A professional network is more than just a list of contacts. It is a supportive and evolving community of people who help you learn, grow, and succeed.
For women, especially in the field of Public Relations (PR), networks can help break down barriers, amplify their voices, and create new paths to leadership and recognition.
Whether you are a student starting your career, a professional growing in a competitive field, or an entrepreneur building your business, one thing stays true: a strong professional network is key to success.
Women in PR Ghana: A Strong Example of Networking in Action
One of Ghana’s leading professional networks is Women in PR Ghana. Founded by Ms. Faith Senam Ocloo in May 2017, this organization is dedicated to educating, mentoring, and empowering female PR professionals and students.
For nearly a decade, Women in PR Ghana (WIPR) has created a powerful platform for women in the Public Relations and Communications industry. The organization offers learning opportunities and networking events and has become a source of community and growth for many women navigating their PR careers.
One of its notable initiatives is the Top 10 Women in PR, an annual list that celebrates excellence and motivates women in the field to continue pushing boundaries.
Celebrating Excellence: Women in PR Stars
This year, WIPR introduced the first-ever Women in PR Stars to recognize the outstanding work of these 4 women in the industry.
Among the 2024 Women in PR Stars are:
- Suzy Ansah, Regional Marketing Specialist, West & Central Africa, US Agency for Global Media & Voice of America
- Linda Segbefia, Corporate Communications Officer, UBA
- Lorrencia Adam Nkrumah, Public Affairs Specialist, Nestlé Central & West Africa
- Priscilla Mawuena Adjeidu, Communications Officer, World Health Organization, Tanzania
These women represent excellence and leadership in PR, showing the power of recognition in inspiring others to aim higher.
The Impact of WIPR Community and network
During a discussion on Women in PR X-Spaces, the stars emphasized that networking is central to their professional achievements. They highlighted how networking benefits their careers in multiple ways:
Community Support
One of the most powerful benefits of a network like Women in PR Ghana is the community and peer support it offers. In a demanding field like public relations, challenges are inevitable, whether it is navigating a new role, leading during a crisis, or facing workplace pressure. As honouree Linda Segbefia notes, “having a strong support system makes a significant difference.” Women in PR provides a welcoming space where women can share experiences, seek advice, and learn from one another. This sense of community is often what keeps women confident in their roles.
Growth through Meaningful Connections
Lorrencia Adam Nkrumah believes that beyond being in the network, one must be intentional and have a heart for continuous learning.
Having moved from journalism to corporate communications, she has excelled thanks to the support network and community provided by Women in PR, which has enabled her to add significant value to every organization she has worked in.
Lorrencia believes that individuals in professional groups must ‘’work the network’’ to their advantage. ‘’It’s not enough to simply be a member one must network intentionally’’.
Being named a PR Star is primarily due to the continuous opportunities Women in PR provides for its members to enhance their skills, remain relevant in the global industry and help train the next generation of professionals. To Lorrencia, this represents real, tangible impact.
Amplifying African Voices on the Global Stage
SuzyAnsah describes the Women in PR Ghana community as a platform for female communicators in Africa to support each other and thrive. Relying heavily on panel discussions, mentorship programs, and peer learning opportunities women including the honouree have been able to sharpen their expertise and deepen their influence not just in Ghana but globally.
She noted that, “The confidence I have gained from Women in PR Ghana community has helped me advocate more boldly for African voices in international media.” She added that, there is a sense of collective strength, where you know you are not alone and can easily reach out to a member for professional support.
To be recognized as a PR Star, it is a reflection of what professional women can achieve when they come together. For Suzy, it is a shared celebration.
Mentorship Matters
As one of the younger honorees, Priscilla Mawuena Adjeidu affirmed the opportunities this create community and platform offers. Priscilla spotlighted the critical role of mentorship: “When young professionals like me have access to trailblazers, it gives us more courage and clarity in our path.”
As a young professional, especially working outside of Ghana, I’ve found immense value in the mentorship, guidance, and sense of belonging that this network provides. I’ve had the rare privilege of learning directly from trailblazers in the industry, women who have paved the way and are generous enough to hold the door open for others.
What makes this community truly powerful is its accessibility. It doesn’t matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re just starting out or already making strides, there is always someone willing to support, advise, or simply listen. That kind of access changes everything. It builds confidence, offers perspective, and most importantly, it reminds us that “we’re not alone”.
To be recognized as a Women in PR Star is both humbling and empowering. It’s a reflection of the strength of the women I’ve been privileged to learn from, and a reminder of the responsibility I have to now be that support for someone else.
Looking Ahead: The 9th Women in PR Summit
Calling all PR professionals and enthusiasts! The 9th Women in PR Summit is an event you can’t afford to miss. Join us on July 4th and 5th, 2024, for an enriching experience that will empower you, expand your network, and inspire your journey in public relations. Day 1 is a virtual session and Day 2 will be held at the Ghana India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT in Accra. This event is not just a summit—it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.
Professional networks play a critical role in career development. They provide access to knowledge, support, and opportunities for growth and recognition. As shown through Women in PR Ghana and its initiatives, when women connect and support each other, they rise together.
By Women in PR 2024 Stars: Suzy Ansah, Linda Segbefia, Lorrencia Adam Nkrumah, Priscilla Mawuena Adjeidu
