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Brandi Sims to Moderate PRSA’s “State of the Industry: AI & Crisis Communications” Webinar

We’re thrilled to announce that Brandi Sims, Founder of Brandinc PR, will serve as moderator for the upcoming PRSA webinar, “State of the Industry: AI & Crisis Communications,” happening June 18, 2025 at 2PM ET.

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way PR professionals respond to crisis moments—from real-time reputation management to AI-driven media strategies. This timely and thought-provoking conversation will explore how communications pros can navigate these changes, adapt, and thrive.

Meet the Panelists:

🔹 Ryan McCormick – Co-Founder, Goldman & McCormick Public Relations
A veteran in crisis PR, Ryan brings deep insights on reputation repair and media navigation in high-stakes situations.

🔹 Dr. Lisa Du Bois Low – Associate Professor of Practice, Texas Tech University
An academic and practitioner at the intersection of communications and generative AI, Dr. Low will break down how AI is shaping message strategy and public perception.

🔹 Nathaniel Cooke Jr. – Co-Founder, CG Consulting Group
With a sharp focus on strategy and innovation, Nathaniel brings a forward-thinking view on how AI is redefining trust, authenticity, and the role of communicators in the digital age.

As moderator, Brandi will guide the conversation with thoughtful questions and real-world application, helping attendees walk away with practical strategies for embracing AI in their own crisis comms playbook.

📅 Save the date: June 18, 2025 at 2PM ET
🔗  https://www.prsa.org/event/2025/07/22/default-calendar/state-of-industry-ai-and-crisis-communications-wbens2503

Stay connected with Brandinc PR for more event updates, key takeaways, and Brandi’s insights following the session.

This isn’t just another PR panel—it’s a look into the future. Are you ready?

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting legacy in sports leadership and own your brand across platforms — this episode is for you.

This week on the Brandinc PR Podcast, I sat down with a true force in athletics administration: Monique A.J. Smith. With more than 30 years of experience under her belt, Monique has redefined what it means to lead in sports, especially as a Black woman breaking barriers in a field where representation is still growing.

She’s not just an athletic administrator. Monique is a:

• Leadership Consultant for athletic departments and sport organizations

• Executive Coach helping professionals advance in sports management

• Adjunct Professor at Hampton University teaching sports business

• Magazine Publisher of Significance in Athletics and Sports

• Podcast Host of A Chat in the Garden, highlighting Black women in sports

Basically — she’s a whole ecosystem of impact.

🧠 What We Talked About

In this high-energy, truth-filled convo, we dive into:

• How Monique became one of the first Black women in athletic administration in the 1990s

• The importance of building your personal brand as a leader in sports

• Why visibility, confidence, and community matter more than ever

• How her Advance Academy is creating space for the next generation of leaders

• The power of using media — podcasting, publishing, and coaching — to amplify unheard voices

One quote that stuck with me?

“You don’t have to wait for someone to hand you a mic. You can build your own stage.”

Monique is living proof of that.

🔎 Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a:

• Communications or PR pro navigating the sports industry

• Black woman working toward leadership in a male-dominated space

• Athletic administrator or coach trying to elevate your visibility

• Aspiring entrepreneur who wants to own your narrative…

This episode is a masterclass in how to lead boldly while staying grounded in purpose.

💡 Keywords to Know:

Black women in sports leadership, sports branding, athletic administration podcast, women in sports business, legacy in sports, executive coaching for sports professionals

🎧 Listen Now

Episode Title: From Trailblazer to Legacy Builder: Monique A.J. Smith on Leading Loud in Sports & Life

Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

💬 Want More?

👉 Follow Monique A.J. Smith on Instagram [@moniqueajsmith] and check out her podcast, A Chat in the Garden.

👉 Grab her magazine Significance in Athletics and Sports on Amazon — 8 powerhouse issues available now.

👉 Ready to build your brand with PR that works? Let’s connect over at brandincpr.com or slide into my DMs on IG @brandincpr.

Brandi Sims Named Semifinalist for the Power Connector Award in the 2025 Fuel Her Fire Awards

I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news—I’ve been named a semifinalist for the Power Connector Award in the 2025 Fuel Her Fire Awards, presented by Fuel to Fire!

The Fuel Her Fire Awards celebrate bold, trailblazing female entrepreneurs who are redefining success and creating powerful impact across industries. This year’s theme centers around honoring women who ignite change—and I’m deeply honored to be in the mix with such a powerhouse group of leaders.

The Power Connector Award specifically recognizes women who go above and beyond to build bridges, create meaningful connections, and elevate others. As a publicist, brand strategist, and media coach, it’s been my mission to not only amplify voices but to open doors for underrepresented founders, professionals, and creatives who deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

If my work has ever inspired or impacted you, I would be so grateful for your support in helping me reach the finals.

