The 2013 PRSA Young Pros welcome letter highlights the organization's growth, including a 200% increase in membership and the launch of a mentor program connecting young and seasoned professionals. The letter also outlines the group's mission to strengthen the public relations industry in Southeastern Wisconsin through educational and social events. Looking ahead, the board is committed to organizing more events in 2014 and continuing outreach to recruit young professionals.

1. 2013Yearbook

2. Welcome Letter
At the start of 2013, a handful of young professionals took the reins of PRSA Young Pros in southeastern
Wisconsin. At the time, we didn’t know each other that well. But, we shared a passion for connecting
with young professionals and providing that opportunity to others as well.
We came a long way since that cold, February meeting at Starbucks.
In the past year, we built upon the success of the previous board and hosted some exciting monthly
events focused on education and fun. We launched the first-ever mentor program that connects young
and seasoned professionals. We developed a
fresh, new look, including a logo and branded
social media pages. We grew our network of
young professionals by more than 200 percent to
nearly 400 individuals. And, we watched proudly as
several young professionals moved up the ladder
at their companies this year.
But, we’re not stopping there. We are hard at work developing a great lineup of events for 2014 and
continuing to recruit more young professionals like you. Take a look at the following pages to learn what
our group is all about. Then, make a point to join us for one or more events in the coming year. And
please, bring a friend, tell a colleague about our group or sign up to get more involved.
Like you, our journey is new. We hope to continue to inspire you as we grow together.
- The PRSA Young Pros Board
Who We Are
PRSA Young Pros is a subgroup of the Public Relations Society of
America–Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. Our mission is to ensure
the future strength of the public relations and social media industry
in southeastern Wisconsin by connecting young communications
professionals and building community through monthly educational
outings, networking opportunities and fun. There is no annual
membership fee, though young professionals can further expand
their network by becoming a member of PRSA. Discounted fees
are available for those new to the field. Event proceeds help fund
PRSA Young Pros programming throughout the year.
““WE ARE HARD AT WORK DEVELOPING A
GREAT LINEUP OF EVENTS FOR 2014 AND
CONTINUING TO RECRUIT MORE YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOU.”

3. 3
2013
Board members
Our 2013 executive board consists of a great team of dedicated, young professionals:
Katie Baumgart — Co-Chair
Katie Baumgart is a co-chair for Young Pros, and a 2012 graduate
of The University of Findlay. She is currently working as a public
relations assistant account executive at Laughlin Constable. Prior
to this, she was an intern at VISIT Milwaukee and in the office of
public information at her university. You can reach Katie at
kbaumgart@laughlin.com.
Sarah Kikkert — Co-Chair
Sarah Kikkert is a co-chair for Young Pros, and a 2012 graduate of
Marquette University. She is currently working as communications
and social media coordinator for Wisconsin State Fair Park after
working as an intern for the State Fair for two years while in
school. Prior to this, she worked at Mueller Communications. She
has also interned with the Marquette University Career Services
Center, Milwaukee Children’s Choir and Golden Chic Events &
Consulting. You can reach Sarah at smkikkert@gmail.com.
Jackie Hribar — Secretary/Treasurer
Jackie Hribar is secretary/treasurer for Young Pros, and a 2002
graduate of Marquette University. She is currently working as a
senior public relations account executive at Celtic Inc., Brookfield.
Her clients include Irish Fest, Edvest and Kohler Generators.
Prior to this, she worked at Caffeine Communications where she
introduced a new generation to Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
She also worked at VMS Chicago and Meyer & Wallis. You can
reach Jackie at jackieh@celticinc.com.
Meghan Boyle — Social Media Chair
Meghan Boyle is social media chair for Young Pros, and a 2007
graduate of UW-Stevens Point. She is currently working as an
assistant account executive at Celtic Inc., Brookfield. While in
school, Meghan interned in London for Waterwise, a nonprofit
organization, where she worked with Parliament and major news
outlets such as the BBC. She also enjoys volunteering for a
number of local organizations including the Shamrock Club of
Wisconsin. You can reach Meghan at meghanb@celticinc.com.
We are excited to welcome
the following additional board
members for 2014:
Emily Bultman
Wisconsin Dental Association
Mentor Program Chair
Megan Hemmelgarn
Bader Rutter
Social Media Chair
Gus Lopez
Capstone National Partners
Events & Programming Chair
Jordan Steinert
Cousins Submarines, Inc.
PRSSA Chapter Liaison

4. This year, we launched the inaugural PRSA-Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter Mentor Program, a partnership
between the Chapter and the Young Pros. The program was created to foster relationships between young
and seasoned professionals with a goal of strengthening the future of the public relations industry.
For our mentees, the program offers an opportunity to learn the ropes, establish a network and obtain
career advice. Meanwhile, our mentors benefit from exercising their leadership skills and keeping up-to-
date with new technologies from a younger generation.
To kick off the program, we hosted a mentor mixer at Transfer Pizzeria in June where mentors and
mentees met for the first time. After working their way through a series of clues, each pair got a
chance to know each other better – personally
and professionally. Over dinner, mentors and
mentees had a chance to establish their goals for
the mentorship.
Midway through the year, we hosted a social
outing at a Milwaukee Brewers game. In January,
we encouraged each pair to attend a PRSA Chapter
luncheon together. In between, mentors and mentees are invited to meet up, grab some coffee and
discuss the public relations topics that interest them.
We have 16 wonderful mentors and mentees this year. Take a look at their names below. We look
forward to both continuing and expanding the program in 2014.
MENTEES
Katie Baumgart
Laughlin Constable
Emily Bultman
Wisconsin Dental
Association
Julie Caan
Vollrath Associates
Jessie Deschane
Core Creative
Sarah Doran
Bader Rutter
Jackie Hribar
Celtic
Sarah Kikkert
Wisconsin State Fair
Justin Smith
Trefoil Group
Mentor Program
MENTORS
Bill Bussler
Celtic
Alan L. Gaudynski,
APR, Fellow PRSA
PR Wisconsin
Jessica Vollrath Huebner
Vollrath Associates
Steve Johnstone, APR
The Falk Group
Leslie Stachowiak
Kohler Co., Hospitality
& Real Estate
Michail Takach
Manpower Group
Jerry Topczewski, APR
Archdiocese of
Milwaukee
Carol S. Weber, APR
Wisconsin Dental
Association
““AFTER WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH
A SERIES OF CLUES, EACH PAIR GOT A
CHANCE TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER,
PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.”

