By Blakely Gibeaut
Local music and tech public relations firm, rock paper scissors, inc., is launching The PR Mentoring Network to give minority students and very early career professionals the opportunity to further their career.
Photo contributed by Dmitri Vietze
CEO Dmitri Vietze wanted to respond to the recent calls for racial equity by doing more than posting a black box on social media.
“We wanted to do something that would have a larger positive impact on fighting against racism,” Vietze said.
The program is intended for those who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to have a long term, one-on-one mentorship with an established PR professional. The mentorship consists of monthly meetings, networking opportunities, ideas for career development and more.
“This is not a job placement program, but an opportunity to open the door, create a network, and let things unfold from there,” Vietze said. “To push against the racist tendencies that already exist in our society where people might get locked out or not considered or not given access to information or a way to build their professional network.”
Photo contributed by Dmitri Vietze
By creating one-on-one relationships, the network will allow for a stronger way to change society around racism. The mentorship will create access and opportunity for the mentee, but also learning and innovation for the professional.
Vietze explained that individuals change their understanding of the BIPOC experience when they develop a personal relationship with a BIPOC individual.
Mentors are encouraged to be aware that racism is dynamic throughout everything in America, and to build the relationship in an antiracist nature.
In the long term, The PR Mentoring Network will work to create new opportunities for BIPOC individuals who are interested in exploring a career in public relations. Vietze said this program will help mentees by building resumes and teaching technical and soft skill knowledge.
If interested in joining the PR Mentoring Network, visit the sign up link and the program overview. All applicants must be 18 years or older.
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