Meet the team.
San Diego/Imperial Counties is led by a volunteer board of directors. Members of the Board serve three-year terms, beginning January 1, and are elected at the chapter’s annual meeting in the fall. The officer positions are elected each year, for one-year terms. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, and meetings are open to any chapter member who would like to attend.
Board members lead committees of volunteers to accomplish important work to achieve chapter goals. Click on any of the board members’ name below to learn more. For chapter inquiries, please email our chapter administrator, Maggie Padilla.
Executive Committee
April Tellez Green, President
Why PRSA? Ensuring my skill set is current has always been of utmost importance to me. PRSA SD/IC organizes useful and relevant professional development events that allow me to stay up on industry trends and network with the talented PR professionals in my hometown, San Diego. My board service and active involvement in PRSA SD/IC stems from a desire to give back to my profession in a tangible way.
April Tellez Green is a versatile, experienced communications professional with extensive experience developing effective public relations, social media and digital marketing campaigns for startups, corporations, and nonprofits. She currently serves as communications manager at the UC San Diego Library. In this role, she oversees the Library’s public relations, email marketing, blog and social media programs, while also assisting with branding, web development, digital advertising and strategic planning.
Prior to joining UC San Diego, April served as public relations and communications manager at National University. Here she identified story ideas that effectively represented the mission, vision and values of the university, managed crisis communication, media trained spokespeople and drafted content for a variety of outlets, including web and social media.
Before accepting her role at National University, April worked as public relations and social media manager at San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat). In this role, her main charge was to ensure the museum upheld positive relationships with local, national and international media and was well-represented in the public eye. She was also responsible for curating social media campaigns and leading the museum’s email marketing and blogging efforts.
In addition to her full-time positions, April makes it a point to dedicate board service to nonprofit organizations aligned with her profession and passions. From 2016 to 2018, she sat on the San Diego Museum Council’s board of directors as marketing committee chair. Here she advised the council’s executive director and board leadership committee on marketing and PR initiatives and supervised the marketing committee, which consisted of a dozen marketing and PR professionals of various experience levels. She also led the council’s website redesign project (site relaunched in May 2018).
April has been active with PRSA SD/IC since 2017 and assumed her first role on the board of directors in January 2018. She now serves on the Chapter’s Executive Committee as president-elect. She is also actively participating the LEAD San Diego Impact program, with graduation slated for June 2021.
April holds a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations from San Diego State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, a program consistently proven to be one of the finest and most rigorous in the nation. After graduation, April launched her own PR firm, Project Reboot, in 2011 and serves clients in various industries.
Barbara Cosio Moreno, President Elect
Barbara Cosio Moreno is an award-winning senior communications professional. Her passion has always been telling a good story and overcoming a challenge. Barbara has served as a lead on crisis communications plans, security planning for high-profile civic events and provided counsel to C-Suite leadership and Board of Directors.
She is currently the District Communications Manager for Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins.
She began her career as a television news producer, working in newsrooms from Las Vegas to Phoenix, San Diego, and Los Angeles. She’s seen a lot of history unfold, including coverage of earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, as well as the unforgettable events of 9/11. She was nominated twice for an Emmy Award. After leaving the newsroom, Barbara transitioned to strategic communications and marketing for the Port of San Diego, earning the Port several awards for in-house video production. She helped launch the Port’s social media platforms and worked closely on communications efforts related to the Port’s first Climate Action Plan and Green Business Network. Barbara was the Executive Director of Communications for the San Diego Convention Center for nearly six years, earning dozens of local and national awards, including “Best Website Redesign” for the San Diego Convention Center site and “Best Non-Profit Blog.” She was also named a “Top Woman in PR” by PR News in 2018. She also was asked to lead the first Marketing and Communications Department for the San Diego Theatres which manages and operates two performing arts venues: the Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego.
Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from California State University, Los Angeles. She joined PRSA in 2014.
Barbara’s favorite memory so far about living in San Diego? Meeting her wife, Vanessa.
