Member Spotlight: Grace Arz (Class of 2025 Associate Membership Award Recipient)

Last year, Grace Arz was selected as a recipient of the NCPRSA Associate Membership Award through our Class of 2025 essay contest, and her first year as a professional is already off to a strong start.

Now an Assistant Account Executive at McKeeman Communications, Grace credits her momentum to hands-on experience and meaningful connections built during her time as Vice President at PRSSA at NC State. From completing three internships and a post-graduate fellowship to helping lead the inaugural PRSSA District Conference, Grace entered the workforce prepared and confident with industry connections.

As a young professional, she’s especially passionate about media relations, growing her network, and building lasting relationships with PR professionals across North Carolina. Just as important to her: giving back to PRSSA and supporting the next generation of communicators.

Now proudly calling Raleigh home, Grace is doing exactly what the Associate Membership Award is designed to support — bridging the gap between student and professional life.

Just turned the tassel yourself? Take the next step in your PR journey by applying for our 2026 Associate Membership Award and make the transition from PRSSA to PRSA with confidence. The annual NCPRSA essay contest is open now through June 5. We are looking for three changemakers entering the Public Relations field. NCPRSA will select and award three Associate Memberships — covering both national and chapter dues — to graduating seniors in the Class of 2026.

If you’re preparing to transition from PRSSA to the professional world, this is your opportunity to:

● Join PRSA, a network of 18,000+ communications professionals.

● Connect locally through the North Carolina PRSA Chapter, your new community of mentors, colleagues, and friends.

● Receive a discounted Associate Membership as a recent graduate.

● Plug into the PRSA New Professionals Section, a close-knit group of early-career pros navigating the same career stage.