THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY DEPAUL UNIVERSITY

ABOUT EVENT

Join PRSA Chicago's Young Professionals Network (YPN) for the fourth installment of its "Pass the Mic" panel series.

When: Wednesday, May 10; 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: DePaul Center, North Cafe - Floor 11, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago

May's topic will focus on, “Tips and Tricks for Switching Industries.” 

Panelists will discuss remaining agile in the modern workforce, and dive into tips and tricks for pivoting career paths. Ever wonder what it looks like to make the jump from marketing to PR (or vice versa)? Hoping to move to a new department or switch gears into an unfamiliar field? This conversation is designed to widen your scope of career possibilities. 

Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to network with other young professionals over light snacks.

This event is FREE to attend.

speakers

Natalie Batten
Enablement Practitioner | Salesforce

Natalie Batten is an Enablement Practitioner at Salesforce. Her role is focused on bringing in-person, peer-to-peer training events to learners in Salesforce’s distribution organization.

Prior to joining Salesforce, she was an Assistant Account Executive at FleishmanHillard in Detroit. She graduated from Central Michigan University where she majored in Integrative Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration.

During her free time she enjoys exploring Chicago with friends, reading and trying new restaurants. She is passionate about supporting other young professionals, as we navigate this exciting (and sometimes challenging) phase of life.

Alex Penn
Account Executive | RAPP

A curious and open minded learner, Alex Penn is an Account Executive at RAPP. Committed to using her savvy digital advertising and CRM skills, she aims to bolster client goals and success. As a member of RAPP's account management team, she is an essential supporting player in the creation and implementation of integrated marketing campaigns. Penn is a dependable worker and colleague who provides, and executes, thoughtful and impactful solutions to client needs. With a hand in social media, content creation and public relations, Penn has experience working across silos.

As a 2020 graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Penn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising and Public Relations, with a minor in Marketing.

Jordan Wilkerson
Internal Communications Specialist | Kraft Heinz

Jordan Wilkerson currently works as an Internal Communications Specialist for Kraft Heinz, Chicago. Within eleven years, she underwent two career transitions before settling into corporate PR: nonprofit community engagement, and military service.

Wilkerson holds a master's degree in public relations and advertising from DePaul University, and a bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability from The University of Michigan. She’s supported brands and organizations including McDonald’s, Mondelez, Feeding America, University of Chicago, U.S. Navy, Kraft Heinz, Mars Petcare, PAWS Chicago, Animal Care League, and more. While the bulk of her professional experience is communications-based, the impact of her work ranges from hyper-local to global spaces.

Read more about Jordan on her website: https://www.jwiski.com/.

Rachel Bednarz (Moderator)
Account Associate | Highwire PR

Rachel Bednarz is an Account Associate at Highwire PR servicing clients in technology and healthcare. She joined PRSA Chicago as a member of the Young Professionals Network last year following her graduation from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Integrative Public Relations.

In her career, Bednarz is driven by a passion for storytelling and community building. After work she enjoys practicing photography, hiking and crocheting.

AGENDA

• 5:30-6:00 p.m. Check in and networking
• 6:00-6:12 p.m. Welcome remarks from Professor Matt Ragas, College of Communication and Wynne Strugatch, Graduate Admissions
• 6:12-6:50 p.m. Panel discussion
• 6:50-7:30 p.m. Networking

Questions? Please send an email to the Young Professionals Network committee at [email protected].

Program Details