Discussion Topic:
As the federal government has terminated diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, states are passing anti-DEI legislation and organizations are starting to retreat from DEI initiatives, how can public relations professionals continue to champion and advance this critical work?
Join us for our first DEI Chat of 2025 with special guest,
Olga Mayoral Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA. As a seasoned professional in crisis and communication strategy and a passionate advocate for DEI initiatives, Olga will guide the conversation and offer her expertise on the evolving landscape of DEI in 2025.
As the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the PRSA College of Fellows and a member of the national PRSA DEI Committee, Olga will share her insights before participants engage in a 30-minute small group virtual conversation to further explore the topic.
During this session, we will explore:
- Legislative changes that impact DEI initiatives.
- How to maneuver through constrained environments to maintain DEI momentum.
- Legal realities shaping DEI efforts.
- DEI backlash and communication strategies to counter resistance.
Who Should Attend
This session is designed for public relations and communication professionals at all levels committed to advancing DEI, especially in the face of evolving challenges.
The DEI Chats series is free for Minnesota PRSA members and students and $10 for non-members.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and strategize with fellow PR professionals dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable industry. Register today!
PRSA’s Commitment to DEI
As we continue navigating challenges in the DEI space, PRSA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. Read the latest statement from the 2025 PRSA Chair Ray Day, APR, and the PRSA DEI Executive Committee
here.
Facilitators:
Olga Mayoral Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA, is presently an active crisis communications strategist who maintains open links with international clients in need of advice. Olga taught at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University. As Senior Lecturer, she taught upper-level PR courses; Olga received the 2018 Presidential Award for DEI at Texas State University.
A Hispanic woman born and raised in Puerto Rico with a passion for learning, Olga earned two master’s programs: an MA in Strategic Communication at Texas State University, and an MA in International Studies at Old Dominion University. Her BA degree with concentrations in English Literature-major- and a minor in French Literature, is from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
In 2008, she moved to Texas after 12 years in San Juan, Puerto Rico, eight years in the Washington, D.C. area and five years in Honolulu. Following her volunteer instincts to serve diverse, inclusive and underserved communities, Olga joined Texas State University as a volunteer in 2009 at The Center for the Study of Latino Media and Markets. It was at “El Centro” where her volunteer skills matched her professional strategic communication to co-lead all communication and development efforts for Puntos de Vista Spanish-Language International Festival from 2009-2013. African American, Hispanic and non-Hispanic students from Mexico, Latin America and Spain benefited from the project’s hands-on experience including script-writing, filming, digital editing and production, as well as implementation of PR campaigns at national and international levels.
Since 2012, Olga coordinated the Hachar Visiting Hispanic Media Professionals Program held every fall during SJMC’s annual Mass Comm Week. The Hachar Program focused on the education development awareness and potential recruitment of Hispanic students residing in Laredo, Texas.
Olga was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows in 2014. She currently serves as the DEI Officer for the College of Fellows and is actively involved on the PRSA National DEI Committee. In addition, Olga collaborates with the PRSA Foundation’s Scholarships Selection Committee and the PRSA Foundation’s Mentorship Initiative with diverse national college students at the international conferences.
Before moving to Texas, Olga held high-ranking communication positions such as Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Doral Financial Corporation and Senior Vice President and Public Relations/Corporate Division manager of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico.
Jaylen Lyles is a seasoned communications professional at Zan Associates with expertise in community engagement, strategic communication and project management. As a member of the Minnesota PRSA DEI Committee, Jaylen is passionate about advancing equity and inclusion, leveraging storytelling and relationship-building to drive impactful DEI initiatives.
He has further honed his leadership and equity advocacy skills through participation in the Wilder Foundation Community Equity Program and the City of Bloomington Learn to Lead program.
Registration:
Members and students: Free
Non-Members: $10
Session details are subject to change.