Make Way For Women!

A prominent leader in the public relations profession can be recognized through their ability to find personal success while still creating opportunities for others. Betsy Plank was one of the first immensely successful women in the profession while still creating educational experiences for other women and future professionals. Considered the “First Lady of Public Relations”, Betsy Plank made many firsts as a woman in the developing public relations field. Her numerous leadership positions in major establishments such as Edelman, SBC Communications, and the Publicity Club of Chicago allowed her to become one the most distinguished public relations pioneers to date.

The value Plank placed on ethics brought a significant amount of credibility to the public relations profession, and she believed that there was always a capability to learn and grow in the area. She is known for saying “For whatever the age and weathering of public relations people, we’re still students- and should and must be throughout our professional lifetimes.” Along with her values, she strived to expand opportunities for other women in the profession. Her organization, The Chicago Network, which is still prominent today allows women in the Chicago area to network and support each other professionally. It doesn’t take much research on Plank to view her as a positive role model.

Plank’s contribution to education paved the way for future generations to confidently enter the work force. According to the Chicago Tribune, Plank spent countless hours talking to students and young professionals. Her mentorship ability and enthusiasm to advance the public relations field led her to create both the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at the University of Alabama and PRSSA, an organization that is prominent in universities across the country. Both successful organizations provide a variety of resources and develop exceptional public relations leaders, role models, and mentors that will advance the profession. Plank worked to elevate public relations education and set standards so that graduates would be fully qualified in any position. Betsy Plank left a legacy on the public relations profession, and encouraged many others to do the same.

Sources:

http://prssa.prsa.org/about-prssa/history/betsy-plank/

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-05-25/features/ct-met-0526-plank-obit-20100525_1_public-relations-student-society-first-female-president-plank

https://www.prweek.com/article/1362637/betsy-plank-hall-fame-2015