In the September issue of Strategies & Tactics, we highlighted four professionals who are investing their time and expertise in education — strengthening the bridge between the classroom and the practice of public relations. Now, we are shifting our focus to four students who are directly benefiting from these initiatives. Their stories illustrate the positive impact of mentorship, support and opportunity, reminding us that “paying it forward” can significantly influence the lives of both students and professionals already involved in their PR careers.
Ava Maule, University of Florida
By Thomas Bennett III, president, the PRSA Foundation
The PRSA Foundation offers a fellowship program that provides students with the opportunity to gain experience, prepare for a career in public relations and network.
Ava Maule, a University of Florida student, is our 2025 recipient of the AGEAN Public Relations Fellowship. Here’s what she had to say:
“Collaborating with AGEAN Public Relations’ close-knit and inspiring team gave me invaluable experience across a wide range of client work,” said Ava. From fast-paced, time-sensitive tasks to long-term brand-building projects, I gained a real understanding of agency life and what it takes to create purpose-driven PR work. It was an incredible chance to bridge the gap between what I’ve learned through UF PRSSA and in the classroom, and how those lessons come to life in the professional world.
Looking ahead, I’m planning to build a career in sports communications, ideally working across media relations, athlete support and event operations. At the same time, this fellowship has highlighted the broader impact of strategic communications across industries. I’m increasingly drawn to roles at the intersection of brand storytelling and purpose-driven work, whether in sports or in corporate communications more broadly. Long-term, I hope to be based in London and contribute to organizations making a global impact.”
Cedric Bess, Florida International University
By Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, 2010 president of PRSA
Just recently accepting an offer to join the award-winning Global Events team at Major League Baseball, Cedric Bess has had a run of success, both as a student and a professional. He served as PRSSA president in 2000, becoming the first African American in that position. While clearly talented to have reached these accomplishments, Bess attributes much of his success to the professionals who helped him along the way.
During his time as a PRSSA member at Florida International University in Miami, he acknowledges help from two respected professionals — Debra A. Miller, Ed.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, and the late William C. Adams, APR. Fellow PRSA.
“Had it not been for the guidance of Dr. Miller and Professor Adams,” he explained, “I would have never imagined that a kid from Liberty City (Miami) would have the opportunity to lead an organization of the most talented young pre-professional communicators from the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities.”
He adds that it provided him an opportunity to learn first-hand from industry icons such as Betsy Plank, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Ofield Dukes, APR, Fellow PRSA.
“It is not lost on me how fortunate I am to have learned at the knee of such industry pioneers,” said Bess. “It is largely because of the mentorship of these Champions, as well as those who continue to inspire me long after my PRSSA years, that I am the professional and person I am today.”
Grace Cardinal, Manhattan University
By John L. Paluszek, APR, Fellow PRSA, 1989 president of PRSA
As a proud Manhattan University alum and the benefactor of a scholarship at my alma mater, it’s been a pleasure to interact with outstanding students such as the remarkable Grace Cardinal. Grace is a communication major from Rochester, N.Y., who plans to pursue a career in journalism.
“My undergraduate career at Manhattan University has been full of new opportunities, constant learning and growth, and achievements I never imagined earning,” Cardinal said. “My experience at The Quadrangle, our student newspaper published since 1924, sparked my passion for journalism, and I’ve discovered the exciting world of public relations, too. These experiences led me to internships at The New York Post and Shop TODAY with NBC News. I’m grateful for the public relations and journalism professionals who made time to sit down for coffee chats and who listened to and answered my questions. People like John Paluszek generously shared their network with me, helping me break into the industry. Their support allowed me to do so feeling supported and celebrated, with the knowledge that not only do my contributions matter, even in this early career stage, but that as an individual practitioner, I do too.”
Looking forward to her career, Grace has ambitious plans.
“I hope to stay in New York City and work with a national newsroom reporting on politics, both locally and globally. My goal is to be in the field, writing articles and collaborating with digital and broadcast teams to deliver breaking news across the country. In today’s media landscape, I believe it’s more important than ever to become a trusted name that people recognize for delivering reliable, factual reporting with the highest ethical standards, which I will continue to dedicate myself to as I move forward in this industry.”
Kanika M. Watson, APR, Howard University
By Dr. Rochelle Ford, Ph.D., APR, CEO, The Page Society
Kanika M. Watson, APR, was one of my first students at Howard University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and discovered a passion for public relations through my courses. She stood out for her determination, leadership and entrepreneurial mindset.
Today, she is the CEO and founder of Kanika M. Watson Consulting. She is an award-winning communications strategist and executive coach with more than 20 years of experience in government, higher education and nonprofits. She now partners with professionals and organizations to advance careers, elevate leadership and shape purpose-driven narratives, continuing the legacy of excellence she first began cultivating in my classroom.
Here’s what she has to say.
“Dr. Ford was the first professor at Howard University to see my potential, encouraging me to envision my future and explore a career in public relations. She opened doors I never imagined, from consulting with real clients as a student to securing competitive internships and connecting with top public relations leaders. Over the years, her mentorship has been a steady presence in my life. I have watched her inspire countless others as a trailblazing leader and advocate. Her example has motivated me to pursue further education, earn Accreditation, and shape my approach to leadership and mentoring. It has been a privilege to stay connected for nearly 30 years.
“Looking ahead, I am expanding my work to help professionals elevate their voices, brands and impact through my company’s career and leadership programs. At the same time, I am building communities that empower the next generation of communicators and leaders, especially women of color. I will continue mentoring professionals and creating spaces where they can thrive, carrying forward Dr. Ford’s legacy of impact at the heart of my work.”
Del Galloway, APR, Fellow PRSA, served as PRSA’s president in 2004. He has long invested in strengthening the bond between those who teach and those who practice, with the goal of ensuring students are prepared for careers in public relations. He most recently served as the president of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Photo credit: luckybusiness
