Her Story
About Adranisha
Adranisha Stephens is a Public Relations Manager with a career spanning journalism, public relations, marketing, and social media management. Bringing over five years of experience in the field, she currently leads communications efforts in a hospitality setting, where her work spans media training, press interviews, press release writing, social media and paid marketing management, and networking within professional organizations. Prior to her current position, she spent three years as PR Manager at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and before that, she worked at a public relations agency where she managed a diverse portfolio of accounts across economic development, nonprofit, technology, and lifestyle sectors, in addition to freelance social media and PR work for beauty-industry clients.
Stephens built her academic foundation at Frostburg State University, where she completed a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Journalism. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Storytelling from American University, then further sharpened her expertise with a graduate certificate in Public Relations from the University of Denver. This combination of journalistic training and strategic communications education has shaped her into a versatile professional equally comfortable crafting a compelling narrative and managing a multi-platform campaign.
A self-described lifelong learner, Stephens is driven by creativity, connection, and continual growth, both professionally and personally. She credits her achievements to consistent hard work and a genuine passion for her craft, and she encourages rising professionals, particularly young women entering the field, to seek mentorship, embrace new opportunities, and never shy away from stepping outside their comfort zone. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and remains committed to fostering authentic relationships in an industry increasingly challenged by misinformation and the rise of AI-generated content.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Adranisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work. I've always operated with the mindset that no one else is going to help me reach where I need to be, so I have to show up every day and get the work done, even on the days I don't feel like it. I know I don't have anything to fall back on, so I make sure I push through and finish what needs to be done. Fortunately, I also genuinely enjoy the work I do, so it never feels like a complete burden to come in every day. Loving what you do, maintaining a strong work ethic, and setting clear goals to strive toward are what have carried me forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my former bosses, who became a mentor to me, once told me not to be afraid to pivot, and that some of the best opportunities come from taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone. I used to be hesitant to do that, but I've learned how important it is, because you never know what you're capable of until you try. My advice to myself, and to others, is to keep learning, stay curious, and trust that you can pick up new skills along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage them to pursue whatever genuinely interests them and to seek out a connection or mentor who can help guide them along the way. In my own experience, having someone in my corner made a real difference. Whether it's a boss willing to invest in your growth or a friend whose career you admire, it's important to maintain those relationships and put yourself out there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'd say one of the biggest challenges right now is misinformation. In the age of the internet and AI, it's essential to report accurately and avoid misleading people. It can be difficult to earn journalists' trust, because they want to know they're dealing with a real, reliable contact rather than receiving AI-generated pitches. That means really honing your skill set and making sure the connections you build feel natural and genuine, rather than reaching out blindly, since building real relationships is the whole point of this work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Professional growth, creativity, and connection are the values I care about most, whether those connections are social or professional. I love learning new things and consider myself a lifelong learner, and my goal is always to keep growing and absorbing as much as I can along the way.
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