Jenn Petion
Jenn is director of community and government relations for Partnership for Strong Families in Gainesville. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from UF in 2006 and will finish her master’s degree in political science with a certificate in public affairs in December. “When I earned my bachelor’s degree, I knew I wanted to work in the non-profit sector and took a brief journey away from PR to become a case manager in child welfare,” Jenn says. Having gained the perspective and experience of someone on the front lines in the field she says she is more equipped to advocate for the agency within the community and government.
“My favorite thing about public relations is that there is never a dull moment,” she says. “As a PR professional, particularly in a non-profit, you tend to wear many hats. One minute I might be responding to an urgent media inquiry and the next I’m meeting with a legislator who has solicited feedback on a proposed policy.”