As the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA celebrates its 40th anniversary, we recognize that our Chapter’s continued success is made possible through the dedication and impact of our members. Throughout our 40th year, we are proudly shining the spotlight on our members, celebrating their journeys, expertise and contributions to our professional community.
Travel down the road of possibility with this month’s member spotlight, Jessica Walker, APR, CPRC, as she recounts the journey to her newest professional endeavor, Jess Lifestyle Marketing, LLC.
For over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working in Public Relations, a dynamic field that spans every industry on some level. My journey has taken me from non-profits like the United Way of Lee, Hendry, & Glades Counties and Shell Point Retirement Community to higher education roles at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida Southwestern State College, and even into the for-profit world with an accounting and business consulting firm. Starting as a coordinator and growing into management roles, I embraced each opportunity to learn and lead. Along the way, I also discovered a passion for mentorship, sharing my experiences as an adjunct professor with future communication professionals. Each experience shaped my career, broadened my perspective, and deepened my passion for building connections and elevating brands.
But after years of helping others tell their stories, I felt the pull to write a new chapter for myself. My husband retired in 2022, and together we hit the road, traveling across the country in our RV. What began as an adventure quickly turned into a revelation: this was the lifestyle we loved. Over countless miles our shared love for exploration grew, and we realized this lifestyle could be more than a temporary escape, it could be our way of life. By April 2024, after months of careful planning, we had sold our house, downsized our belongings, and fully embraced life on the road.
This lifestyle shift opened the door to a new professional adventure: the launch of Jess Lifestyle Marketing, LLC. Now I offer my years of experience as a Public Relations and Marketing Consultant, working from wherever our wheels take us. While it’s a thrilling and challenging, blending my career experience with the freedom to explore was a leap I needed to take. What’s great about this new journey is how seamlessly my skills in PR translate to this mobile lifestyle. Much of what I’ve done in PR—writing, strategizing, and building relationships—can be accomplished remotely, and I’m excited to help clients elevate their brands while exploring the beauty of the country.
My professional foundation includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communications and Public Relations from Valdosta State University and a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Kent State University. I’m also proud to hold the globally recognized Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and the Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) credential.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking, exploring national parks, solving jigsaw puzzles, or managing our Instagram travel blog, where my husband, our dog, and I share the highlights of our RV adventures. This new chapter is proof that it’s never too late to reimagine your life. Whether you’re chasing a dream or making a bold leap, the road ahead is full of possibility.