Member PRofile: Victoria Padovan
Title and company: Associate Manager of Communications/PR at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Give a brief explanation of your job: I help tell the institutional stories of Dr. Phillips Center, highlighting everything from community engagement, summer camps and our arts & wellness programming. My role includes media relations, internal and external communications, strategy and storytelling that support both the brand and our vision of Arts For Every Life®.
How long have you been a member of FPRA and why did you join? I’ve been a member since 2020, starting through UCF’s Quotes chapter. At the time, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to major in. I didn’t know anything about public relations until I took Professor Joan’s Intro to Advertisement course at UCF—and that class really opened my eyes to the possibilities within the field. After that, I joined the Quotes club to keep learning and get more involved. I’ve been part of FPRA ever since.
What has been your favorite FPRA event or experience so far? Attending the PR and Communications Summit in 2024 was a full-circle moment for me. It was something I heard about as a student and always wanted to experience. I’m so grateful I got to go—I connected with professionals from across Florida and walked away with so many insights. And it’s probably the only conference where you’ll experience a chocolate break.
Tell us about an exciting achievement (personal or professional): I earned my master’s degree in 2023—something I never imagined I’d pursue. During my last year of undergrad, a professor encouraged me to consider it and that small push made all the difference. Grad school turned out to be one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but I’m incredibly proud of myself for crossing the finish line. I met some amazing people along the way and the experience truly shaped the person I am today.
What was your first job? I was a summer camp counselor. Every summer from my sophomore year of high school through college. It was the best kind of job-- getting paid to play games, go to the pool and spend time outdoors doing something different every day.
What's one fun fact about you? I dance flamenco! I started when I was eight years old in my hometown of Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. After my family moved to the U.S., I took a short break, started back up at 12, and then the studio shut down. I could never find another place—until this year. Reconnecting with flamenco has been such a joy and a special way to revisit something I’ve loved since I was a kid.
