Smart Talk Series

Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR
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Smart Talk Series

The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist. This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or personal success. So anyone ready to hear real talk about how to better communicate on topics that matter is welcome!

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  1. EPISODE 46

    The Pressures Latinas Face and Leveraging Research with Sahana Mukherjee

    Join us this season as we focus on Cultural Strategy! Melissa kicks off Season 8 with Associate Director of Race and Ethnicity Research at Pew Research Center, Sahana Mukherjee. Listen as they discuss the important role research plays when crafting cultural strategy. About Sahana: Sahana Mukherjee is Associate Director of Race and Ethnicity research at Pew Research Center. She is an expert on issues of race relations, culture and identity, and immigration in American and Asian contexts. Sahana has published extensively in academic and non-academic outlets and has received multiple research awards from universities and professional societies in recognition of her work.

    30 min

  2. EPISODE 47

    Staying WOKE as a Communications Professional with Gabriel Reyes

    Culturally relevant communication is powerful, especially when it's created with knowledge, empathy, and solidarity. In this episode, Melissa talks to Gabriel Reyes, the president and founder of Reyes Entertainment about his new book and efforts to inform and educate the industry pros about the need for cultural competence. About Gabriel: Gabriel Reyes is considered one of the pioneers of Hispanic marketing in the Entertainment Industry. He has led Reyes Entertainment, a boutique PR agency based in Hollywood for over two decades. In 2023, Reyes was honored by the Public Relations Society of America L.A. Chapter (PRSA-LA) with its Sunrise Honors Award in recognition of his work promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Public Relations field.

    51 min

  3. EPISODE 48

    Communicating with International Audiences with Daniel Marin

    Soccer brings together people of all cultures around the world. With a large audience that comes from so many backgrounds, how do you best communicate with each? Tune in to an engaging conversation with the Executive Director of Public Relations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Daniel "Danny" Marin about how to communicate with an international IQ. About Danny: Daniel Marin is the Executive Director of Public Relations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ where he leads all communications strategies for what will be the biggest sporting event in history. For two decades Daniel has held a range of comms roles within some of the biggest brands around, from UPS to Netflix, and most recently led communications for Amazon’s Prime Video division across Latin America, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. He’s a native of Miami, FL where he currently resides, and holds an MBA from Florida International University.

    37 min

  4. EPISODE 49

    Inclusive Insights with Jessica Broome, Ph.D.

    Sometimes the audiences that are the easiest to reach are not the ones that you need to hear from. In today's episode, Melissa sits with Jessica Broome Ph.D., the founder of Southpaw Insights about what inclusive insights are and how they can benefit every communicator. About Jessica: Dr. Jessica Broome is a survey methodologist and insights professional. She founded Southpaw Insights in 2008 to conduct meaningful, human-centered research that helps organizations make smart decisions and connect with audiences. Southpaw does qualitative and quantitative research to help clients understand what people think, feel, and do.

    35 min

  5. EPISODE 50

    Implementing Cultural Strategy with Ben Finzel and LaTricia Harper Woods, APR

    Creating a cultural strategy is not enough. Effectively implementing your strategy is the first step to enacting real change. Listen as Melissa talks with Ben Finzel and LaTricia Harper Woods, APR of The Change Agencies about activating cultural strategy in today's society. About Ben: Ben Finzel is president of RENEWPR, a Washington, DC-based public relations firm. Ben and his team of seven independent PR professionals provide advice, counsel and outreach on strategy, messaging, media and partnerships to clients tackling energy, environmental and equity issues and opportunities. Ben is one of two founders of The Change Agencies, the national network of inclusive PR firms focused on changing the way business and organizations communicate across cultures. About LaTricia: LaTricia Woods is an award-winning, accredited public relations professional with more than 29 years of industry experience. She is the Founder and CEO of Mahogany Xan Communications, where she leads a talented team of professionals and serves a national client portfolio. She is also the founding principal of The Change Agencies.

    44 min

  6. EPISODE 51

    Avoiding Performative Acknowledgements with Charlene Ostbloom and Angela Gonzalez

    This season, we've learned that cultural strategy is essential, but approaches can feel hollow and performative without collaboration and authentic engagement with the cultures being recognized. In this season finale, Melissa speaks with Charlene Ostbloom, the founder of Bloom Communications and Angela Gonzalez, the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium. They dig into bridging cultures between business and Native communities, the missteps around Cherokee Barbie, and the incorporation of Native Land Acknowledgements. About Charlene: Charlene Ostbloom, founder of Bloom Communications, is dedicated to bridging cultures between businesses and Alaska Native communities. With decades of experience and deep roots in Nulato (noo-LA-Toh), Alaska, she offers Corporate Culture Camps, training, coaching and facilitation services. Charlene is also developing Native Women RISE, an innovative program that will celebrate the unique professional journeys of Indigenous women. About Angela: Angela Gonzalez is Koyukon Athabascan originally from Huslia, Alaska, and lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a communications professional, writer, and bead artist living in Anchorage, Alaska. She is currently the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium.

    35 min
See All Season 8 (6)

About

The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist. This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or personal success. So anyone ready to hear real talk about how to better communicate on topics that matter is welcome!

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR
  • Episodes
    56
  • Seasons
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021, MVW Communications
  • Show Website
    Smart Talk Series

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