Meet Ivy Johnson, APR

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ivy Johnson, APR a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ivy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Over the years, while working in the public relations industry, when I’m the only one who looks like me in a room, I find success in being myself and being prepared. I constantly research the organizations and the people I work with. This has helped me not only be an effective communications professional but also build a strong foundation to create relationships that open doors for others who look like me.

Plus, by showing up authentically to those around me and help ease the tension of our differences. My love for pop culture and coffee helped my colleagues not only know me but also find creative ways to connect. Because why dim my light in a room where I am the minority when I could shine and create a path for more people like me?

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a public relations professional who has worked in the industry for 10-plus years. From in-house government communications to agency life, I have practiced integrated communications for multiple industries. I specialize in internal communications, branding, campaigns, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

I earned my accreditation in public relations (APR) in July 2020 to help me become a strategic communication professional. Also, I’m president-elect for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nashville chapter. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations from Middle Tennessee State University and my master’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in journalism and sociology from the University of Memphis.

I have my own YouTube channel called Coffee With Me, Myself & Ivy where I combine my love of pop culture and coffee, and share communications and marketing tips from everyone’s guilty pleasures. From music, TV shows, or movies, I can share helpful communications or marketing tips to help you in your everyday life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are my desire for fairness, my inquisitiveness, and my knowing self-worth. I always strive for everyone from all walks of life to be treated fairly. That’s why I always participate and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.

From my PRSA board work to jobs, I only align myself with organizations that strive to be fair. My inquisitiveness drives my thirst for knowledge and professional development. I love reading Harvard Business Review articles or watching documentaries. This keeps me sharp.

Lastly, knowing my self-worth has been very impactful in my life. If I walk into a room where I’m the only one that looks like me, and I do not know my worth? How will they respect me?

For anyone starting your journey, figure out what are your abilities and what you enjoy, and know your “why”. Figure out these things plus your values, and you can create your path or your limits based on these things.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents do for me is demonstrate the importance of helping people. Both my mother, father, and stepfather naturally support the people around them, whether it’s in the workplace, church, or their personal lives. Watching them pour into people and be selfless has given me the natural instinct to do the same. I’m lucky enough that my career always involves communications needs for companies that provide resources for people in need. Without my parent’s example, I do not know if I would have that as one of my core values.

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