JT Account Executive Brionna Poole Reflects on “30 Under 30” and Black Bench Chicago Achievements

JT: Congratulations on being named one of the Publicity Club of Chicago’s 30 Under 30! Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the field of public relations and what this recognition means to you?

BRIONNA: I really fell into PR by accident. I studied journalism in college. After taking a year of those classes, I really ended up disliking them. One day we had a guest speaker in our class, Dr. Richard Ren, who explained the connection between PR and journalism. Dr. Ren was professor in my school’s integrated public relations program and a former account supervisor at Weber Shandwick in China before moving to the U.S. to pursue teaching. After class, I ran into him, and he suggested I take his exploratory public relations class. It was an entry level class that focused on understanding PR and the types of jobs you can pursue with that degree. After taking that class, I signed the major, but I still had some insecurities and doubts about my decision. In the end, this recognition feels like an affirmation that made the right choice in sticking with PR.

JT: You were also just chosen as 1 of 16 black young professionals for Black Bench Chicago’s 2024 Cohort. How did you earn this opportunity? What does this mean to you? What are you looking forward to with the other fellows?

BRIONNA: I found out about the Black Bench through a former coworker that I’ve kept in close contact with. Since I’m new to Chicago, she knew that I was interested in getting more involved with the Black professional community in the area. She had been a member of the first cohort and urged me to apply. After the application process, I found out that I was selected to be a part of the cohort. This means a lot to me because in my work, I love working on issues that affect the Black community and areas around Chicago that remind me of my own home. It means a lot to me to be able to make a difference and give back. We’ve had a few sessions already, and each time, I’ve found myself really looking forward to the lessons that we have on Black history in Chicago and the ability to speak to, build relationships with and learn from other Black professionals in the city. 

JT: Do you have any specific mentors, role models, or experiences that have had a significant impact on your career and professional growth in public relations?

BRIONNA: Throughout my professional career, I’ve really found myself drawn towards successful women and admired them for their tenacity and skills. Despite PR being a female dominated profession, the majority of leadership roles are still filled by men, so I love to see successful women in those roles. At JT, I really look up to our CEO Mary Patrick and admire how knowledgeable she is and how well she does her job. At my past jobs, I’ve developed relationships with other women in the industry that I still have to this day. It’s great that I’ve been able to build a network like that. 

JT: What advice do you have for other young professionals starting out in the PR industry eager to earn recognition like the “30 Under 30” award?

BRIONNA: Never be afraid to be seen trying. There really is no such thing as a stupid question; if you don’t understand something, make sure to ask them frequently. It’s the only way that you can learn. I’m also always looking to learn and try something new even if I don’t necessarily know if I will get it right on the first or even second try.

JT: Can you share some of the most memorable projects or campaigns you've worked on so far in your career? What made them stand out?

BRIONNA: I think that working on the Sankofa Wellness Village with the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness collaborative has by far been one of the most memorable projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on. Not only was it one of the first things I started working on at JT, but it allowed me to work with community organizers who are advocating for the needs of their community. It felt amazing to be able to use my skills to help them increase awareness and get the recognition they deserved for their work. Seeing their reaction when all of that work manifested itself in their team winning the $10 M Pritzker-Traubert Foundation’s Chicago prize was a day that I will never forget. I’ll always be thankful for being able to have had a small part in making a real impact in that community.

JT: What are your expectations for the future of your career in PR, and do you have any specific goals you're looking to achieve in the coming years?

BRIONNA: I don’t like to box myself in with specific goals or milestones because life is unpredictable, and you never know what opportunities may present themselves along the way! Day to day, I’m always looking to push myself to be better and learn more.