The importance of identity and representation: Samira Brown’s PR Kent journey

Senior public relations student Samira Brown’s journey to public relations began by taking Principles of Public Relations, a rite of passage for students first joining the major. 

Brown originally came to Kent State as a journalism major but decided to switch after narrowing her career path. 

“In journalism, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with the major, but taking Principles of Public Relations helped a lot with deciding my career path,” Brown said. 

The variety of careers in the field of public relations was a major factor for Brown in making the switch. 

“I want to go into sports or entertainment PR,” Brown said. “As I took more classes, I realized public relations fit more of what I wanted to do in my career path.” 

While at Kent State, Brown noted that her identity as a black woman has influenced her public relations and college journey. 

“I went to a predominantly black high school, so coming into a predominately white institution was different for me as I am still trying to figure out myself as I'm getting older,” Brown said. 

Coming to a predominantly white institution (PWI) has helped Brown interact with classmates and people she did not know before. 

“It can be challenging not seeing a lot of people looking like me,” Brown said. “It’s important to surround yourself with people who think and look differently to get different perspectives.” 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the field of public relations remains an important topic of conversation. Brown encouraged public relations professionals to include DE&IB in their everyday lives. 

“Being inclusive and making sure that you know the people around you are diverse allows you to think about other perspectives,” Brown said. 

When incorporating DE&IB initiatives, Brown cautioned that it is important organizations and people steer clear of being performative. 

“Sometimes people will do it when it looks good,” Brown said. “It should be one of your morals that you always check yourself on.” 

Despite Kent State being a PWI, Brown says that her professors have done a good job of talking and covering DE&IB topics. 

“When it comes to DE&IB, you’re either conscious about it or you’re not,” Brown said. “The professors I have had in PR are conscious of the things they say and talk about.” 

Brown ultimately believes that Kent State, the School of Media and Journalism and the PR sequence do a good job of acknowledging DE&IB initiatives. 

“My professors always make everybody feel included and cover topics of diversity when it’s needed,” Brown said. “Everyone here is very welcoming.”