Harris PR launches bursary to mark 15th anniversary
Carolina Lucca begins a nine-month paid internship at Harris PR, supported by a new bursary initiative in partnership with PRII and Open Doors Ireland aimed at enhancing diversity in the PR industry
Print10 September 2024
Harris PR recently welcomed the recipient of the PR Bursary, Carolina Lucca to commence her nine-month paid internship at the award-winning agency.
Established with the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) and Open Doors Ireland (ODI), the bursary covers the fees for the PRII Diploma in PR and operates with the guidance and expertise of ODI.
This Diversity, Equality and Inclusion initiative provides opportunities and support to some of the under-represented members of our society by creating pathways to work through training, education, employment and mentorship.
15 year milestone
“We set out to mark our 15 year milestone in business by establishing this initiative with the PRII and ODI hoping to help to safeguard the future of the PR industry in Ireland and provide a legacy for the years ahead,” said Sonia Harris Pope, founder, Harris PR.
Pope notes that not everyone has a straightforward path to a career in PR, from her own experience and that of many of her peers and colleagues.
“At Harris PR we’re keen to invest in the next generation of talent and already have a proven commitment to supporting those new to the profession and encouraging others to consider it.”
Pope would like to see more of her peers in the industry consider how they too can take an inclusive approach to nurturing new talent.
“We look forward to welcoming Carolina to our team; she immediately stood out with her enthusiasm, positivity and warmth, as well as her drive to continue to further her studies and upweight her skillset.”
Carolina’s journey
Carolina moved to Ireland from Brazil in 2017 and has more than nine years of experience in customer service, relationship building, and gastronomy.
She is now intent on pursuing a career in public relations and with the help of the Scholarship will begin the PRII Diploma along with her internship at Harris PR this September.
“As an immigrant in Ireland, this opportunity means even more to me, as I understand how challenging it can be to secure such opportunities,” said Carolina Lucca, recipient of the PR Bursary.
Lucca notes that continuing her studies and starting this new role in PR gives her the chance to be part of something amazing, working alongside talented people within the Irish work environment.
“Demand for public relations and strategic communications advice has been growing steadily in recent years and, as a sector that wants to employ the brightest and most creative thinkers, it needs to be recognised as open and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and identities,” said Dr Martina Byrne, chief executive officer, PRII.
“The paid internship and scholarship opportunity gives those who face barriers to work and education a chance to upskill and develop a career in their chosen field,” said Jeanne McDonagh, chief executive, Open Doors.
Read more: Harris PR seeks new talent as it expands client roster
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