Registration is now closed due to the security requirements of the venue's building management. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you at our next event on Wednesday, October 22.

ABOUT PROGRAM

Hosted by PRSA Chicago chapter partner, Edelman, this dynamic, interactive program brings together Chicago-area PR students, interns and early-career professionals with seasoned industry leaders from a variety of practice areas. Designed to blend networking with hands-on learning, attendees will walk away with insider tips for finding their niche, navigating workplace culture and setting themselves up for long-term success—whether in an agency, in-house or beyond.
 
Dive into topics like in-house vs. agency life, breaking into PR specialties and turning your experience into a standout portfolio at our tabletop sessions and stop by Career Boost Stations for resume feedback, professional headshots and LinkedIn profile tips.
 
As always, there’ll be a networking mixer to grow your connections.
 
Courtesy of chapter partner, Edelman, all guests will enjoy light bites and beverages at this event.

Come ready to learn, connect and leave with the tools to make your mark in PR!

SPEAKERS

Kaitlyn Backe
Account Executive, Integrated Brand | Edelman
Kaitlyn Backe is a communications professional with a versatile background in consumer products, food and beverage, and financial services. She is a results-driven expert in brand management, earned strategy, event coordination and performance measurement. She has supported clients across the consumer landscape including Capital One, Reynolds Consumer Products, Under Armour, True Story Whiskeys, Northwestern Mutual, the American Heart Association, and Daymond John’s personal brand and Shark Tank work.

Rachel Bednarz
Account Executive, Corporate Technology | Edelman
Rachel Bednarz brings a passion for writing and creative storytelling to her role as account executive at Edelman, where she develops strategic communications plans and delivers top-tier media placements for leading technology clients. Rachel is engaged in the Chicago communications community and was named Chicago PRSA’s Young Professional of the Year in 2024. Additionally, Rachel is the author of Seasons of Unknown, her recently published poetry collection.

Elizabeth Castro
Senior Managing Director | Alpha Advisory Group
Elizabeth Castro serves as a Senior Managing Director at Alpha Advisory Group, where she co-leads the Corporate Communications practice out of the Chicago office. She joined the firm with 25 years of cross-disciplined external and internal communications expertise at agencies and industry leading companies. Elizabeth has a proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams, developing and executing communications strategies, and creating impactful processes and tools. Her expertise spans public/media relations, executive communications, issues and crisis, social media, thought leadership, employee engagement and more

Gia Clarke
Senior Account Executive. Social Impact and Sustainability | Edelman
Gia Clarke is a Senior Account Executive on Edelman's Social Impact and Sustainability team in Chicago, where she supports key clients including PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation. In her role, Gia helps shape communications and sustainability strategies that reflect her clients' values and drive meaningful change. Gia is passionate about bringing purpose-driven work to life through thoughtful storytelling, strong media relations, and trusted partnerships.

Elizabeth Kix
Director of Communications | Walder Foundation
Elizabeth develops, manages, promotes, and evaluates Walder Foundation’s brand across multiple communications channels. Prior to joining the organization, she served in marketing, communications, and programming roles for the Society of Gynecologic Oncology/Foundation for Women’s Cancer, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Alzheimer’s Association, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Masa Najjar
Account Executive, Corporate Digital | Edelman
Masa Najjar is an Account Executive on Edelman’s Corporate Digital team, supporting Fortune 500 executives on thought leadership and corporate digital strategy for clients including Unilever, Booking Holdings, and HP. She also serves as a Gen Z ambassador and co-leads Edelman Chicago’s Gender & Women’s Equality Network. Beyond Edelman, she sits on DePaul University’s Young Alumni Board and is active in Chicago’s comms community.

Questions? Please send an email to the Programming committee at [email protected].

Program Details

Refunds:
All ticket sales are final. Substitutions may be made at any time.