“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
– Proverbs 31:25.
Quite a well-suited philosophy for any princess, so it makes sense that Brandi Welk named it as her favorite quote – Welk has branded herself as The PR Princess, a title suggesting some extensive experience behind it. Today, Brandi serves as the Development Director for the Council on Aging of West Florida in her hometown of Pensacola.
Read on for PR tips fit for a princess from the girl who describes herself as “obsessed with chocolate and carbs, in love with designer brands and addicted to the limelight.”
Callie Rose: In your opinion, what sets nonprofit PR apart from the rest of the PR industry??
Brandi Welk: Nonprofit PR is a world in itself. Unlike agencies and corporate PR companies, nonprofit PR takes a special person. This person must be passionate about the cause, willing to work extra hours and wear many hats, have the ability to fundraise and give it their all.
Nonprofit PR is extremely rewarding emotionally, but many times not financially. Because of this, nonprofit PR is only for special individuals in my eyes, someone that wants to leave a footprint and make a difference.
CR: Did you always know that working in PR is what you wanted to do?
BW: To be honest, no I did not know PR would be my career choice. In college, I tended to decide on career paths based on which TV show I was really into at the time. Sounds silly, I know! At one point I thought I wanted to be a doctor because of Dr. House. Other times I thought I wanted to be a journalist because of the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw.
I finally came to the conclusion that I loved to write and since journalism wasn’t sexy enough for me, I went with PR. PR had everything: the nice clothes for work, lots of writing, event planning and networking.
CR: What’s something many people don’t realize about your organization and its mission? ??
BW: Many people do not realize all that Council on Aging of West Florida does. We have a wide array of services for our local seniors like Meals on Wheels, caregiver respite at The Retreat, case management, our Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs and so much more. My organization tries to make an impact in every part of a senior’s life as well as their family.
CR: Has your job made you view aging any differently? ?
BW: Absolutely! At 21, I hadn’t thought much about aging and didn’t fully grasp how many issues a senior can be faced with. I now have such an appreciation for seniors and their families. Caregiving for a loved one is a full-time job.
CR: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
BW: Seeing my local seniors receiving the help that they need. Whether that be fans and air conditioners or respite for caregivers, knowing that my efforts on fundraising is helping provide these services is truly priceless.
CR: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
BW: The most challenging aspect would definitely be that I am so young. I entered this job as a fresh 21-year-old college graduate with big shoes to fill. Since then, I have proved my worth and shown many of my peers that age is just a number.?
CR: Are there any technical programs, social media techniques, etc. that you’ve had to learn since starting your job? What was that like?
BW: I really didn’t have any obstacles personally when it came to social media and programs. The biggest challenge was convincing a somewhat older Board of Directors that social media is now imperative in the world we live in.??
CR: Who inspires you???
BW: Pinterest, DUH! Haha no. I get most of my inspiration from my family. I am the first one to go to college in my family and I have a younger sister who needs me as a role model. I give every single project my all because I feel I have the responsibility to pay back to my family for their love and support and become successful for us all.
I am a very religious person and attribute all of my successes to God. I have no worries because I know my God’s grace is far greater than any problem I might have.
[divider] [/divider]CR: What would you like to accomplish in your career in the future?
BW: In the next 5 years, I would like to earn my Accreditation in Public Relations, serve on 3 Board of Directors (I currently serve on two now), join more civic organizations and continue to give back to the community that built me.??
“Every person you meet is important. Never forget that.”
CR: Any final thoughts?
BW: Just a quick word of advice: appreciate every person you meet and work your butt off. There are so many shortcuts in today’s society and people who have things handed to them. That was never me.
I worked in a deli for 5 years serving fried chicken and making sandwiches for some of the nicest and rudest people you will ever meet. It was definitely a humbling experience. I never stopped giving it my all. Because of that, I landed this job through connections and still have contact with some customers that help me out on the regular. Every person you meet is important. Never forget that.
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