Member Q&A with Whitney Riggs
The PRSA Hoosier Chapter is conducting member profiles throughout the year to facilitate connections within the Chapter. We are pleased to introduce Whitney Riggs.
Name: Whitney Riggs
Employer: Hamilton County Tourism
Position: Communications Coordinator
College: Master of Arts in Journalism from Indiana University, Bloomington
I am new to Indianapolis, so PRSA has been a great way to network with young professionals in my field.I also have a background in journalism, so connecting with experienced PR specialists has been a huge bonus when it comes to learning more about the PR world. I hope to get more involved in the organization in the future.
Q: Is there a specific cause or a non-profit for which you advocate?
I previously worked for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office in public relations, so I have a passion for helping victims of crime. I just recently joined the public relations committee of the Indiana Coalition for Crime Victims’ Rights, a soon-to-be nonprofit.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
Exploring parks with my pup dog, Myla; yoga, trying new restaurants; traveling; reading the news; cooking.
Q: What is your favorite place to travel?
I still have many places on the map I want to adventure to, but my favorite and most memorable trip was to Kenya in graduate school. I went over there with a group of journalism students to cover the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we wrote stories, took photographs and blogged about our trip. Not a week goes by that I don’t think about that trip and the people I met there.
Q: Did you ever see yourself working in this field?
No! I was/am a journalist a heart who didn’t take PR professionals seriously. And now, here I am, and I love it! After working in newspapers for three years, I made the switch. I find that my background in journalism is a huge plus to working with members of the media because I know what they need and how important a deadline is to them.
Q: How did you get to where you are today?
Drive. Curiosity. And the work ethic of my Dad. I remember him working three jobs at one time when I was growing up so he could provide for us. When I think about complaining after a long, draining work week, I shut up and immediately get back to work!