Voices That Lead: Communication and Its Role in Leadership

Communication professionals are stepping confidently into leadership spaces — and organizations are depending on their expertise more than ever. This forward-looking discussion will examine how strategic communicators influence organizational decisions, guide culture, and earn a seat at the leadership table.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Florida Gulf Coast University — Academic Building 222 (AB 222)
Parking: Parking permits are required. $3 per vehicle.
Lunch: Included in the ticket price

Pricing:

• FPRA Members — $45
• FPRA Non-Members — $55
• FPRA Students — $10

Featured Speakers

• Karen Ryan
  Director of Communications, LCEC
  Crisis communication, stakeholder relations, executive visibility
• Dr. Meagen Baskin
  Doctor of Leadership at FGCU & Director, South Florida Leadership Institute
  Strategic influence, leadership theory, organizational behavior
• Danni Beach
  Corporate & Community Engagement, NeoGenomics
  Communication alignment, culture building, partnership development

Program Overview

This conversation will explore how communicators help define organizational direction, enhance leadership effectiveness, and shape internal and external perception. Panelists will share real examples of communicators’ growing influence — particularly during crisis, organizational change, and strategic decision-making.

You’ll learn:

• Why communication is central to strategic planning

• How to build influence with executive leadership

• How communication drives trust, alignment, and performance

• Leadership opportunities for communication professionals

• Real cases of communication shaping decisions and outcomes

Whether you’re building leadership skills or advancing into an advisory role, this session will offer practical insight, inspiration, and tools for communicating with strategic impact.