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Member Spotlight: Devon Watters

In this member spotlight, we’re highlighting Devon Watters, co-chair of the PRSA Rochester PRism Committee. When not volunteering with PRSA Rochester, Devon serves as the Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where she leads the social media strategy and implementation for divisional accounts as well as graphic design efforts for the division amongst other responsibilities. Let’s learn more about Devon and the work that she does - including her involvement within the PRism Committee.

Tell us about your role at RIT and your interest in graphic design.

I have worked at RIT in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion since 2014 following the completion of my undergraduate degree there in Graphic Design. My current role is the Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. In my role, I am responsible for our graphic design efforts, marketing of our events, departments and programs, communications, website management and social media management. 

I began my professional career at RIT after graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design and quickly realized that my role was going to expand beyond solely graphic design. I have had the ability to expand my knowledge in the areas of marketing, communications, website management and social media management. Along with these areas, I have had the great fortune to work with a group of extremely talented public relations professionals at RIT. This collaboration has allowed me to understand the other side of our field and to partner with them over the years consistently on very meaningful projects. 

Why did you become a member of PRSA Rochester?

I became a member of PRSA because I saw the value in getting involved with other professionals outside of my organization and also getting involved over the years for example the PRism Awards which I have been fortunate enough to be involved in going on three years.

What benefits, skills or education have you received as a member?

As a PRSA member, I have had the opportunity to network with a number of extremely talented professionals that I otherwise may not have met. I have been able to expand my reach and knowledge of what others are doing in our community. 

What is your role on the PRism Committee?

I am currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Rochester PRism Awards alongside my wonderful partner in crime and fellow PRSA member Hannah Barry. Hannah and I have had the opportunity to work on the PRism’s going on three years together with this being our second year as co-chairs.  

Are there any updates and/or insights you can share concerning next year’s PRism Awards program?

We are very excited to share that an announcement related to the launch of PRism entries will be coming out shortly and we hope that everyone will consider entering their fabulous work to be celebrated! We also as always are excited to host another fabulous in-person event to allow for fellow local professionals to gather, mingle and celebrate this summer.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I have ever received was to make sure to differentiate yourself and never stop growing. I have taken this with me as I have moved throughout my career with things like professional development, obtaining a Master’s degree in focus areas that would build my toolkit of skills and expanding my involvement with organizations like PRSA. 

What's the best way to inspire others in public relations?

I think the best way to inspire others and by showing them the unique path you may have taken and allowing others to see that there is not just one path to the end goal, whatever that may be. 

Outside of your involvement in PRSA, is there an activity you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dog (he is a 17 month old, Old English Sheepdog named Moose) and traveling. 

If you could describe your career/professional life in one word, what would it be?

Rewarding.