PRSA Member Spotlights highlight the journeys of outstanding members within our chapter who are influential in the public relations industry. Mariel De Moya, director of communications for the city of Maryville, recently joined the PRSA Volunteer Chapter board of directors and brings a wealth of international experience.
Mariel began her education and career as a graphic designer in her home country, the Dominican Republic. Drawn to creative environments from an early age, she set her sights on Chavón, the country’s most prestigious school for the creative arts. She specialized in graphic design, but early in her career she found herself craving the strategic side of public relations that design alone could not offer.
Her first step into the world of public relations was working for Porter Novelli, a global public relations agency. One of her most memorial moments in her career was during her time at Porter Novelli where she pitched to Chavón, her alma mater, a campaign for their 25th anniversary.
"This was one of my proudest moments, not because the campaign was revolutionary, but because I was finally standing in front of these people I admired and had taught me so much and I was working with them in a different capacity".
After her family moved to Miami, Mariel worked in Florida’s higher education sector, including roles at the University of Miami and Florida International University, before relocating to Knoxville to serve as the senior director of marketing and communications for the United Way of Greater Knoxville.
"I love to tell stories," Mariel expressed, especially when those stories could "help and support the communities". Being able to represent Knoxville's community was one of her greatest joys for working for the United Way of Greater Knoxville.
Recently, Mariel has stepped into her new role as director of communications for the city of Maryville, and even in her short time there she already feels at home and part of the family.
Mariel's morals and personal values play a huge influence on her work, emphasizing the responsibility to be "transparent to communities and constituents, transparent about the importance of supporting your community and where your donor dollars go... my personal values and morals translate into my work daily".
When Mariel launched her communications agency, she founded to support nonprofits and small businesses; she knew she wanted to surround herself with a community of peers who shared her passion for impactful storytelling. That intention led her to PRSA. “I needed to meet people in my community who were doing the same things I was doing,” she recalls. “Joining PRSA has truly felt like winning the lottery. I’ve met so many amazing professionals who inspire me every day.”
Not only has Mariel just joined the chapter, but she is also a part of the board of directors. When asked how she was going to carry on making the most out of her membership with PRSA, she replied, "I'm going to attend as many events as possible and continue to grow my network".
Her lasting message was advice she shared for all young professionals starting out in their career, "Follow your gut and instinct, and do whatever you love in whatever capacity you can," she continued, "When I'm sitting here and doing my job, I think 'I would do this for free' and I think that should be everyone's goal".
PRSA Volunteer Chapter is proud to spotlight Mariel and her continued success within the field.