UNT PRSSA welcomes Guest Speaker Kimberly Sims, Vice President of Open Channels Group PR
by Crystal Hollis (UNT PRSSA Historian)
November 21, 2014
Denton, Texas – The last PRSSA informational meeting of Fall 2014 was on November 20th. The meeting began with an announcement about the Senior send off party to be held at El Guapo’s on December 4th. Graduation for Mayborn students is held at the University of North Texas Coliseum building on December 13th.
Members at the meeting began discussing current events for the week that is relevant to public relations. Uber’s VP of Business Emil Michael have made comments aimed at PandoDaily’s editor Sarah Lacy because of criticisms made against the company. However despite the bad publicity, the comments did not severely affect the perceptions of Uber’s consumer base. Next, members discussed the Bill Cosby rape allegations and watched Janice Dickenson’s interview on Entertainment Tonight’s website.
Later during the meeting, Kimberly Sims arrived to speak to PRSSA members. Sims is the Vice President of Open Channels Group PR, a cross-cultural communications firm located in Fort Worth,Texas. OCG PR has won awards including,
- 2012 AdColor MVP Award for partnership with Fleishman-Hillard on AT&T
- 2012 Vision Fort Worth 20/20 Award for being a great place to work for young, emerging talent
- 2011 MarCom Gold Award for Marketing/Branding Refresh: OCG “We Are PR.” campaign
Kimberly Sims spoke to PRSSA members about diversity in the public relations industry. She began her speech by getting to know the students. Sims asked what PRSSA members are looking for in PR and what it was like working at a PR internship. One student talked about how her internship was in a male dominated office and she was disappointed in the lack of hands on activities. “Keep pushing the envelope,” Sims replied. “Look for an opportunity to get your ‘feet wet.’ If they’re not giving you opportunities, then look somewhere else.”
Sims talked about how many people gravitate towards groups that makes them comfortable. However diversity is important because it drives economic growth, captures a greater market share, avoids employee turnover costs, and fosters a more creative and innovative workforce. “Diversity is not just about black and white,” said Sims. “You have people from all walks of life with different viewpoints.”
Sims continued to provide advice to UNT PRSSA students and encourages the idea of getting out of the comfort zone. “Public Relations has been the best job I’ve ever had.”
UNT PRSSA 