Communicators in the Age of AI: Navigating Tools, Ethics, and Authenticity

On Thursday, May 22, I joined fellow communicators at Q-Branch in Downtown Austin for an event hosted by the PRSA Austin Chapter—an evening that promised insight and inspiration, and absolutely delivered. The focus? The evolving role of artificial intelligence in public relations and communications. It was a dynamic and thought-provoking panel that confirmed familiar ideas and concerns while highlighting new AI opportunities and challenges.

Moderated by Anne Lasseigne Tiedt, APR, the panel featured four industry professionals: Monica Talan (TechTranslators.ai), Tim Weinheimer (Hahn), Dan Martin (Hiebing), and Lisa Peterson (Lisa Peterson PR). Each panelist offered a unique perspective—from tech backgrounds to data analytics, agency marketing services to media relations—on how AI is transforming how we communicate, collaborate, and connect with our audiences.

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Finding My North Star: What I Learned in ACC’s Strategies for Today’s Jobs Class

I recently completed the Strategies for Today’s Jobs (4-weeks / 8-days) career development course through Austin Community College (ACC), designed to help job seekers clarify their goals, polish their materials, and build confidence in today’s job market. Overall, I felt that the class was good and thoughtfully put together. While much of the content felt like “Career 101” and seemed primarily catered to those entering or re-entering the job market, I still found many gems of insight that were useful for refining my current job search strategy and long-term career planning.

Even though I’ve already navigated multiple stages of professional development, this course served as a helpful refresher and provided space for intentional reflection. I appreciated the structured pace, the supportive instructors, and the opportunity to revisit foundational strategies with fresh eyes and a lens of AI support.

Below is a breakdown of each day, including key takeaways that stood out to me:

Day 1: Orientation + Self-Assessment

Focus: Identifying personal strengths, values, and workplace preferences.

Takeaways:

  • We kicked off the class with discussing personality assessments for career alignment like YouScience offered through ACC, which served as a reminder of how I operate best in a team and workplace setting.
  • Reflecting on core values, missions, and motivations helped reaffirm my commitment to working in sustainability and mission-driven environments—something that’s remained consistent in the later half of my career.
  • The structured self-assessment activities gave me a career direction clarity and helped create a more intentional mindset heading into the rest of the course.
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Networking at Easy Tiger North: Community, Coffee & Career Connections

Lately, Easy Tiger North has become more than just a great spot for pastries and coffee—it’s become the backdrop for some of my most valuable networking experiences in Austin. From marketing mixers to sustainability meetups, this laid-back location has offered countless opportunities to connect with brilliant minds and inspiring peers across industries. Let’s take a quick walk back through a few recent events that have made a big impact on me.


Ad 2 Austin’s 32 Under 32 Awards (May 8)

Most recently, I had the honor of volunteering at the check-in table for Ad 2 Austin‘s 32 Under 32 Awards, celebrating the city’s top young professionals in marketing and advertising. Held at Easy Tiger North with an MVP-themed flair, the event buzzed with creativity and camaraderie.

Welcoming each nominee gave me a front-row seat to the incredible work being done in this industry—from strategic brand launches to innovative digital campaigns. It was equal parts inspiring and energizing to meet so many trailblazers under 32 who are already reshaping the marketing landscape.

Shoutout to Ad 2 Austin, the event sponsors, and Easy Tiger for making the night a celebration to remember—complete with delicious food and meaningful conversation. The future of marketing in Austin looks bright, and I’m grateful to have played a small part in recognizing those leading the way.

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Rooted in Community: Earth Day Austin 2025 at Huston-Tillotson University

On Saturday, I revisited Earth Day Austin Festival for 2025 at Huston-Tillotson University (HT) — a celebration that brought together culture, community, and climate action in the heart of East Austin. As someone who works at the intersection of sustainability, communications, and public outreach, this event offered not only an energizing way to celebrate Earth Month but also a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together to support and promote conservation, equity to access and services, workforce education, and environmentalism during these current social times.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Community,” felt strong in terms of the support of vendors, action groups, and city services — from the indoor inflatable planetarium and cultural performances on the main stage, to the various panels, interactive exhibits, and conversations I had at booths. The event was part of HT’s 150th anniversary programming, and was supported by volunteers and students, which included performances by the students too.

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Finding Community and Creativity at #Ad2TheConvo: Hustlers Panel & Networking

On April 9th, I had the pleasure of attending #Ad2TheConvo: Hustlers Panel & Networking at RichesArt Gallery in East Austin — an event hosted by Ad 2 Austin and sponsored by Spotter. I walked in expecting a solid panel discussion and some casual networking. I walked out feeling deeply inspired, more connected to the local creative scene, and affirmed in my own journey as a communications professional exploring new ground.

The night centered on a panel of four women entrepreneurs — all self-made, all proudly tied to their culture, and all navigating the highs and lows of side-hustling in Austin. Panelists included Julia Wezio, co-founder of ATX Grand Prix Club; Karla Martinez, founder of Betty Bobble; Kassandra Chapa, founder of Firulais Co.; and Marisa Garza, founder of KEFI by MG. Each of these women shared the story of how they launched their ventures, what keeps them motivated, and how their personal and cultural identities are woven into the fabric of their brands.

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Texas VegFest: Celebrating 10 Years of Community and Compassion

I spent my Saturday afternoon soaking up the energy, flavors, and creativity at the 10th annual Texas VegFest—and it did not disappoint. Held at Fiesta Gardens along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, this year’s event brought together an incredible mix of food vendors, nonprofits, musicians, and plant-based enthusiasts from all over Austin. Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just hungry and open-minded, this festival had something for everyone.

The weather was a little unpredictable (classic Austin spring), but that didn’t stop the crowds. I wandered through rows of vendor tents sampling all kinds of veggie-based goodies—from BBQ tempeh sliders to vegan tamales to inventive dairy-free desserts. And of course, I picked up my fair share of stickers, tote bags, and free swag along the way.

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