Faces of FPRA: Member spotlight – Shannon Williamson, APR
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.
For our April member spotlight, we’re proud to spotlight a Q&A with SWFL Chapter President-Elect Shannon Williamson of LCEC as she reflects on her journey with FPRA.
Tell us about your time with FPRA. What initially interested you in joining, and what have you found to be the most rewarding part of leadership in the organization? 
SHANNON: I officially became a member of FPRA in 2020, but my connection with the organization began much earlier during my time at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). While at FGCU, I was exposed to the student chapter of FPRA, and that’s when I first became familiar with the value the association brings to public relations professionals.
Once I started my professional career, I had the opportunity to become a member thanks to the unwavering support of LCEC and its PR team. Members of the LCEC Public Relations team were always extremely involved with the SWFL chapter, providing consistent support and mentorship, which made me even more excited to eventually join as a full member.
Since joining, I’ve been actively involved in various roles within the chapter. Over the course of my nearly five years since graduation, I have served in multiple positions, including Secretary for two years, a temporary Hospitality Chair, VP of Programs, Image Chair, and President Elect.
How have you grown professionally and personally as a member of FPRA?
SHANNON: FPRA has been integral to both my personal and professional growth. Professionally, achieving my APR certification has been one of the most significant milestones. It gave me confidence in my abilities and validated the skills I have developed over the years. Being a part of the organization and leadership team has challenged me to think more strategically.
The collaborative nature of FPRA has allowed me to build relationships with experts across various sectors within public relations, which has broadened my perspective. These experiences have not only shaped my career trajectory but have also encouraged me to develop leadership skills, particularly in positions like the President Elect role, where I’m tasked with guiding the future direction of the chapter.
Why do you feel your involvement in FPRA is a good investment for your career growth?
SHANNON: Involvement in FPRA has been a fantastic investment in my career growth because it provides a unique opportunity to network with professionals across different areas of public relations. The ability to connect with individuals who have varying levels of experience, from seasoned veterans to emerging PR practitioners, has been invaluable. It has taught me to approach problems from different perspectives, opening my mind to creative solutions I might not have considered on my own.
FPRA also provides a platform for continuous learning, where I can stay current on trends, best practices, and challenges facing the PR industry. The mentorship I’ve received from fellow members has been instrumental in my development, and the confidence I’ve gained from these interactions has directly translated into my day-to-day professional work.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is brand-new to the chapter?
SHANNON: To anyone who is new to the chapter, I would highly recommend attending as many events as possible, whether they’re formal gatherings or more casual happy hours. It’s easy to feel intimidated at first, but I promise everyone in the chapter is eager to help newcomers feel welcome.
The members here genuinely want to see others succeed and thrive in the field, so don’t be afraid to mingle, ask questions, and bounce ideas off one another! The more you engage, the more you’ll learn, and the more you’ll build connections that can support both your personal and professional growth.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people in the Chapter might not know?
SHANNON: A fun fact that most people don’t know about me is that each year I visit a new state. This year I turned 28, and will have visited my 28th state. I make it a personal goal to visit a new state each year. Traveling has been a passion of mine, and I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and making memories along the way. It’s something I really enjoy sharing with others because it reminds me how important it is to embrace new experiences!
Interested in being featured in a member spotlight? Email us!