Program Sponsor
WMPRSA wants to equip professionals at any stage of their journey for long-term career resilience!
Our April program is a special hands-on event designed to help PR pros at all levels elevate their overall career toolkit. Stay adaptable, confident, and prepared in an ever-evolving landscape.
Through interactive sessions with career-building experts, attendees can refine their strengths, clarify their goals, and develop strategies to increase their visibility and influence.
This program supports growth within your current role while also equipping you with skills that translate across teams, projects, and future career paths. Strengthen your skills, expand your impact, and prepare for future opportunities — wherever they may arise. Focus on practical tools such as personal branding, communication, leadership presence, and strategic networking.
Whether you're aiming to grow in your current role or explore new possibilities right now (or way on down the road...), this experience will help you build confidence and capability for what’s next in your PR career.
Note: This program isn’t just for students or new grads. We’re designing it for ALL PR pros of ALL levels.
What to Expect and How to Prepare:
4:00-4:15 p.m. - Registration/Mingling/Snacks
4:15-5:00 p.m. - Announcements, Panel & Q/A
5:00-6:00 p.m. - Live Onsite Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn Reviews* with PR Professionals (WMPRSA Board members/professional volunteers) + Additional Networking Time
*Please bring a hard copy of your resume and cover letter for expert reviews and feedback. Laptops will be available for LinkedIn profile reviews.
*Business Casual is recommended, not required.
Snacks and Refreshments will be provided, thanks to our generous Program Sponsor Calvin University: Master of Media and Strategic Communication!
PANEL:
Nicole Degi, Senior Manager, W Talent Solutions
Nicole serves as senior manager of executive search at W Talent Solutions, where she partners with clients nationwide to build high-impact leadership teams. She drives new business through relationship-focused sales engagements while leading full-cycle executive searches across a wide range of industries. She specializes in sourcing, evaluating, and advising senior-level talent, with deep experience supporting C-suite, vice president, and director-level hires.
During her tenure at W Talent Solutions, Nicole has conducted nearly 5,000 professional interviews and has helped organizations hire leaders including CMOs, managing directors, VPs of finance, IT directors, finance leaders, presidents and operations managers. Nicole is certified in the Predictive Index and holds a certificate in talent optimization.
Lisa Knapp, Assoc. Director and Career Advisor for Communications & Arts Careers, GVSU
Lisa works with students, faculty, and employers in the communications, humanities, and education programs. Lisa leads GVSU Career Center's efforts serving first and second year students as they begin exploring the world of work.
LaShone Manuel, Career Coach for Education and Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Calvin
LaShone Manuel is the Career Coaching Manager at Calvin University, where she leads and supports career development initiatives that help students clarify their purpose and navigate meaningful professional pathways. She also serves as the career coach for HASS majors, facilitating one‑on‑one meetings with students that both shape and empower them along their career journey.
Jill Simpson, APR, Public Relations + Media Strategy, Trace 3 and Professional Development Chair, WMPRSA
Jill Simpson, APR is a public relations and communications professional, with agency and corporate experience, developing robust brand identities and executing integrated communication strategies. Her career is driven by a passion for understanding the intricacies of each business she supports, enabling her to align messaging with organizational goals and audience needs.
As Chair of WMPRSA’s Professional Development committee, Jill oversees the chapter’s APR certifications, mentorship program and other efforts aimed at helping local professionals grow their careers, expand their networks and build relationships.
Moderator - Lauren Wayburn, Chief Experience Officer, GrandPR + GVPRSSA
Lauren Wayburn is an ambitious third-year student at Grand Valley State University studying Advertising and Public Relations, with an emphasis in Public Relations, along with a Badge in Social Media and Data Analytics.
She currently serves as the Chief Experience Officer at GrandPR, GVSU’s student-powered integrated communications firm. Beyond GrandPR, Lauren builds her professional experience as a Marketing Assistant for GVSU’s Office of Student Life, co-leads GVSU’s National Student Advertising Competition team, and is a member of the 2026 cohort of the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations' EMERGE Leadership Academy.
REGISTRATION
Members $25
Future Members: $35
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free
AMA Members: $25
Please register by April 20.