PRSA Cincinnati Creates Space for Meaningful Conversation on DEI
Posted on Oct. 23, 2026 / Subscribe 0
By Tiffany Luckey and William Jones
In recognition of Global Diversity Awareness Month in October, PRSA Cincinnati recently brought together public relations (PR) practitioners and communications professionals for an intimate discussion centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in communications.
Hosted by Tiffany Luckey and facilitated by William Jones at The Marketer Collaborative in Over-the-Rhine, the program created space for members to explore how DEI principles translate from organizational messaging into everyday decisions, practices, and experiences, as we watched the documentary film “DEI-ing,” directed by Dr. Cheryl Ingram.
Through selected segments from the documentary, PRSA members looked at inclusion, equity, and the gap that can sometimes exist between what organizations say and what their stakeholders may actually experience. The segments served as a benchmark for a larger conversation about the role communicators play in shaping organizational culture, building trust, and ensuring that messages align with meaningful and impactful actions.
Members were encouraged to share perspectives and considered how these issues have shown up in their direct professional environments.
“For us PR and comms professionals, DEI should be more than the language organizations use in their statements, campaigns, or public-facing materials”, says Jones. “It requires consideration of whose perspectives are represented, who has access, how decisions are made, and whether organizational actions reflect stated values.”
The discussion offered members an opportunity to examine questions through the lens of their own experiences. They shared insights and perspectives that reinforced the importance of approaching DEI with intentionality and a willingness to learn.
The small-group format helped foster an environment where members could engage with honesty, listen to different viewpoints, and consider practical ways to bring greater awareness to their work. The result was a thoughtful exchange that demonstrated how meaningful professional development can begin with the willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and, most importantly, learn from one another.
As our work continues to evolve, professionals must remain attentive to how their contributions influence perceptions, shape conversations, and affect the people and communities they reach.
PRSA Cincinnati encourages you to carry these conversations not only into your workplaces, but into everyday best practices. And remember to continue creating space for dialogue that moves our profession forward.
Visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional educational resources.
Be sure to purchase your tickets to our annual PRSA Cincinnati Annual Banquet on November 19. Click here for details!
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