Making Every Message Matter with Sophie Hanneken

Coming back into the fall semester, the first guest speaker we invited to speak to CSU PRSSA was Sophie Hanneken. She currently works at Gavin Public Relations as a senior accounting coordinator. Under her role, Sophie focuses on client support, account management, media & content development, analytics, reporting, collaboration & project coordination, GAVIN Fi Newsletter support & podcast leadership, and new business support. 

Artificial intelligence has been a topic for many professionals to discuss; it was a topic Hanneken discussed with our members. AI has transformed the day-to-day tasks of public relations; it has changed the way professionals operate and manage their work. Hanneken encourages the use of AI, but advises our members not let it replace their intelligence. Aside from AI, Hanneken spoke about the future of PR as well. Trust and media is declining; it is important for PR professionals to be authentic through their storytelling. Being authentic also means that managing a crisis is easy because professionals have public trust on their side, and it is easier to handle misinformation when being authentic. 

Hanneken left our members with advice before the meeting ended. It is important to be efficient; this is best done by prioritizing tasks by deadlines. In a field like public relations, where every two days are not the same, embracing shifting client needs with understanding leads to success. Every aspect of public relations involves collaboration. Remember, support the team you are involved with. Lastly, she advises our members to stay curious; keep learning new tools and trends as they emerge.