5. 5
2013
Each month, the PRSA Young Pros host a networking event that centers on education or entertainment.
MARCH EVENT
BLUtender Battle
Our first event kicked off the year in March at Blu at the Pfister Hotel. An
annual tradition, it marks the passing of the torch from one year’s board to the
next. Last year’s co-chairs staffed the bar for one hour, followed by this year’s
co-chairs. Young pros helped raise money for 2013 programming as they met,
mixed and mingled.
APRIL EVENT
Women Creating Change
During YP Week in Milwaukee, the Young Pros teamed up with the WGirls, a
female-based volunteer group, to present a panel on Women Creating Change.
The event, held at the Charles Allis Art Museum, highlighted pioneering women in
the nonprofit industry who are working to make our communities stronger. They
included: Amy Heller, founder and international president of the WGirls Inc.; Leslie
Colvin, founder and president of Wgirls Milwaukee; Brittani Von Ruden, director of
marketing and public relations at Museum of Wisconsin Art; Sarah Fierek, director
of underwriting partnerships and on-air personality at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee;
and Alison Nolan, public relations specialist at Children’s Hospital.
MAY EVENT
Media Mash Up
A panel of young professionals in the media shared their tips and best practices
during this event at Stone Creek Coffee’s roasting headquarters. The panel
included: Sandra Torres of CBS 58, Erica Breunlin of BizTimes Milwaukee, Jeff
Engel of The Business Journal and Jesse Mitchell of 97.3 Radio Now. A private
barista served all-you-can-drink lattes, tea and coffee drinks.
JUNE EVENT
Summer Social
Young professionals enjoyed the beauty of summer along the Milwaukee River
during a relaxed, social event in June. Friends, old and new, unwound at Rustico
Pizzeria in the Third Ward over classic, summer cocktails.
2013 Events

6. JULY EVENT
OnMilwaukee Open House
OnMilwaukee opened their doors to the PRSA Young Pros in July. This event
offered a first look at the online magazine’s new, downtown headquarters. Editorial
staff was on hand to answer questions about how to pitch the media and the
best ways to interact with journalists. To provide fuel for networking, Milwaukee’s
famous Sprecher Root Beer was served in Mason jars along with pretzels.
AUGUST EVENT
Young Pros Bond Over Bocce
For our August event, young pros went head-to-head on the ultimate urban
bocce field in Milwaukee. This relaxing, late summer event was hosted at
the Intercontinental Hotel. New and old friends were invited to network while
enjoying some light competition.
SEPTEMBER EVENT
Discuss: Crisis Communication
Our September event focused on an important issue in the public relations
industry – crisis communication. During this event at Gravity Connect, young
pros were matched with a crisis communications professional and assigned
one of three real-life crisis case studies: the LIVESTRONG/Lance Armstrong
Crisis, National Peanut Butter Recall or Swiffer Wet Jet Pet Rumor. Each group
presented their strategy and tactics for overcoming the crisis before opening the
floor to a group discussion.

7. 7
2013OCTOBER EVENT
Splash Studio
Splash Studio, a painting bar in the Third Ward, opened their doors to a private
Young Pros event in October. During a fun, three-hour painting instruction
session, each participant was invited to explore their creative side as they
created a nighttime, city skyline on canvas. The group enjoyed pizzas catered by
Rustico Pizzeria along with mini cupcakes.
NOVEMBER EVENT
10 Principles of Social Content
First presented at the Marquette Univeristy PR + Social Media Summit in
October, the PRSA Young Pros hosted an encore presentation by Sarah Van
Elzen, social media director at Hanson Dodge Creative. Sarah discussed what
defines “good” content, provided industry relevant examples and showcased
the top 10 principles every writer needs to know. Afterward, young pros
networked over cheese plates, fruit and wine.
DECEMBER EVENT
PR Palooza
The PRSA Young Pros, together with the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter,
co-hosted a kick-off to the holiday season in early December. PR professionals
mixed and mingled during a fantastic networking event in a one-of-a-kind setting
– the Historic Miller Caves at Miller Brewing Company. All were invited to have a
cup of cheer and converse with public relations professionals from throughout the
region who work in agency, corporate and in-house settings.

8. If you are interested in attending our events,
becoming a member of PRSA or just want to know
more about PRSA Young Pros, we’d love to hear
from you! Send us an email or connect with us on
social media!
Website: prsawis.org/young-pros
Email: PRSAwisYP@gmail.com
Twitter: @PRSAwisYP
Connect with us PRSA Young Pros Offers You a Chance to:
• Grow professional skills at development events
• Share best practices in the public relations,
marketing and communications industries
• Network in casual and professional settings with
other local, young pros
• Access seasoned professionals with our
exclusive Mentor Program
• Give back to the Milwaukee PR community
• Connect, succeed and have a blast while doing it!
Logo and Design by Alisha Denomme
alishadenomme.com
@alishadenomme
Illustrations by Autumn Brown
behance.net/autumnbrown
autumndrawsthings@gmail.com
2014-02-21