Jeanna Vazquez, Treasurer
Why PRSA? As public relations practitioners, we have the ability to make a difference in people’s lives, our communities and hopefully, the world. Thinking of the impact we can make together is the reason I joined and continue to be a part of the Public Relations Society of America. This organization is an incredible source of collaboration, education and professional development that provides valuable opportunities not only within the public relations industry, but within the San Diego and Imperial Counties as well.
Jeanna Vazquez is an experienced public relations professional with a demonstrated history of working in nonprofit, consumer and health care industries. As a Communications and Media Relations Manager for UC San Diego Health, she manages strategic communication campaigns for the health system, with focus in emergency medicine, cardiovascular services, pulmonology and critical care.
She is a San Diego native, proud SDSU Aztec and volunteers as the media relations coordinator for Surfrider Foundation San Diego. She has been recognized as PRSA San Diego’s 2018 New Professional of the Year and was honored as the Outstanding Graduate in Public Relations from San Diego State University in 2014. In 2020, Jeanna was part of the team at UC San Diego Health named the Public Relations Team of the Year from PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter.
Jeanna received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Media Studies with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in rhetoric from San Diego State University.
Giovanna Castro, Secretary
Why PRSA? As a young professional, I joined PRSA San Diego to increase my knowledge and network with industry leaders. PRSA has served as a valuable resource for learning and growing in the PR industry.
Giovanna Castro is a strategic communications professional with a demonstrated history in working in the private and public sector including in the waste, water and legal industries. She has experience managing municipal contracts, implementing community outreach and education programs, managing and planning special events, writing external and internal communications, social media strategy, public speaking, and community relations.
She currently serves as the municipal administrator for Republic Services, a Fortune 500 company and leader in the non-hazardous solid waste and recycling industry. In this role, she oversees all communication, sustainability and public outreach and education programs for the San Diego market.
A native San Diegan, she is actively involved within the community including as a board member for the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, South Bay Family YMCA and Public Relations Society of America San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from San Diego State University. Connect with Giovanna on LinkedIn.
Hope Reilly, Past President
Why PRSA? I joined PRSA to expand my professional horizons and develop connections with fellow industry professionals. My involvement has enabled me to always keep growing in my role and enhancing my expertise in new and emerging fields. PRSA enables me to stay on the cutting edge in an ever-evolving industry, so I never become irrelevant.
Hope Reilly has a decade of experience in public affairs and public relations. She is a Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Chief Social Media Strategist at Southwest Strategies, one of California’s leading public affairs and public outreach firms.
In her current role, Hope oversees the strategic planning and implementation of communications and public outreach campaigns for a number of water, land use and transportation clients, and spearheads social media strategy development and execution for the firm. Her work has been recognized with dozens of local, state and national awards for public relations, public affairs, and marketing communications.
Hope received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, with a minor in International Politics and Economics.
Directors at Large
Amanda Nelson
Why PRSA? I joined PRSSA over a decade ago in college and enjoyed the community of budding professionals. We were young, scrappy, and hungry, eager to get out into the world. Today, I’m excited to get involved with PRSA to continue to hone my craft, learn from others, and challenging the status quo in our industry.
Amanda Nelson is a storyteller, strategist, and communications expert. Amanda received her master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego, unlocking a passion for advocacy and policy. Amanda is using her strengths to curative the narrative around housing in San Diego through her position as Communications Manager for San Diego Housing Federation. Since graduating in spring 2019, Amanda has co-founded a grassroots organization, Uptown Housing Advocates, that provides education around the growing housing crisis in San Diego.
Arturo Garcia
Why PRSA? Our region’s PRSA is a great way to connect through this profession we all love. It’s also a wonderful avenue to give back to those starting off or trying to return to the communications path.
Anne Buckley
Why PRSA? PRSA as an organization is a global advocate for ethical, professional communications, and the opportunity to serve on the board of directors is a tremendous way to further that advocacy. I have been active in PRSA for many years, mostly as a champion of the Accreditation in Public Relations credential. I’m looking forward to working with the professional development team as I learn my way around my new city, new job and new PRSA colleagues.
