By Sophie Cadran
“This is one of those moments that could be transformational in your career.”
No pressure, right?
I did my research. I made my list of people I wanted to meet. As the room began to fill with students and professionals, I spotted a woman standing alone at a table and thought, “Here we go.”
As a student in a room full of professionals, networking can be intimidating — really intimidating — but The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations made it feel easy, intentional, and even fun.
Last week, I had the honor of attending the PLANK Center Summit in Chicago as a newly inducted member of the 2026 EMERGE Leadership Academy. It was absolutely incredible to connect with the students and industry leaders I’ll be learning alongside for the next year. These past few days offered just a glimpse of the generous and thoughtful community the PLANK Center has cultivated in honor of the late Betsy Plank over the last 20 years, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.
A huge thank you to Eric Winkfield, Grant Deady, Pamela Harrell, Hannah Collier, and the entire team who so thoughtfully planned and executed this event. I’m beyond grateful for all the meaningful conversations and connections at the EMERGE Academy Reception, Milestones in Mentorship Gala, and the Summit.
I want to extend congratulations to this year’s Milestones in Mentorship Award recipients: Linda Rutherford, Lisa Sepulveda, Damon Jones, Dr. Karen Miller Russell, and Christie Sithiphone.
I had the privilege of learning directly from these honorees during the panel discussions, where they shared insights on: Navigating non-linear career paths, building trust between communicators and their audiences, advice for young leaders, and what emerging professionals can do now to set themselves up for success later.
I also heard powerful takeaways from the Emerging Leaders Panel featuring Alana Doyle, Emma Gresser, M.A., and Gabby DiCarlo, where they discussed: The traits of modern leadership, balancing patience with ambition, knowing when to slow down as you grow, and so much more.
But I’m not here to just tell you what I learned. Check out my notes below from these insightful panels!
I feel so grateful to be a part of this community, and I’m looking forward to learning under the legacy of Betsy Plank and all those who continue her work by leading with integrity, authenticity, generosity , and intentionality.
I’m eager to continue my journey in the EMERGE program over the next year, strengthening and expanding my leadership skills, and I’m already looking forward to the 2026 Summit!
View my notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tfVifES6OQlykaHwXzIwenKBex-Z6PXdTd0J8G2nPew/edit?tab=t.0
No pressure, right?
I did my research. I made my list of people I wanted to meet. As the room began to fill with students and professionals, I spotted a woman standing alone at a table and thought, “Here we go.”
As a student in a room full of professionals, networking can be intimidating — really intimidating — but The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations made it feel easy, intentional, and even fun.
Last week, I had the honor of attending the PLANK Center Summit in Chicago as a newly inducted member of the 2026 EMERGE Leadership Academy. It was absolutely incredible to connect with the students and industry leaders I’ll be learning alongside for the next year. These past few days offered just a glimpse of the generous and thoughtful community the PLANK Center has cultivated in honor of the late Betsy Plank over the last 20 years, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.
A huge thank you to Eric Winkfield, Grant Deady, Pamela Harrell, Hannah Collier, and the entire team who so thoughtfully planned and executed this event. I’m beyond grateful for all the meaningful conversations and connections at the EMERGE Academy Reception, Milestones in Mentorship Gala, and the Summit.
I want to extend congratulations to this year’s Milestones in Mentorship Award recipients: Linda Rutherford, Lisa Sepulveda, Damon Jones, Dr. Karen Miller Russell, and Christie Sithiphone.
I had the privilege of learning directly from these honorees during the panel discussions, where they shared insights on: Navigating non-linear career paths, building trust between communicators and their audiences, advice for young leaders, and what emerging professionals can do now to set themselves up for success later.
I also heard powerful takeaways from the Emerging Leaders Panel featuring Alana Doyle, Emma Gresser, M.A., and Gabby DiCarlo, where they discussed: The traits of modern leadership, balancing patience with ambition, knowing when to slow down as you grow, and so much more.
But I’m not here to just tell you what I learned. Check out my notes below from these insightful panels!
I feel so grateful to be a part of this community, and I’m looking forward to learning under the legacy of Betsy Plank and all those who continue her work by leading with integrity, authenticity, generosity , and intentionality.
I’m eager to continue my journey in the EMERGE program over the next year, strengthening and expanding my leadership skills, and I’m already looking forward to the 2026 Summit!
View my notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tfVifES6OQlykaHwXzIwenKBex-Z6PXdTd0J8G2nPew/edit?tab=t.0
Sophie Cadran is a senior at Western Washington University (WWU) studying journalism and public relations with a minor in human rights, graduating in June 2026. Outside of her studies, she writes for the Salish Current, a local nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, serves as president of WWU’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, and works as an editor for Klipsun Magazine. Sophie also posted this on her LinkedIn page. Be sure to read her