CPRS Vancouver is thrilled to share that four members of our local chapter can now add three new letters beside their names, having successfully completed the 2022 written and oral exams and earning their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)® designation.
Our heartfelt congratulations goes out to:
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Christina Shorthouse, APR (instructor, PR diploma program, Melville School of Business, Kwantlen Polytechnic University)
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Jiana Chow, APR (communications manager, Vancouver School Board)
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Nevasha Naidoo, APR (senior consultant/owner, Platinum Public Relations)
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Peter Kim, APR (senior manager, media relations, Allen Institute)
These four join the list of 63 other CPRS Vancouver professionals who maintain their APR designation.
“For me, the APR process reaffirmed the strategic value PR practitioners bring to an organization,” shared Jiana. “We are more than writers. Our skills in reputational management, issues management, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning contributes to the long-term success of any organization. After earning my APR, I can now confidently advocate for greater PR representation at the c-suite level, with the dominant coalition.”
Earning your APR designation has been a respected measure of professional experience and competence in the field of public relations for more than 50 years. Once earned, it distinguishes you as being committed to the highest professional standards.
“The APR program underscored the importance and value of grounding public relations strategy and tactics in a theoretical framework,” said Peter. “I learned about many different communications theories and how and when they would be useful in driving high-impact change. Additionally, I came to a clearer understanding of industry trends and how they will shape the future for public relations practitioners. This will allow me to make informed decisions around skills developed in relation to my own growth as a practitioner.”
The yearlong accreditation process tests proficiency in public relations and communications through rigorous evaluation of the skills and abilities needed to practise at a senior level, with an emphasis on understanding of ethical practice and comprehension of the standards outlined in the CPRS Code of Professional Standards.
“This was a challenging process that ensures our work is always strategic and grounded in theory and our code of professional standards. It has enriched both my professional and teaching practice,” said Christina. “It was such a pleasure to study with and learn from senior practitioners across the country.”
“Thank you Dr. Alex Sévigny (APR chief examiner) and his team for all their hard work and dedication in helping me on this journey across the finish line,” shared Nevasha. “It was an intense learning experience, but it was so worth it and rewarding when I finally accomplished the goal. Congrats to all the successful APR candidates for 2022!”
Learn more about the APR program.