In her role as UC San Diego’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Anne provides executive-level leadership and vision for the university’s comprehensive suite of communications and marketing efforts. She sets strategy for University Communications, Health Sciences and Athletics and works closely with UC San Diego Health, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Advancement and Admissions.
Buckley is a veteran in higher education and academic medicine communications with more than 15 years of progressive leadership, management and crisis communications experience within the industry. Most recently, she served as Chief Communications Officer for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the UAB Health System. Buckley built UAB’s Division of University Relations, which protects and propels the UAB brand with integrated communications efforts that included public relations, digital strategy and marketing, trademarks and licensing, executive communications, social media strategy, and editorial content as well as management of WBHM-FM, Central Alabama’s National Public Radio affiliate. In her previous role as Senior Director of University Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), she managed all news and public information efforts for the university and the VCU Medical Center.
Prior to her experience in higher education, Buckley served as a national news editor at the Associated Press and as founder and president of Prestige Media Inc., a full-service public relations firm for corporate clients, law firms and small- to medium-sized businesses throughout Virginia and the Southeast. Buckley received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of New Mexico. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and earned an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2009.
Patrick Thelen, APR
Why PRSA? Joining PRSA gives me the opportunity to learn from others, connect with local practitioners, and become a better professional by taking advantage of the numerous opportunities for professional growth. It also allows me to give back to the profession and push the industry in a positive direction.
Patrick is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism & Media Studies at San Diego State University. He received his Ph.D. in Mass Communication with a specialization in Public Relations from the University of Florida. He earned his Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations at the University of Southern California.
He began his professional career in Chile as a reporter and later transitioned to corporate communication where he provided communications consultancy and worked for the multinational PR firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies. He also worked as communications director of a boutique firm specializing in legislative monitoring, public affairs, lobbying, and communications.
In addition to his role at San Diego State University, Patrick serves as the Chief Research Editor at the Institute for Public Relations’ Organizational Communication Research Center (OCRC).
Patrick’s research interests include relationship management, internal communication, leadership communication, and employee advocacy. His work has appeared in refereed journals including Public Relations Review, International Journal of Communication, International Journal of Business Communication, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Journal of Promotion Management, Communication Quarterly, and Public Relations Journal. He authored a book chapter on employee advocacy and co-authored a chapter on measurement and evaluation in public relations.
Patrick has won several awards including the PRSA Educators Academy Diversity Award in 2021, the Top Faculty Paper Award at the Annual Convention of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication in 2020, and the Top Faculty Paper Award at the International Communication Association Conference in 2020. During his graduate studies, he won the Betsy Plank Graduate Research Paper Award in 2017 and 2018, the University of Miami School of Communication Top Student Paper Award in 2018, and the Top Student Paper Award (Second Place) at the Public Relations Division of the Annual Convention of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication in 2018.
Jenny Mehlow
Why PRSA? PRSA – and even PRSSA – has been a constant professional support for me during my career. I’ve attended conferences, trainings and online educational courses that help me grow as a professional and give me more insight into the trends happening in the public relations field. And as a bonus, I’ve met and developed some great relationships – professional and personal – during my PRSA membership.
Jenny Mehlow is a media relations professional with experience at communications agencies and in-house PR departments in Austin, Boston and San Diego. Her experience spans the technology, non-profit, government and environmental sectors.
Kara Handley, APR+M
Kara Handley is an active duty Navy public affairs officer, currently serving as the media officer and assistant public affairs officer at the headquarters for the Navy SEALs, Naval Special Warfare Command, in Coronado, California. In this role, Handley serves as a liaison for the Naval Special Warfare community and the press, oversees a production team responsible for creating content for the command’s owned media channels, and leads a global team of public affairs officers and mass communications specialists who provide public relations support to Naval Special Warfare’s commanders in every geographic theater.
