Influential Woman · Communications and Public Relations
Heidi Wilson, APR
Communications Professional, Virginia Department of Education, HWILSONPR
VA
Her Story
About Heidi
Heidi Wilson has spent 22 years in communications and public relations. She studied mass communications in her undergraduate program, a field she has been passionate about since childhood when she enjoyed reading, writing, and creating with photographs. Wilson works as a communications practitioner and serves as a college professor, where she mentors and pours into the next generation of communication professionals. She also maintains her own public relations practice, which she continues to develop and grow. Wilson is active with her local Public Relations Society of America chapter in Richmond, serving on the board to educate others about the field and its applications in business. She participates in community initiatives such as holiday toy drives and bringing on students as interns within her business through her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and other organizations she is affiliated with. Wilson attributes her success to having a passion for what she does, which leads to purpose, as well as her family, a lineage of strong women who poured their time, energy, and wisdom into her. She is thankful to serve as a role model for her nieces. Additionally, Wilson runs a motivational campaign called Talk About Your Stuff, which encourages people to share their good works and ideas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heidi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a passion for what I do, because passion leads to purpose. I also credit my family, coming from a lineage of strong women who poured their time, energy, and wisdom into me, and I'm thankful to be a role model for my nieces.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To be a lifelong learner and to never stop growing and evolving because having multiple skills can benefit you as you become more valuable to employers, clients, partners, etc.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If starting your own practice, learn how business works by taking a class, investing in a coach or books. Be mindful of the media landscape and who you align your brand with, ensuring it's trustworthy and credible. Also, join an association such as Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), network and build mutually beneficial relationships with other communications professionals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in the field right now is the lack of media literacy and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. In the current media landscape, with the increase in citizen journalism and opinionated information, it is important for consumers to have discernment on what information can be trusted and what source is credible.
An opportunity in the field is being able to counsel and advise leadership and clients on how to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically so that it doesn't hurt the credibility and reputation of a brand.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, family, accountability, service, innovation, faith, community, and diversity
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