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Member Spotlight: Hannah Barry

In this member spotlight, we're highlighting Hannah Barry, co-chair of the PRSA Rochester PRism Committee and Director-At-Large/PRisms on the PRSA Rochester Board of Directors. When not volunteering her time with PRSA Rochester, she serves as a counselor at McDougall Communications where for the past three years, she's helped clients in our community and around the world share thier stories through media relations, content development, strategic communications and social media management. Learn more about Hannah and what you can expect at this year's PRism Awards ceremony in the interview below. 

When and why did you become a member of PRSA Rochester?

I first became involved with PRSA Rochester through the PRSSA chapter at RIT. At the time, it was a great way for me to learn more about communications careers and start getting to know professionals in the field. Networking and professional development are still elements of PRSA Rochester membership I find valuable.

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

Networking and professional development have been the PRSA member benefits I’ve enjoyed most. It’s so valuable to get out of the rut of the day-to-day and meet someone or learn something new.

What's the best advice you ever received (professional/life)?

Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Though not all of them will come to be, every idea is an opportunity to create value for your client or organization. Shout out to Jamie Palmeroni-Lavis—thank you!

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

I think simply sharing your own experiences can go a long way in inspiring others in public relations. From hallway conversations to coffee meetings, the conversations I’ve had with fellow PR professionals have been incredibly valuable in helping me navigate the career I want.

What does success mean to you?

This is a big question. My high school geometry teacher had a phrase –“Autograph your work with excellence.” You’re going to do well, he told us, but why not take what’s good and make it excellent. I think that sums up how I think about success. If I know I’m adding that extra spark into everything I do, I feel that I’ve been successful.

What is your role on the PRism Committee?

I’m co-chairing the PRism Committee with RIT’s Devon Watters. There’s so much work worth celebrating in Rochester and I’m glad I get to be part of making that happen.

What are you most looking forward to at this year's PRism Awards ceremony?

What’s not to look forward to! I just love the opportunity to have so many of our local communication professionals in one room—it’s a reunion! These past few years have made opportunities to gather in person feel even more valuable and exciting. I hope everyone can join us on Wednesday, June 8, at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

What do you do better than anyone else?

Country apple tart. Public relations is great and all, but nothing’s as good as my country apple tart with local apples à la mode. 

If you had endless money, you would...

Honestly, I wouldn’t want endless money. While there’s a lot of good it could do, there are also a lot of problems that it could create. If I could have “endless” anything, I’d want an endlessly long table so everyone could join me for dinner. If we’re going to solve global problems, let’s start with a meal.