Prior to working at Naval Special Warfare Command, Handley served as a surface warfare officer aboard the ballistic missile defense destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) before transferring to the public affairs community in 2014. Since then, her public affairs experience includes serving as the Navy’s budget and acquisitions spokesperson at the Pentagon and representing the Navy’s financial investments to the press corps, conducting long-range strategic communications planning for the head of all Navy personnel programs and serving as the sole public affairs officer in the Pacific for our Nation’s explosive ordnance disposal technicians and expeditionary Navy divers. She was selected as the the Navy’s Junior Public Affairs Officer of the Year in 2019. She is originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania where she developed her love for the outdoors, history and tradition, and storytelling. She graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2012 where she majored in English. She holds Master of Arts degrees from the U.S. Naval War College in Defense and Strategic Studies as well as San Diego State University in Mass Communications and Media Studies. She received her Accreditation in Public Relations – Military (APR+M) from the Universal Accreditation Board in 2019.
Patricia Maxwell
Why PRSA? Patricia looks forward to giving back to the community that has given so much to her success as a professional and in mentoring the next generation of professionals in the Public Relations Society of America local chapter.
Patricia J. Maxwell is an award-winning communication and public relations strategist with 15+ years of excellence in producing compelling brand campaigns and executing transformational data-driven campaigns that have driven brand reach for diverse organizations in Southern California. She has a proven track record of leveraging cutting-edge digital and social analytics tools to optimize marketing infrastructures, and target campaigns towards high-ROI segments while ensuring alignment with organizational vision and mission. She builds high-performing teams, cultivating robust brand partnerships while working collaboratively with leadership on strategic communications that improve processes.
Kim Coutts
Why PRSA? After being very involved with PRSA early in my career, I ended up taking some time off as I built my career and raised my daughter. Today I’m building a communications team at an agency that is more known for creative, media and design and I thought it was a perfect time to jump back in for my agency and to reconnect with local practitioners and learn from new professionals entering the field.
Kim Coutts is Director of Communications and Outreach for Civilian, a full-service marketing communications agency and Certified B Corporation dedicated to creating social change for the common good. In her role, Kim leads all communications and outreach programs for Civilian’s government, non-profit and purpose-based business clients in sectors including public health, transportation, education and workforce and economic development.
Prior to joining Civilian, Kim managed her own consultancy, Positive Change Communications, and was a senior vice president and partner at FleishmanHillard leading work for clients in financial services, travel and consumer goods sectors. .
Kim earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from California State University, Long Beach.
William Lopez
Why PRSA? There are a few things that I am most passionate about; mentoring others and volunteering, and PRSA has given me an opportunity to exercise these goals to the fullest. My over 20 years of success in the PR industry, and ongoing efforts to stay ahead of trends and information through continued education has honed my leadership and management skills, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. My recent certification in Diversity and Inclusion is one example of my commitment to
put forth my best in every situation to help others navigate changing times, current trends and ever-evolving protocols. Working alongside this group of talented and accomplished board members is a true joy and an amazing honor.
After starting a PR + Marketing career in his hometown of Chicago, William moved to San
Diego, and in 2000, founded Alternative Strategies. For over 20 years, he has acted as Principal
of Alternative Strategies, and his marketing and communications firm has expanded to become
one of San Diego’s leading agencies of its kind. Alternative Strategies now represents over 50
top restaurants, bars and hospitality groups throughout Southern California, along with a host of successful businesses in other industries which include retail, commercial real estate and
business complexes. William’s professional dreams have been realized with the many awards
he and his team have received, the increased growth of his client list, and the legacy of success his clients have enjoyed throughout the years.
William holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and a master’s and doctorate in
Education from Northwestern University-Chicago. He gained significant marketing and PR
expertise during his tenure at such noted companies as Nordstrom’s, Enterprise Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Nine West, and Planet Hollywood. Working with these companies gave William an inside look at everything from franchise-based organizations, to national
corporations, equipping him to know how to help businesses of every size succeed.
With a passion for continued education and remaining on the cutting edge in his industry,
William constantly dedicates himself to furthering his knowledge on current trends and
practices. His recent Certification in Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence from
Stanford University is one expression of his ongoing efforts to continue improving himself as an effective and inclusive communicator among his team, clients, and the public which he serves.
