create this blog?

I had an idea for this blog in early summer, but never got around to writing about diversity in relation to public relations until now.

Why do I care about such a specific topic in PR?

It began when I sat in my first PR class in the wonderful Grady College at the University of Georgia. Don’t get me wrong–I love GRADY!!! I love…love…love it! BUT, I felt alone. I felt like I could not be myself. I could not talk like I usually talk. I could not act like I usually act. Why?

I was one of a only a few minorities in my class.

It was disheartening when I looked at the person to my left and right, and saw no one like me. I have always been active on campus with multicultural organizations, however I lacked proffesional development because I HATED going to a meeting or class because I felt like an outsider.

THIS WAS NOT RIGHT!

I should excel. I should be comfortable. I should be able to be myself.

So, early summer I began to contact our PRSSA chapter in order to increase diversity not just in Grady but in the PR major as well.

I talked to Dr. Jones who is one of the most open advisors I have ever spoken too, and she encouraged me to take action.

I did.

With the help of my wonderful mentors Mr. Bill Imada and Mr. Kim L. Hunter, I took action.

I drafted a proposal to give to PRSSA and…guess what happened?

We now have a diversity committee for PRSSA!

This blog is to going to speak about trials and tribulations of increasing diversity in an organization and in a college!

Wish us luck!

Debbie Ebalobo