August President’s PRoclaimer Message

By FPRA Orlando President José Luis Dieppa 

Hola FPRA Orlando! 

It is hard to believe that the chapter year is coming to an end. We are ending this year with a bang. During FPRA 84th Annual Conference, our chapter was recognized with six awards during the President’s Luncheon including, Membership Recruitment, Financial Management, Student Engagement, Image Awards, Chapter President of the Year and Chapter of the Year. Our board of directors has done an incredible job engaging our members and building a community where everyone can feel welcomed and grow professionally. Every chapter leader has contributed in some way to earning these accolades, especially Valerie Moses, Juliette Gebken-Mayi, APR, Sarah Kelliher, Cynthia Velasco, Julia Amorim, Jennifer Vasbinder, Ali Beemer, APR, Paula Machado, Mandy Kimmer, APR, CPRC, Sarah Nemes, Leilani Vaiaoga,
Mark Richardson and Melissa Zayas Moreno, APR.

In addition, longtime FPRA Orlando member, Roger Pynn, APR, CPRC received FPRA’s Lifetime Membership. Plus, our past president Kacie Escobar, APR, was named the 2023 FPRA Member of the Year award. We are so proud of our members. Congratulations to all.

I want to recognize our chapter members who brought home awards for their leading PR programs at this year’s Golden Image Awards, congratulations to Despina McLaughlin, APR, Leilani Vaiaoga, Mary Ann Horne, Cynthia Lambert, Sarah Kelliher and Angelina Rahaman.   

During the conference, we heard from incoming FPRA president, Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC, about her theme for the year: Focus Forward. We can’t wait to hear more from Wendy about her theme and vision at our board installation later this month.  

Let’s celebrate our amazing year as we host our annual end-of-year celebration and board installation program on Wednesday, August 30, at the Historic Dubsdread Ballroom. Make sure to register here to help us welcome our 2023-2024 board of directors, led by Valerie Moses. I’m so excited for Valerie and the entire board.  

Finally, thank you! Thanks for trusting me to lead the chapter. My professional career has been enriched by this incredible experience. Thank you to our board of directors, members, and corporate partners for your contributions. In addition, I would like to thank my leaders at AdventHealth for their support this year. Lastly, I want to thank my boyfriend, Matt, who has been a great support to me this year.  

I am grateful to FPRA for all the opportunities it has given me on a professional and personal level.  

With gratitude,

José Luis Dieppa