As a critical thinker and strategist with a successful track record in producing integrated marketing programs, William implements public relation campaigns and brand management initiatives that are proven effective for his clients in every industry. He is a stealthy marketing leader with experience in brand architecture that transcends cultural barriers for local, regional and national implementation ‘branding with a cultural pulse.’ But he goes one step further, managing with a heart for everyone who is involved in the process, which is a unique trait in the ever-evolving, somewhat unpredictable hospitality industry.
Beyond his professional track record, William has two unique passions which drive him to go
beyond the scope of his career goals. First, he is extremely motivated to mentor others on how to become the best they can be both professionally and personally. Secondly, William’s
dedication to serve knows no limits, as he not only donates his time, talents and resources to
groups such as Barrio Logan College Institute and Paws4Thought, he is driven to go above and beyond as a public servant on community forums and boards, such a North Park Mainstreet and Chula Vista’s Third Avenue Village Association.
Overall, William is a proven successful professional who has a true heart not only for his team
and clients, but for San Diego as a whole, and is always willing to take bold steps to give back to
the community he loves.
Edgar Hopida
Why the PRSA? The Public Relations Society of America is THE hub for PR professionals when it comes to professional development, networking, industry best practices, and understanding the latest trends. As a member of the PRSA since 2013, it has made me a better, more efficient public relations professional.
Edgar D. Hopida brings over 16 years of experience in public relations. Edgar is currently the Communications Director at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP).
Before joining AAPIP, Edgar served as the Civic Engagement Communications Strategist at the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) from 2018 to 2022. While at ACLU, he produced the video blog and podcast series “¡Adelante! with Norma Chavez-Peterson.”
Prior to his work at the ACLU, Edgar worked at San Diego City College as Public Information Officer in the first half of 2018 where his public relations and marketing efforts increased summer enrollment by 5%. Before San Diego City College, Edgar was the Director of Marketing and
Communications at Thomas Jefferson School of Law from 2016-2018. It was there he built a strong public relations program to promote the law school’s activities and service to the community.
From 2013-2016, Edgar was the Communications Director for the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the oldest and largest national American Muslim umbrella organization. During his tenure at ISNA, he doubled the media coverage of the annual ISNA convention and increased social media engagement for the organization by 200%.
Edgar was instrumental in the founding and development of the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego), an American Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, as its Director of Public Relations from 2006-2012 and Senior Public Relations
Consultant from 2012-2013. While at CAIR-San Diego, he appeared on local and national news and successfully published over a dozen op-eds and letters to the editor on Islam and American Muslim civil rights in local and regional newspapers.
In 2007, Edgar was chosen to become a Columbia University Next Generation Project Fellow for the West Coast Assembly where he discussed new ideas about U.S. global policy and the future of international institutions.
In 2017, Edgar was appointed by Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas and the Chula Vista City Council as Commissioner on the Charter Review Commission and is currently serving his second term.
Edgar holds a degree in Sociology from San Diego State University and has lived in San Diego County for over 30 years.
He currently resides in Chula Vista with his wife and two daughters.
Megan Pinna
Why PRSA? I believe strongly in the power of collaboration and the amazing ideas that can be generated by a group of passionate, dedicated public relations professionals. I love how the Public Relations Society of America allows people from a variety of different fields to come together to network and further the
profession.
Megan Pinna is a budding public relations professional with a passion for writing and communications. As the Public Relations Coordinator at Sharp HealthCare, Megan contributes to both internal and external communications campaigns. She frequently drafts articles for their online news site and public relations tool Sharp Health News.
Originally from the East Coast, Megan received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at Fordham University in New York City, where she graduated Summa cum laude.
Shannon Boffa
Shannon Boffa is a Senior Account Executive at Southwest Strategies. Specializing in digital advocacy and government relations, she develops strategic communications for a variety of public and private projects.
Prior to joining Southwest Strategies, Boffa was the Digital Media Coordinator for a non-profit advocacy organization, using her skills in digital communications to aid several bills through the state legislature. More recently, she worked on a number of winning political campaigns across San Diego County, providing fundraising and communications support for local, state and national campaigns.
