This program will be online only.

With the start of the new year, it’s time for making and keeping resolutions. If you are considering how to best advance your career, join us for our January event to hear from chapter members about how pursuing a master’s degree or accreditation in public relations can help you move ahead.

PANELISTS:

Patrick Bishop, Ph.D., APR, EC
Professor, Public Relations, Ferris State University

Patrick Bishop is an author, speaker, and tenured professor in the College of Business at Ferris where he was named the University’s 2021 Distinguished Teacher. Over three decades he’s worked in four distinct industries of corporate retail, manufacturing, nonprofit, and higher education. He’s a 2020 graduate of The Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation and is currently seeking a master’s in counseling psychology. Bishop is a certified Enneagram instructor from Riso-Hudson’s Enneagram Institute and has received direct training from many of the Enneagram’s core teachers.

Ashley René Lee
Vice President of Strategic Communications, Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Ashley René Lee is an experienced executive and strategist who specializes in leading communications and storytelling for local and international organizations. Currently, she serves as vice president of strategic communications at Grand Rapids Community Foundation and co-founder/chief communications officer at Peadbo, an advisory board management tool that helps individuals manage their community of supporters. Ashley previously led communications at Michigan State University and the national headquarters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an international public service organization based in Washington, D.C. She has also worked as a communications consultant and as a freelance writer for a variety of publications, including Essence Magazine. Ashley received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. Ashley has been recognized by West Michigan Woman Magazine as a Brilliant Connector Award recipient, Grand Rapids Young Professionals as Young Professional of the Year, Who’s Who in Black Washington, D.C. as a Woman of Excellence Under 40, and as a finalist for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce: 10 Over the Next 10 Award.

Jill Simpson, APR
Manager, Social Media & Public Relations, Trace3

Jill Simpson serves Trace3, a next-gen IT solutions provider and consultant, as the public relations and social media manager. She has ten years of PR experience in agency, corporate, and non-profit settings. Jill obtained her APR in 2019 and co-chairs the WMPRSA Professional Development Committee, leading the chapter's accreditation & career-furthering efforts.

Nicole Zwiers, MA
Marketing Lead, Michigan Software Labs
Adjunct Professor, Calvin University

Nicole Zwiers is a content marketer, communication consultant, and adjunct professor—with a track record for directing successful integrated communication strategies. She currently is the Marketing Lead for Michigan Software Labs and teaches undergraduate and graduate-level public relations courses at Calvin University. Previously she was the Content Director for Bethany Christian Services—a global nonprofit serving children and families. She earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Calvin and her master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Marist College. 

Joel Van Kuiken, APR
Principal, SEE CONTEXT
Co-founder, The Delta Project

Joel Van Kuiken left his job in marketing communications and public relations in January of 2020 to become an entrepreneur and teacher. He is co-founder of The Delta Project, a non-profit start-up that is working to create mentorship and opportunity for young men navigating the juvenile justice system. After receiving a master’s degree in communications, he pursued his APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) and later received an MBA Certificate in Design and Innovation Management, which he credits with giving him the design-thinking chops needed to continually reshape his life and think differently about the future. He also understands how to navigate intercultural communications; he has deep knowledge of China and the vicissitudes that can happen when individualist culture converges with collective culture. He follows three- to five-year plans on a constant journey of improvement, always seeking more knowledge and expertise.

 REGISTRATION:

Members $10
Future Members: $15
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free
AMA Members: $10

ASL interpretation is available on request when registering at least one week in advance.

Please register by January 16.