By Karina Valdes
Three School of Communication students and a member of its faculty were recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Miami chapter for their contributions and continued dedication to the field of public relations at the 37th Annual Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Luncheon.
Marcia Gomez, lecturer, was honored with the Bill Adams PRSA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the public relations industry and the community. Adelaide Doman, Sebastian Gonzalez, and Diana La Torre, members of the chapter’s student organization, PRSSA, were presented with Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Scholarships.
“The recognition of this scholarship is a reminder to keep growing and evolving within the field of public relations,” said Gonzalez who is majoring in public relations and minoring in political science. “It’s a testament that I chose the right field of work and that the work is just getting started.”
For Doman, a senior majoring in public relations and double minoring in law and politics, this scholarship, where recipients are selected by a committee of PRSA members, is confirmation of her dedication to the field.
“It feels like a recognition of the hard work I’ve put into PRSSA and my public relations education. This award comes at the perfect time, helping to alleviate financial pressure as I prepare to graduate and launch my career. It makes me even more excited for the future,” said Doman.
As a first-generation college student majoring in public relations and minoring in marketing, La Torre shares that earning this scholarship is bringing her one step closer to achieving her academic goals.
“It’s motivating me to work even harder as I begin to establish myself in this competitive field,” said La Torre.
The Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Scholarship awarded $3,750 to eight students from the University of Miami, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, and Miami Dade College. The fund was established in 1985 in honor of Everett A. Clay, a founding member of the PRSA Miami chapter.
Gomez, a member of PRSA for almost twenty years and its 2015 president, became involved with the organization in 2006 as a member of the selection committee for the Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Scholarship.
“This commitment shaped me as it started my involvement with PRSA Miami. Over the next 18 years, I have been an active member of the organization, but also an active board member, and on its leadership, including having led the organization as its chapter president in 2015,” said Gomez.
In 2010, Gomez became responsible for planning the Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Luncheon and served as its co-chair until 2022. During her tenure, she transformed the event into a major fundraising initiative.
“It’s now the most significant endowment among all PRSA chapters in the country,” said Gomez. “As of 2023, we’ve granted scholarships to 185 students, amounting to over $366,500, spanning 36 years. Additionally, this journey has blessed me with lifelong friends who’ve profoundly influenced both my personal and professional life.”
As the recipient of the 2024 Bill Adams PRSA Lifetime Achievement Award, Gomez was recognized for supporting and advancing the public relations field for more than 20 years, while embodying the ethical standards exemplified by Bill Adams, a chapter member and beloved educator who passed away in 2003.
As a passionate educator for the Department of Strategic Communication, Gomez notes that the most rewarding aspect of her work at the University is seeing students develop into professionals of the industry.
“In the classroom, I can always see when a concept has crystallized in their minds and that feeling that I have helped in some way is what drives me and motivates me. I’m inspired by the future of the communications industry,” said Gomez.
With a distinguished communications career spanning more than two decades, Gomez has worked in marketing and communications for major corporations, including AT&T and Nielsen Media Research.
Apart from her role at the University, Gomez is the president of Blank Canvas Communications, LLC, where she specializes in delivering impactful solutions across the arts, higher education, and nonprofits. She also leads Boost PR Labs, ensuring that public relations professionals stay at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements.
“I fell in love with [public relations]; I love that every day is different – one day you’re planning an event, then the next day you’re media training clients, the next you’re crafting messages and creating impactful partnerships. It’s a fun industry with a lot of opportunities and creativity that can lead to success,” said Gomez.
The 37th Annual Ev Clay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund Luncheon was held on Oct. 4 at the Rusty Pelican. Visit https://prsamiami.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=933535 to learn more about PRSA Miami chapter.