Boffa held an internship on Capitol Hill and a fellowship at a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. before beginning her career in San Diego. A Palm Springs native, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara.
Stephania Villar
Why PRSA? What better way to connect with the people in the industry and keep on your toes? In the constantly changing realm of communications, PRSA has been an excellent way to stay on top of best practices, get energized, explore questions, and discuss ideas with peers. Board service is one way to help give back.
Stephania Villar is a digital communications professional with demonstrated experience in events and nonprofits, particularly museums. With various skills useful in a digital landscape—from SEO to social media to project management—she seeks to apply her experience in marketing for a cause. She has an MA in Public History from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Certificate in Marketing from UC San Diego Extension. She’s worked on large-scale events such as Maker Faire San Diego, brands like Balboa Park, and various arts programs and nonprofits in San Diego. She enjoys mixing disciplines, likes the challenge of finding and telling stories in a manner that resonates with people, and will actually laugh at terrible puns.
Rachel McGuire, MBA, APR
Why PRSA? From the professional development opportunities, thought leadership, networking and membership perks, PRSA is the unparalleled leader in public relations associations. I have found so much value in being a member of PRSA, obtaining my Accreditation in Public Relations through the association and serving on the boards of two PRSA chapters throughout my career. I would recommend joining PRSA to all public relations professionals who are interested in taking their careers to new heights.
With more than 15 years of professional experience developing comprehensive, strategic communications programs rooted in ethics, transparency and effectiveness, Rachel McGuire, APR, is a nationally recognized, award-winning leader in the fields of communications and public relations.
Rachel is the owner/CEO of RMG Communications, a communications firm dedicated to serving public-sector and nonprofit clients. Prior to RMG Communications, she worked in-house overseeing communications programs for several public agencies across California, including several cities and a large water district, which served nearly 1 million customers.
Currently, Rachel serves on PRSA-SDIC board as the membership chair as well as the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) board as the education and development chair; additionally, she has served in the positions of president and vice president as well as CAPIO’s liaison to the Universal Accreditation Board, which oversees the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She is also a past president of Public Relations Society of America – Inland Empire (PRSA-IE) Chapter.
An active presenter on communications case studies and topics, Rachel has presented at UCLA, CAPIO, PRSA, League of California Cities, California Municipal Utilities Association, California Special Districts Association, California Municipal Finance Officers Association and California Municipal Revenue & Tax Association.
She also co-hosts the “Pressing On in Public Relations” podcast, which focuses on providing PR and communications professionals with practical and engaging tips and tools to help them navigate their careers.
In 2019, Rachel was bestowed the California Association of Public Information Official’s (CAPIO) Paul B. Clark Lifetime Achievement Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership in the field; she also received CAPIO’s 2016 Communicator of the Year Award.
During the course of her career, her work has garnered dozens of accolades from CAPIO, 3CMA and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), including a coveted “Best in Show” award from PRSA-Inland Empire Chapter in 2018.
Rachel holds an M.B.A from the University of Redlands, a B.A. in Communications Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles, and her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Universal Accreditation Board.
In her free time, Rachel mentors students and professionals in the communications field and volunteers her time assisting with public relations for an animal sanctuary and fostering kitties in need.
Associate New Pros + Ethics Officer (Non-Voting)
Elena Gomez
Why PRSA? I joined PRSA to develop new connections and to support the local PRSA community through events that can provide networking and career-building skills for both aspiring and experienced PR professionals. I look forward to building relationships that can make a difference in our community and inspire others to dream big in their careers.
Elena Gomez is an Associate Director of Media Relations at the University of San Diego. In this role, Gomez pitches story ideas to the media, shoots/edits/writes stories happening on campus and serves as a liaison between the university and the press. She is also a freelance journalist for ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, San Diego Magazine and CampestreMAG. In addition to these roles, Gomez recently founded a blog called HomeTold with Elena where she produces, shoots video, edits and writes stories focused on the people and places that make North County San Diego unique.
