Monthly Newsletter - July 2026 | |
Erika Mitnik
Impact Co-Chair
This month, we're featuring Erika Mitnik, Impact Co-Chair for the PRSA Southern Arizona Chapter.
Erika serves as Strategic Initiatives Communications Manager for the University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships, where she develops strategic communications that support major research initiatives. She partners closely with leadership, subject-matter experts and creative teams to craft messaging that advances organizational goals and engages diverse audiences.
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Prior to joining the University of Arizona, Erika served as Southern Arizona Director for Local First Arizona, where she championed local businesses and entrepreneurship. Her work with organizations including Desert Angels, the University of Arizona FORGE and the Arizona Living Economy Forum has focused on supporting Arizona startups, fostering innovation and strengthening the local business community. She also serves as an inaugural board member of Tucson UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
As PRSA Southern Arizona's Impact Co-Chair, Erika helps lead the chapter's annual IMPACT Awards program, recognizing excellence in public relations, communications and marketing across Southern Arizona.
Meet the Board
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Now Accepting Nominations: PRSA IMPACT Practitioner Awards
Know a PR pro, journalist, or rising star raising the bar in Arizona? Nominate them today!
Deadline: Friday, Aug. 7 at 5 p.m.
Categories:
- PR Pro of the Year: Excellence and role modeling in the profession
- Media Person of the Year: Integrity-driven reporting at an Arizona outlet
- PR Rookie of the Year: Standout student or new professional
- Career Impact Award: A rare honor for lasting influence on the field
Winners will be recognized at the annual PRSA Impact Awards ceremony in October.
Submit your nomination
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Public Relations 101 Brings Communications Professionals Together
Thank you to everyone who joined PRSA Southern Arizona for our Public Relations 101 workshop at Sundt Construction. Communications professionals from across Southern Arizona came together for a morning of learning, networking and practical skill-building.
Attendees explored the fundamentals of public relations while connecting with peers from a variety of industries and career stages. The workshop offered practical takeaways that participants can apply in their day-to-day work.
We're grateful to our presenters, volunteers and everyone who participated in making the event a success. We appreciate everyone who invested in their professional development and look forward to seeing you at future PRSA Southern Arizona programs.
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Exciting Programs Are Just Around the Corner
While we're taking a brief break from chapter programming in July, we're already planning an exciting lineup of professional development and networking opportunities for the second half of the year. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details!
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PRSA Tucson Coffee Meetups Return | August: Our monthly Coffee Meetups return in August! These casual, drop-in gatherings are the perfect way to connect with fellow communications professionals over coffee before the workday begins.
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Monsoon Mixer | August: Kick off the fall season at our annual Monsoon Mixer. Connect with PR, marketing and communications professionals from across Southern Arizona in a relaxed, social setting while expanding your professional network.
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Ethics Program | September: Ethics are at the heart of the public relations profession. Join us for a timely discussion exploring ethical decision-making, real-world scenarios and best practices that help communicators build trust and credibility.
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PRSA Southern Arizona IMPACT Awards | October: Celebrate the best in public relations, communications and marketing at our annual IMPACT Awards. Join us as we recognize outstanding campaigns, organizations and professionals who are making an impact throughout Southern Arizona.
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Finger on the Pulse of Social Media | November: Stay ahead of the ever-changing digital landscape. Industry experts will share emerging trends, platform updates and practical strategies to help you strengthen your social media efforts heading into the new year.
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Mingle Bells | December: Wrap up the year with Mingle Bells, our annual holiday celebration. Reconnect with colleagues, celebrate another successful year and enjoy an evening of networking, conversation and holiday cheer.
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| PRSA Professional Development | |
| PRSA offers a wide range of live and on-demand webinars designed to help you stay current, sharpen your skills and earn professional development credits throughout the year. Members enjoy free or discounted access to timely topics—from AI and digital strategy to measurement and messaging. Browse PRSA’s professional development portal to register and expand your communications toolkit. | | |
Join association and nonprofit communicators from across the country for two days of professional development, networking and practical strategies for today's evolving communications landscape.
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Join communications professionals from across the country for the PRSA Women of Impact Summit & Awards, a one-day event recognizing women who are making a difference in public relations, communications and related fields through leadership, innovation and service.
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PRSA Southern Arizona maintains a comprehensive list of PR, communications and marketing job opportunities.
If you're looking for a new opportunity or would like to list a position, visit our job bank or email your job posting to info@prsatucson.org.
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Help keep our chapter connected and informed!
Share your news: Started a new role or received a professional honor? Send your name, title, organization, and a brief update so we can celebrate you in an upcoming newsletter.
Post a job opening: Hiring for a PR, communications, or marketing role—or looking for an intern? Send the position title, employer, and application link to reach qualified professionals across Southern Arizona.
Submit member news and job openings to: info@prsatucson.org
Stay connected between newsletters by following PRSA Southern Arizona on social media for the latest chapter updates, events, and professional opportunities and help spread the word by sharing our posts.
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The Southern Arizona Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is the region's leading professional organization serving the communications community. We are advocates for industry excellence and ethical conduct, providing our members with learning opportunities and resources to enhance professional connections and support them through their careers. Visit prsatucson.org to learn more about our upcoming monthly programs, occasional networking mixers, annual events and more. By becoming a member, you will join the ranks of 21,000 other public relations professionals across the country to expand your professional network and to build your knowledge and skills to further advance your career.
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