Congratulations to PRSA Kansas’ most recent APRs!

It’s a “must do” for PR pros.

Written by Akeam Ashford, APR and Rachel Bell, APR

That’s the sentiment of PRSA Kansas’ two most recent APRs. 

Akeam Ashford and Rachel Bell have worked in communications for 15+ years, and they both agree that earning the APR accreditation is a great way to reinforce the value of communications, leaving you inspired and motivated.

We caught up with these two PR superstars and asked them about their APR journey.

Why did you decide to pursue APR accreditation?

Akeam: The APR designation is more than an acronym for me. Personally, it’s a symbol of achievement and commitment.

Rachel: I am on the leadership team of a public organization and one of our stated values is to always be improving. Getting my APR accreditation is one of the ways I could honor and live those values.  

What is something you learned during the process?

Akeam: What was really eye-opening for me was the idea that PR professionals have strategic skillset that can help businesses grow revenue. 

Rachel: The role of Public Relations has evolved over the years at my organization. During the APR process, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to work with people who see the value in what my team brings to the table. We have a voice in the planning and strategy phases and aren’t brought in later, as is the case with others who were going through the process with me.

What advice do you have for PR pros who are thinking about pursuing accreditation?

Akeam:  In the words of Nike, “Just do it!” You will find the most difficult part of attaining your APR is filling out the paperwork to apply for the designation. The process can be difficult to navigate, but PRSA national is there to help, as well as other chapter APR’s. The material is interesting and you’ve done it in some form or another; studying for your APR is really about understanding a systematic way (RPIE) of working through communication campaigns. You will feel motivated and empowered going through the process. 

Rachel: It’s never too late to become accredited, but I wish I’d done it earlier. We all get busy “doing” and sometimes we can lose sight of the “why”. Going through the process made me re-focus on the bigger goals of our public relations efforts.

According to the PRSA website, APR preparation ensures you have the tools to navigate challenging responsibilities, the vision to execute a larger strategy, and the expertise to be a thought leader. Once you indicate your interest in accreditation and have been accepted as an appropriate candidate, PR pros have one year to complete a written test and conduct a panel presentation.

Receiving this recognition demonstrates your proficiency and alignment with the cutting-edge PR practices and knowledge that will take you to the next level in your career.

If you are interested in pursuing your public relations APR accreditation contact Cynthia Wentworth, APR, PRSA Kansas’ accreditation chair at cynthia@greaterwichitapartnership.org.