Prior to working in media relations, Gomez was a news reporter for NBC7 San Diego for several years, mostly on the morning show. As an Emmy-nominated reporter, Gomez covered breaking news, California wildfires, political scandals, high-profile court cases and even the Oscars while reporting in Los Angeles. Before landing her current positions, Gomez and her husband took an extended honeymoon to live out their lifelong dreams. His: backpack the Pacific Crest Trail. Hers: live in Paris, France. During this time, they started a blog about traveling as newlyweds. Gomez’ passion for storytelling also led her to continue reporting abroad for their blog — covering high-profile news events like the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, the Strasbourg Christmas market attack and the yellow vest protests in Paris.
Gomez graduated from San Diego State University with a MA in Mass Communication and Media Studies and a BFA in Television and Broadcast Journalism from Chapman University.
Elizabeth Espinoza
Why PRSA? PRSA is currently teaching me the foundation of what it means to work in public relations. In my growing career, I’ve been able to meet incredible PR Professionals, learn from their wisdom, advice, and experience, while learning how to grow into one myself. PRSA has provided me with key knowledge and opportunities to connect with others such as myself.
Elizabeth Espinoza is new to the communications world but shows much enthusiasm in learning the ropes from seasoned professionals.
She currently serves as the Interim Communications and Governmental Relations Officer for Imperial Valley College and is excited to be contribute to the college where she began.
In her role, she oversees Public Relations and Marketing as it pertains to students, faculty, staff and the community, as well as the Public Information Officer for the college.
Born and raised in the Imperial Valley, she is involved in her community. She is part of the Soroptimist International El Centro Chapter, MANA, and a little league coach.
She a graduate of Imperial Valley College and a two-time graduate of San Diego State University where she received her bachelor’s in Political Science and her Masters in Homeland Security.
Monica Gil dos Santos
Why PRSA? PRSA allows for learning and networking opportunities. Since I have joined PRSA, I have met outstanding PR professionals, learned from their experience and advice, built significant relationships, and further developed hard skills through valuable webinars. PRSA allows professional and personal growth opportunities while collaborating with fellow professionals and further evolving the industry.
Monica Gil dos Santos is an Account Coordinator at Katz & Associates, a PR firm specialized in strategic communication, public involvement and community relations to advance essential projects in the water, transportation, development, military, and creative sectors.
Monica has four years of writing, advertising and client relations experience in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, finance, health, and government. Her background also includes social media marketing and content management.
Growing up bilingual and bicultural with a Portuguese background in Germany, Monica has early on developed an interest in other cultures and languages. She has lived in four countries and has visited over 14. Speaking five languages, she uses her multilingual and intercultural communication skills to build relationships, tell stories and write and promote content that drives interest among all communities, media and stakeholders.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Language, Literature and Culture and a Master of Arts in
Language and Communications. She also earned the PR Council’s Agency-Ready Certificate.
Monica is passionate about youth, health, JEDI, and the environment as a volunteer with San Diego Youth Services and SanDiego350.
Mariah Hugo
Why PRSA? The greatest trailblazers have a strong network of supporters and mentors–I want to be in that mix. PRSA SD/IC attracts the counties’ top public relations professionals. The best place to start my career is alongside them, always learning and challenging the status quo.
Mariah Hugo is a natural relationship builder.
She joined the PRSA SD/IC team in 2020 by launching the chapter’s first virtual mentorship program. Since then, 62 participants contributed approximately 250 hours of mentoring. Now she serves as the associate board member for membership and volunteer engagement and received the chapter’s esteemed “New Professional of the Year” award in 2021.
Mariah focuses on stakeholder engagement at Katz & Associates, a powerhouse strategic communications firm. She supports her team by coordinating events and drafting press and social media materials. Those skills were on full display at the recent grand opening of the Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley.
She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in leadership in May 2020 at San Diego State University. She became an inaugural Broom Student Fellow at the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations. Mariah regularly participates in “Broomie” events, including recruitment, cohort interviews and alumni support.
If you’re interested in the mentorship program or volunteering with PRSA SD/IC, connect with her via email and LinkedIn.
Julie Smith Taylor, Ethics Officer
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