Linda Hon, Ph.D., University of Florida

Million Hoodies refers to itself as a racial justice network founded by 25-year-old Daniel Maree following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Dr. Linda Hon's research analyzed how the activist group used social media to frame issues related to injustice and racism toward African-Americans and mobilized a large base of supporters.

After the fatal shooting, Million Hoodies effectively organized 50,000 supporters through individual posts, photos and linked content on its Facebook page. The advocates seized the power of message framing for engaging and motivating supporters, recruiting new followers, attempting to legitimize messages among a broader constituency, and transforming frames as circumstances call for other emphases. Read more.
Oscar Suris, Wells Fargo & Company

In this era of "Big Data" and social media, PR professionals are expected to be sophisticated in measuring their value and well-versed in the myriad of tactics and strategies to influence stakeholders. This is our future: more digital, social, influence-and-engagement focused, data-inspired and trend-conscious.

As IPR enters its seventh decade, its commitment to uncovering the science beneath the art of public relations™ is unmatched. Making connections between the social and behavioral sciences, explaining the constantly evolving communications landscape, and providing thought leadership in all areas of PR is this esteemed non-profit's critical service to our field. Read more.
Bill Heyman, Heyman & Associates

Developing self-awareness allows leaders to learn how past events shape current perceptions and how one tends to make meaning of personal experiences, according to The Plank Center's Leadership Report CardSelf-awareness is important because it demonstrates that one is aware of one's strengths and weaknesses and is critical to being authentic.

Leaders should always be aware of how they are perceived and how it affects company culture. Some ways to cultivate self-awareness including meditation, small-group discussion, mindfulness-based interventions or executive coaching and internal surveys of staff members. Read more.

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