👉🏽 You can vote now through June 23rd on Fuel to Fire’s official site. Every vote truly makes a difference!

Thank you to the Fuel to Fire team for recognizing the heart behind the hustle—and thank you to everyone who’s supported my journey along the way. Let’s keep the fire going 🔥

Tags:
#FuelHerFire #PowerConnectorAward #BrandiSims #WomenEntrepreneurs #FemaleFounders #PRConsultant #BusinessAwards #Womensupportingwomen #BrandincPR #PublicRelations #BlackWomenInPR #LatinaFounder

How Aquila Built a Six-Figure PR Agency & Launched a Franchise Model

Are you ready to scale your brand and own your power in the world of PR? In this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, host Brandi Sims sits down with powerhouse publicist and entrepreneur Aquila, Founder and CEO of Haute in Texas, to talk all things PR agency growth, franchising, and the realities of running a woman-led brand in today’s fast-paced market.

Aquila is the definition of PR goals. She built her award-winning marketing and public relations agency from the ground up—working with top-tier global brands like Vogue, Prada, Kendra Scott, and Orangetheory Fitness. But her success didn’t stop there. In 2022, she launched the Haute in Network Agencies franchise model, helping other women across the country own and operate their own PR firms.

In this inspiring and unfiltered interview, you’ll learn:

• How Aquila turned her background as a Division I athlete into CEO-level leadership

• What it really takes to grow a six-figure PR agency

• The biggest lessons from her journey in media, branding, and business development

• How she balances being a mom, wife, and CEO without losing the haute

Whether you’re a PR professional, brand strategist, or aspiring business owner, this episode is full of insight on how to build a sustainable agency, create impact-driven messaging, and grow your visibility without burning out.

Keywords this episode hits on:

• How to start a PR agency

• Women in PR

• Public relations franchise model

• PR business growth strategies

• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship

• Personal branding tips from top PR pros

• Building a media-ready brand

📌 Don’t miss this high-energy conversation that will inspire you to think bigger, pitch bolder, and own your unique brand of brilliance.

👉 Listen NOW on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button—because this season is just getting started.

Why Sentiment Analysis Software Still Needs the Human Touch

In today’s fast-paced digital world, brands and PR professionals increasingly rely on sentiment analysis software to monitor public opinion and gauge customer feelings in real-time. These AI-powered tools can quickly scan large volumes of social media posts, reviews, and comments to classify sentiment as positive, negative, or neutral. However, despite the incredible advances in artificial intelligence, sentiment analysis still cannot replace the nuanced judgment of a skilled human communicator.

What is Sentiment Analysis?

Sentiment analysis, also known as opinion mining, uses natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to identify and extract subjective information from text. Companies use it to track brand reputation, understand customer feedback, and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.

The Limitations of Sentiment Analysis Software

While these tools are powerful, they often miss context, sarcasm, cultural nuances, and emotional subtleties that are critical to accurate interpretation. For example, a sarcastic comment might be flagged as positive due to keywords, even though the intent is clearly negative. Similarly, idiomatic expressions or complex emotions often confuse algorithms, resulting in misleading sentiment scores.

Why Human Oversight is Essential

In my feature with PR.co, I emphasized that sentiment analysis software is a helpful assistant but not a replacement for human insight. Skilled PR professionals and communicators bring empathy, experience, and cultural understanding that no algorithm can replicate. Humans can spot tone, intent, and the bigger picture behind the words—elements crucial for effective communication and crisis management.

Moreover, human oversight helps correct errors, validate findings, and strategically apply data insights. Without it, brands risk misreading public sentiment, leading to poor decision-making and potential reputational harm.

Combining Technology and Human Expertise for Better Results

The most effective approach to sentiment analysis blends AI efficiency with human judgment. Using software to handle large data sets and initial sorting, and then involving experts to analyze, interpret, and act on the findings creates a winning formula.

Conclusion

Sentiment analysis software is a valuable tool in the PR toolkit, but it’s only as good as the humans behind it. As technology evolves, we must remember that communication is ultimately about people—not just data points. Human oversight remains indispensable to ensure sentiment analysis truly reflects the voice and emotions of your audience.

Want more expert insights on modern PR tools and strategies?
Follow Brandinc PR and stay tuned for practical tips on balancing technology and human intuition in your communications.

Curious to learn more about where sentiment analysis is headed and what it means for PR?
Check out the full feature on PR.co where I dive deeper into the topic and share practical advice for using these tools effectively in today’s communication landscape. Read the full article here →