Hall Accepted into Prestigious Public Relations and Leadership Academy

Public relations major and international studies minor Aimei Hall first learned of the EMERGE Leadership Academy through mutual connections on LinkedIn. With a goal of pursuing a career in public relations, it sparked her interest, and she felt compelled to apply.

“The opportunity aligns closely with my professional and personal growth goals and represents a valuable opportunity to expand my network by connecting with professionals who are passionate about leadership and communication,” said Hall. 

The EMERGE Leadership Academy is a year-long program of The Plank Center and The Grossman Group that blends a dynamic virtual leadership curriculum with exclusive opportunities to connect with board members, partners, and leading professionals across the public relations profession. Designed for rising juniors, seniors, and graduate students, the academy equips them with the practical skills and strategic insights essential for launching successful public relations careers. 

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations was established in 2005 in memory of Betsy Plank, known as the “first lady” of public relations. She led a distinguished career in corporate and agency public relations that included positions on the board of United Way, Girl Scouts of Chicago, and Girl Scouts of the USA. Additionally, she served as executive vice president of a leading global strategic communications firm, Edelman, before becoming director of public relations planning at AT&T and later director of external affairs at Illinois Bell. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama, and the Trustees of the University established the Center in her honor.

“By honoring Betsy Plank and her lasting legacy in the public relations field, the program reflects her commitment to leadership, mentorship, and ethical practice, making it a truly impactful and inspiring experience,” said Hall.

Toward the end of the fall semester, Hall had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for the EMERGE Academy Reception and the Milestones in Mentoring Gala, where she met other academy participants, industry leaders, and program mentors. She has been struck by the willingness of the program mentors to support participants’ personal and professional growth.

“Their openness, encouragement, and dedication create an environment where mentees feel valued and empowered to learn. The Plank Center has cultivated an exceptional mentorship program that not only provides guidance and industry insight but also fosters meaningful relationships,” said Hall.

She is looking forward to connecting with PR professionals and plans to take advantage of the extensive network that includes globally recognized agencies as well as professionals who work in-house. She hopes to strengthen her leadership skills and is also looking to improve her ability to build and maintain meaningful professional relationships by staying engaged with the connections she will make through the program. 

“I see this experience opening many doors for me, from meeting and connecting with new professionals to gaining opportunities to shadow industry leaders and visit organizations firsthand. In addition to expanding my network, the program will allow me to strengthen my leadership skills through active, hands-on learning experiences that encourage growth, confidence, and real-world application,” said Hall.

This spring, Hall is not only participating in the EMERGE Leadership Academy in a virtual way, but she is also studying in Madrid, Spain and has secured an internship in social media content creation and public relations for Mazál, a New York–style café in Madrid.